[Sticks]

The problem with these exam grades is that there is a devaluation with these record number of passes.

In my day we were told that the pass mark was only decided upon on the marking.

If the majority of the pupils attained 50%, that was the pass mark and the other grades were set at a relevant standard deviation either side. The normal expectation of the frequency distribution of marks was the standard bell curve.

Figure 1

If however people get higher marks, as is suggested, then under the old scheme it would be treated as in figure 2 by moving the pass mark. That way the number of A grades remains proportionate and their value is retained

By staying with a fixed pass mark, it some how takes off the shine of getting the top grade.