In the context of the Singapore-Cambridge GCE "O" Level examination, D7 represents a grade that is categorized as a "Sub-Pass/Fail". This grade indicates a performance level that falls below a clear passing mark, signifying that the candidate has not achieved a satisfactory pass.
Understanding the Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'O' Level Grading System
The Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level, commonly known as the 'O' Level, is a national examination typically taken by secondary school students in Singapore. The grading system for this examination is designed to assess students' academic performance across various subjects. Grades range from A1 (highest) to F9 (lowest).
The D7 grade specifically occupies a critical position within this scale, indicating a marginal performance.
D7 Grade Details
The D7 grade signifies that while the student has some understanding or partial mastery of the subject matter, their performance is insufficient to be considered a clear pass. It stands distinctly from higher grades that indicate a pass and lower grades that represent a clear fail.
Here's how D7 and surrounding grades are typically described within the O-Level system:
| Grade | Grade Description | US Grade Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| D7 | Sub-Pass/Fail | D |
| D | Sub-Pass/Fail | D |
| E8 | Fail | F |
| E9 | Fail | F |
As seen in the table, D7 is aligned with a "Sub-Pass/Fail" status. For comparison, grades E8 and E9 are explicitly categorized as "Fail," indicating a lower level of achievement than D7. The grade 'D' also falls into the "Sub-Pass/Fail" category and is equivalent to a 'D' in the US grading system, similar to D7.
Implications of a D7 Grade
A D7 grade can have several implications for students, especially regarding their academic progression:
- Further Education: Achieving a D7 in a subject might mean that the student needs to retake the subject if it is a prerequisite for entry into certain post-secondary courses or institutions (e.g., junior colleges, polytechnics).
- Subject Requirements: For specific courses or streams, a minimum passing grade (often C6 or better) is required. A D7 would not meet such requirements.
- Overall Performance: While not a complete failure, multiple D7 grades can impact a student's overall aggregate score, which is crucial for admission to desired educational pathways.
In summary, D7 in O-Level indicates a performance level that does not meet the standard for a clear pass and is considered a "Sub-Pass/Fail."
