Grading Scale in Educational Institutions: Differences Between Polish and Ukrainian Systems

Introduction: Why Compare Grading Systems?

The educational systems of different countries have their unique features, and the grading scale is one of the key ones. For Ukrainians planning to study in Poland, or for Poles considering Ukraine as an educational destination, understanding these differences is extremely important. This article will help explain the nuances of the Polish and Ukrainian grading scales and show how document translation and legalization can help avoid misunderstandings.

 Comparing educational systems between countries is an important step in ensuring the mobility of students and professionals. It helps avoid situations where a high grade in one country may be interpreted as an average grade in another. Such comparisons promote better mutual understanding and integration.  

The Polish Grading System: A Detailed Overview

In Poland, the grading system can vary depending on the level of education: from primary school to universities. However, a common trend is the use of a numerical scale, which often has its specific notations.

Grading Scale in Polish Schools

In Polish general education schools, a six-point scale is most commonly used, covering grades from 1 to 6. Here's how it usually looks:

• 6 – Excellent (celujący)
• 5 – Very Good (bardzo dobry)
• 4 – Good (dobry)
• 3 – Satisfactory (dostateczny)
• 2 – Passing (dopuszczający)
• 1 – Unsatisfactory(niedostateczny)

It's important to note that grades 2 and 3 are considered passing grades, allowing students to progress to the next academic year or graduate. A grade of 1 is a failing grade and may require retaking an exam or repeating the same school year.

Grading Scale in Polish Universities

In Polish higher education, the grading system is also predominantly numerical but can be more detailed or have different notations. A scale from 2 to 5 is often used, where:

• 5 – very good (bardzo dobry)
• 4 – good (dobry)
• 3 – satisfactory (przeciętny)
• 2 – unsatisfactory (niedostateczny)

It is important to note that some universities may use additional notations, such as '+' or '-', to refine the grade level, or employ letter grades similar to the American system (A, B, C, D, E, F), especially in international programs.

Furthermore, there are systems where grading can be 'passed' (zaliczony) or 'failed' (niezaliczony) for certain types of work, such as seminars or labs.

The Ukrainian Grading System: Features

The Ukrainian grading system has also evolved and has its differences, especially compared to the Polish one.

Grading Scale in Ukrainian Schools

Ukrainian schools traditionally use a twelve-point grading scale for assessing students' academic achievements. It is structured as follows:

• 10-12 – High level
• 7-9 – Sufficient level
• 4-6 – Average level
• 1-3 – Initial level

A grade of 12 is the highest possible mark. Grades from 4 to 12 are considered successful. Scores from 1 to 3 indicate the need for additional work on the material.

In primary school (grades 1–4), verbal and level-based assessment are often used to monitor students' individual progress.

Grading Scale in Ukrainian Universities

Higher education institutions in Ukraine use various systems for assessing students' academic performance. The most common is the 100-point grading scale, the results of which may also be converted into the national grading scale and the ECTS letter grading scale (A, B, C, D, E, FX, F).

The main assessment levels are:

• Excellent;
• Good;
• Satisfactory;
• Unsatisfactory.

The specific assessment criteria, score ranges, and procedures for grade conversion are determined by each higher education institution and may vary according to its internal regulations. Many universities also apply the ECTS letter grading scale. Additional assessment criteria may be established for certain types of academic work, including course papers, qualification papers, and diploma (thesis) projects.

Comparison and Key Differences

The main difference lies in the range of numerical scales. The Polish school system is predominantly six-point, while the Ukrainian is twelve-point. In universities, both countries are increasingly moving towards more flexible systems, including the 100-point scale, which facilitates international recognition of grades.

It is also important to consider that even within the same country, there can be differences between educational institutions. Therefore, when moving or planning to study, it is always useful to clarify the specific grading system at the chosen institution.

Document Translation and International Recognition

When moving, seeking employment, or continuing education abroad, there is a need to translate educational documents: certificates, diplomas, and their supplements. For these documents to have legal force in another country, notarization of the translation is often required. In some cases, for international recognition, an apostille (for countries party to the Hague Convention) or consular legalization (for other countries) may be necessary.

Understanding the grading system is an important element when preparing these documents, as the translator must correctly reflect the grades in accordance with the current legislation of the country where the document will be used. For example, when translating a Ukrainian certificate to Poland, it is important to understand how Ukrainian grades correlate with Polish ones to avoid distortion of information. This is especially relevant when a translation of documents is needed for admission to Polish universities, which have their own grading requirements.

Polish legislation, for example, the Law on Higher Education and Science (Prawo o szkolnictwie wyższym i nauce), regulates the recognition of foreign diplomas. Similarly, Ukrainian legislation, particularly the Laws of Ukraine "On Education" and "On Higher Education", defines educational standards and assessment.

Conclusion

The grading systems in Poland and Ukraine have their peculiarities, but both strive for objectivity and compliance with modern educational trends. Knowledge of these differences will help Ukrainians successfully integrate into the Polish educational system, and Poles understand Ukrainian educational standards. This will also simplify the process of document translation and legalization, ensuring their proper recognition.