How to calculate GPA for PNG Schools

How to calculate GPA for PNG schools

GPA stands for Grade Point Average  and it is essential for students or parents to know how it is calculated.  GPA is calculated by using the number of grade points a student earns in a given period of time.  GPAs are often calculated for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, and can be used by potential employers or educational institutions to assess and compare applicants.

So the Formula to Calculate GPA is 

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GPA  =   Sum of Grade Points / Number of Subjects /

In Papua New Guinea, the Lower Secondary uses different grading system as well as the Upper Secondary. For Colleges and universities may use the same ideology in calculating the GPA. First lets look at the grading system and their definition for Secondary Schools in PNG. 

Lower Secondary -Gr.10	Upper Secondary- Grade 12
Distinction  D = 4 Credit C= 3 Upper Pass UP=2 Pass P= 1 Fail F = 0	A = 4 B = 3 C = 2 D = 1 ​E = 0

Definition : As you can see from the table above, an A grade is given a grade Point of 4. So B grade is 3, C grade is 2, D grade is 1 and E grade is 0. (A= 4, B = 3, C = 2, D =1 , E = 0) 
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Given the  GPA formula and the definition of Grades above, now you can easily calculate the GPA of your students. 

Example:   A student studies English, Math A, Physics, Chemistry and Geography in Grade 12.  After the final Exam, he got the following marks/Grades. Note that the student studied five (5) Subjects. 

English  : A   (4 points)
Maths A : C  (2 points)
Physics : B    (3 Points) 
Chemistry : B (3 Points) 
Geography : A (4 Points) 

Using the GPA Formula you get

GPA =   Sum of Grade Points/ Number of Subjects
 
           =  (4 + 2 + 3+ 3 + 4)/5 subjects 
           =  16/5
           = 3. 2
This student has the GPA of 3.2

You can use the same method above to calculate GPA for Grade 10 students' results. 

What is the required GPA for Tertiary Selections in PNG? 

This is a good questions many of us want to know. Usually the GPA for entry into tertiary institutions varies from institutions to institutions. But the Department of Higher Education Research, Science and Technology DHERST says, the pass mark or the average GPA for entry into tertiary institution is 2.2 and above. This means, any student passing out of Grade 12 with GPA of 2.2 should secure a tertiary placing. 

However, over the recent years, we have observed that due to limited number of spaces at tertiary institutions, students with High GPA were able to secure placing at Tertiary institutions. This implies that many students who meet the DHERST GPA cut-off of 2.2 still miss out on tertiary selections.  This trend is expected to continue for the next couple of years unless the govt increases the tertiary spacing to cater for more intakes. 

Also check out : Why Do Some Students With Good GPA  Miss Out On Tertiary Selections?


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