With multiple complaints against the issues of the current South Korean high school grading system, the Korean Ministry of Education  is planning to change the system from one of relative grading to an absolute grading with credit system. 

Currently, most high schools in Korea use  a relative grading system, in which a student’s grade is based on their academic ranking. 

For example, students in the top 4% get 1st rank, which is the same as an A+. 

Only the Meister high schools in Korea have a different credit system, but the Minister of Education plans to change the system for every high school starting in 2024. 

Since grades and education are highly valued in Korea, high school grades are very important to students. 

By not striving for good grades in high school, students would essentially be giving up the charge to be accepted into university. 

The current high school report system shows an applicant’s academic achievement and potential for development by comprehensively examining the student’s completed subjects, their raw score, average, and standard deviation. 

Thus, the applicant will inevitably be at a disadvantage in the selection.

There are, however, a few advantages to the relative grading system. 

It can distinguish individual differences, giving extrinsic motivation through competition. 

In addition, it is possible for objective evaluation due to strong scoring reliability.  

On the other hand, there are far more disadvantages to the relative grading system. 

Due to the emphasis it places on competition, the grade ranks of students create disunity and resentment between students.

In addition, it creates inferiority complexes and emotional anxiety, because the system compares students and publicly shows everyone’s current ranks.  

In fact, many students in high schools have said that they feel pressure and feel bad regarding their friends as their competitors. 

A newly suggested ‘credit system’ entails students selecting their own subjects based on their interests and future career. 

They are able to graduate once they acquire the standard amount of credits according to the subjects that they chose. 

In addition, they will need to attend additional classes if they do not achieve above 40% on their assignments.  

The reasons for changing the system are motivating and arousing interest for students. 

By allowing students to create their own curriculums, they can focus on classes that really interest them. 

This, in turn, can improve self-directed studying. 

Compared to the current vertical ranking system , the credit system supports individual students with various abilities and aptitudes in demonstrating their full potential. 

There are several advantages to this credit system. 

It can support the development of students’ interests in their careers and thus improve their study habits. 

It ensures more adequate learning for each subject. 

In addition, it reduces school time and increases students’ autonomy in their education.  

However, there are several concerns about the proposed credit system. 

If students have to choose their own subjects, it might put pressure on some students who do not know what they are really interested in. 

In addition, if the subject becomes more professional and focused, schools will need more teachers who can teach the specific subjects. 

However, in Korea, there are not currently many teachers who would be able to work within this credit system. 

Furthermore, the potential for overcrowding popular classes that many people are focused on could leave fewer students for other subjects, something commonly seen in the university system. 

The credit system could be a better curriculum for students to find their interests and have a less stressful education.

However, there are several concerns that the Ministry of Education  needs to address before implementing the credit system in every school.   

Hakyung Song 
G11
Branksome Hall Asia