This article explains why a learner's marks can look slightly different between d6, SA-SAMS and a printed report card, and how to make them consistent. It is for administrators and educators who manage curriculum marks.

Why do marks differ between d6 and SA-SAMS?

d6 offers three methods for calculating the term mark. You choose the method per grade and per term.

My School > Curriculum > Learning Programs

• Original (d6 method): Keeps all decimals throughout the calculation and rounds only the final subject mark.

• SA-SAMS – All Subjects: Uses the SA-SAMS calculation logic for every subject.

• SA-SAMS – DOE Subjects: Uses the SA-SAMS calculation logic for DOE subjects.

When you export marks from d6 to SA-SAMS, SA-SAMS recalculates the term mark and rounds at each step (from assessment to task, and then task to subject). Because the Original d6 method only rounds at the end, small percentage differences can appear between the two systems.

Recommendation: If you want the marks in d6 to match those in SA-SAMS, select one of the SA-SAMS calculation methods for consistency. The Original d6 method remains the most mathematically accurate, because it does not round until the final mark.

Why is a mark much lower than expected?

Larger differences, especially in the Foundation Phase, are usually caused by a low Task Mark-Out-Of value. This is set in Step 4 of the Learning Program setup.

My School > Curriculum > Setup Learning Program > Step 4

Worked example

Take a Mathematics task called Data Handling Practical with a Task Mark-Out-Of of 2.

1. A learner scores 21 out of 30 for the assessment, which equals 70%.

2. Because the Task Out-Of is 2, the 70% converts to 1 out of 2.

3. If the task weight is 5, the 1 out of 2 becomes 2.5 out of 5, which equals 50%.

So even though the learner achieved 70%, the low Task Mark-Out-Of pulls the final mark down to 50%.

Suggested solution

Set all Task Mark-Out-Of values to larger numbers, up to 100. This makes the conversion more accurate and prevents major discrepancies. You can confirm exactly how a mark was calculated at Reports > Learners > Mark Sheets > Detailed Marksheet.

Notes

• Pink warning in Step 4: A pink highlight means the task-out-of mark does not match the total mark-out-of for the assessments. This is informational, not an error, and can be ignored.

• Consistency vs accuracy: SA-SAMS methods give matching marks across systems, while the Original d6 method gives the most accurate calculation.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I choose the mark calculation method?

Go to My School > Curriculum > Learning Programs and select the method per grade and per term.

Which calculation method should I use?

Choose a SA-SAMS method if you want d6 and SA-SAMS to match. The Original d6 method is the most mathematically accurate because it rounds only at the final mark.

Why is a learner's 70% showing as 50%?

A low Task Mark-Out-Of is converting the mark down. Raise the Task Mark-Out-Of value in Step 4 of the Learning Program setup.

What does the pink highlight in Step 4 mean?

It indicates that the task-out-of does not match the total assessment out-of. It is informational and safe to ignore.

How can I see exactly how a mark was calculated?

Open the Detailed Marksheet at Reports > Learners > Mark Sheets > Detailed Marksheet.