This article explains why event search results in the d6 app may not appear in strict date order, how the search system decides which results to show first, and how you can get better results. It is written for parents, teachers, and school administrators.

d6 App > Events > Search

Why are my search results not sorted by date?

When you search for events in the d6 app, the system does not simply sort results from soonest to latest. Instead, it uses a feature called Smart Relevance to decide which events appear first. Smart Relevance looks at two things:

• Text match: How closely the event title or description matches your search words. The closer the match, the higher the score.

• Recency boost: Events happening within the next 30 days receive a temporary advantage. The closer the event is to today, the stronger this boost. After 30 days, the boost fades and the system relies only on how well the text matches.

The final order combines both scores. This means an event with a strong text match happening in two weeks will usually appear above a similar event scheduled for next year.

Why does the system not just sort by date?

Sorting purely by date can cause unhelpful results. For example, searching for "Netball" could place a 2028 tournament at the top of the list simply because it matches the keyword, even though you are looking for something happening soon. Smart Relevance avoids this by balancing what is relevant with what is timely, so you are more likely to see upcoming events that match your search.

What happens to events more than 30 days away?

Events further than 30 days in the future do not receive the recency boost, but they still appear in your results if the text matches well. They are simply ranked lower than similar events happening sooner. Long-term events are not hidden or removed.

How can I get better search results?

You can improve your results by being more specific with your search terms:

1. Add detail to your search: Instead of "Netball," try "Netball Festival 2026" or "Junior Netball Tournament."

2. Use descriptive event titles: If you create events, use unique and descriptive titles rather than generic names like "Training" or "Meeting." This helps your events stand out in search results.

We need your feedback to improve this feature

Smart Relevance is a newer feature, and we are actively refining how it works. Your real-world experience is essential to helping us get the balance right. If you find that search results are not matching your expectations, please share the following with your school or with d6 support:

• The search term you used

• The result you expected to see

• What actually appeared

Every piece of feedback helps us fine-tune the system so it works better for everyone. You can reach d6 support through your school, or contact us directly on email: support@d6ed.co.za 

Frequently asked questions

Why is an event far in the future showing above one happening next week?

This usually means the distant event has a very strong text match with your search term. Even without a recency boost, a high text-match score can place an event near the top. Try adding more detail to your search to narrow the results.

Can I switch off Smart Relevance and sort by date instead?

Not at this stage. Smart Relevance is currently built into the search system. However, the d6 team is actively collecting feedback to improve how it works, and your input helps shape future updates.

What does the 30-day recency boost mean?

Events happening within the next 30 days get a temporary ranking advantage. The closer the event is to today, the stronger the boost. After 30 days, the system relies only on how well the event matches your search terms.

Are events older than 30 days hidden from search results?

No. Events beyond the 30-day window still appear in your results if their title or description matches your search. They are simply ranked lower than similar events happening sooner.

How do I share feedback about event search results?

Contact your school administrator or reach out to d6 support at help.d6.co.za. Include the search term you used, what you expected to see, and what actually appeared. This helps the team improve the feature.