Suggestions have been made to discuss the return to the five-point academic grading scale in Belarus, Deputy Prime Minister Vasily Zharko told the media following a working meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on 15 August, BelTA has learned.

“The ten-point grading scale was introduced in Belarus ten years ago. There are many questions relating to the ten-point system. Sometimes we have seen subjective attitudes in the knowledge evaluation. We do not have unsatisfactory grades. Because one point is also a grade that evaluates knowledge. With the five-point system we understood that a one or a two were low grades indicating a failure. Therefore we need to submit this topic for public consideration. Maybe, we need to return to the five-point system,” Vasily Zharko said.

“Back then everyone understood that a four was a high mark; a five meant excellence. There was no room for subjective attitude,” Vasily Zharko said. “What is the line between a six and a seven, a seven and an eight now?” he added.

The vice premier noted that to get admitted to the state-funded university departments a student should be an active participant of public life and a school certificate with at least sevens. “One teacher gives a six, another one a seven. But both were a four under the old grading system,” Vasily Zharko said.

Alexander Lukashenko stressed that before taking any decision, the matter must be thoroughly discussed.