The why, what, and impact of GPA at Oxford Brookes University

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the introduction at Oxford Brookes University of a Grade Point Average (GPA) scheme alongside the traditional honours degree classification. It considers the reasons for the introduction of GPA, the way in which the scheme was implemented, and offers an insight into the impact of GPA at Brookes. Finally, the paper considers what has been learnt at Brookes and the implications for the potential further roll-out of GPA across the UK.

KEYWORDS:

• Grade Point Average
• honours degree classification
• grading
• assessment

Acknowledgements

This paper is a personal reflection, but it relies on the work of several colleagues at Oxford Brookes and the insights of staff who engaged in the consultation and debate. In addition to the other members of the Grading and Assessment Group, I have relied on the quantitative analysis of Alicja Konstantinidis-Pereira in the Strategic and Business Planning Office and the student-focused research of Stephen Broughton in the Oxford Centre for Staff and Learning Development.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributor

Dr. Matthew Andrews was Academic Registrar at Oxford Brookes University from 2008 to 2016. In April 2016 Matthew moved to the University of Gloucestershire as University Secretary and Registrar. He was Chair of the AUA for 2012–14. He holds a Doctorate in nineteenth-century higher education from the University of Oxford.

ORCID

Matthew Andrews http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0977-9685