This refers to Moodle 4.1 from December 2023 onwards.

Instead of using a simple non-numeric scale to grade assignments you may want to use a rubric, which is always points-based, that will automatically translate into a non-numeric grade.  This method uses a rubric and a scale as a marking method.  

You need to have.

 Applying a scale and rubric to a Moodle Assignment dropbox

  1. In the settings of the assignment dropbox
  2. In the Grade section select:
    1. 'Type' = Scale
    2. 'Scale' = choose the name of your scale
    3. 'Grading method' = Rubric
  3. Click 'Save and return to module'

Grade option in Moodle assignment showing non-numeric scale chosen from Scale  drop-down list

Marking using the rubric with a scale

  • In the dropbox, mark using the rubric as normal by selecting the appropriate points-based option per criterion as described in the Moodle help page for Using Rubrics in Assignments.
  • Automatically
    • the points achieved from the rubric will be translated into a percentage.
    • the options in the scale create a banding structure of equal proportions e.g. if there are four options, A-D, the bands will be in 25% increments.  

Note:  A numerical value will still be shown for the assignment in Grades.  If you do not want students to see this you will need to hide it.

To hide the grade, access the Grades menu (underneath the module title) 

Grades menu

Choose Gradebook setup and then choose 'Hide' from the dropdown menu to the right of the assignment for which you wish to hide the grade.

Grades screen showing Gradebook setup selected and the option to hide the grade via the drop down list to the  right of the assignment for which you want to hide the grade

In this circumstance, you may also wish to hide the Module total so that students don't misunderstand how their work has been marked.

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