OWLS

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 97262

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "potioncat" <willsonkmom at m...>
wrote:
> In the many discussion about grades, and the British system of 
> education, it's come up that students can leave school after the OWL 
> levels (I know the British schools don't have OWLS, but you know 
> what I mean.) 
> 
> And I know members of this group have made predictions about Harry's 
> OWL marks and whether he'll get into Potions.  But, I was wondering, 
> does anyone think that some students won't be coming back?
> 
> I can certainly imagine that at 6th and 7th levels, classes might be 
> made up differently.  Not only does Snape have a standard for his 
> NEWT level classes, so does McGonagall.  The Weasley twins managed 
> to find classes to attend although they only had 3 OWLS.  But what 
> will Crabbe and Goyle be doing now?  Do you think they passed any 
> OWLS?
> Potioncat


bboy_mn:

British 'O'-Levels, which now have a new fancy name, are the
equivalent of a high school diploma. 

Using the standard USA 'alphabet' grading system, Snape only takes
grade-A students into his advanced potions class. McGonagall accepts
only grade-B and above students. Based on Harry's comments, and our
broader knowledge of his potions ability, Harry thinks he got a
grade-C (Acceptable), but he likely got a grade-B (Exceeds
Expectations). However, in my opinion, pigs will fly before Harry got
a grade-A (Outstanding) in potions, and Snape requires a grade-A. 

Conclusion, unless Snape has a major change of heart, Harry will not
be in Snape's potions class. I predict a new potion professor whose
standards are not as high as Snapes.

As far as some students not returning, that is certainly possible but
I can't picture Draco with out his body guards Goyle and Crabbe. They
really don't add much to the story, but I suspect they need only get
grade-D (Poor) to continue to go to school. They seem to have scraped
by every year so far, so I suspect they will continue on in the story. 

The quesition is, what classes would they take? They won't be in
McGonagall's class because I don't see them getting grade-B in
Tranfigurations. Possibilities; herbology, charms, Magical Creatures,
and DADA.

I wonder if there is a minimum number of NEWT/advanced classes you can
take? Could you return to Hogwarts and take only one class?
Personally, the number three appeals to me. Maybe someone who
understands the British school system could give us an indication of
how it works for 'A'-Levels (NEWTs). That might serve as a model.

As far as the Twins, even though they are not very studious, I think
their three OWLs were most likely in core required classes, and I also
base that on their apparent skills; Transfigurations, Charms, and
maybe Potions. But they appear to be in DADA classes, so maybe not
potions. They certainly have skill in that area (potions), but may
have not had sufficient academic interest to do well in their OWLs.

I guess with respect to Grabbe and Goyle, I suspect they passed their
classes and receive a few OWLs, but did they do well enough to meet
the advance class entrance standards set by each teacher?

Not much in the way of answers here, sorry.

bboy_mn