Help! Understanding the O.W.L.s

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 102920

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "wisteria053" <mpvillas at y...> wrote:
> ~Maitresse <ciceronian at h...> wrote:
> 
> Bill and Percy both received twelve O.W.L.s, I assumed Hermione
> would be on par with Bill and Percy but as to my calculations she 
> is only taking ten classes so how would you get twelve O.W.L.s 
> from that?

 
> Betsy:
> 
> Hi.  I guess that some classes counts for two O.W.L.S. because 
> they include a theory and a practical exams.
> 
> SNIP

> Wisteria053:
>
> Assuming we are talking about the British equivalent of O levels
> or GCSEs, ... my son - ... - is taking one subject described as a 
> "double" and worth two GSCEs. So maybe the harder courses like 
> "Double Potions" are worth two OWLs.  
> 
> "wisteria053"

Asian_lovr2:

We have established that there are 12 classes. Personally, I think it
is unlikely that anyone could take all 12 classes. We see from
Hermione's example that taking 12 is an extremely difficult and
stressful situation, and she is only able to manage it with the help
of a time-turner. So, I have to conclude that taking 12 is extremely
rare, but getting 12 OWLs, while certainly outstanding, is somewhat
common; several people in the books have done it.

Given that, it seem equally unlikely that anyone could 'test out' of
enough additional classes to get 12 OWLS (if we assume one OWL per
subject). I seriously doubt that Percy  'tested out' of Muggle
Studies.  And, we have the scheduling conflicts involved in trying to
sit for all 16 tests.

Core Classes: (7 total)
Transfiguration - Charms - Potions - Defense Against Dark Arts -
Astronomy - Herbology - History of Magic

Elective Classes: (5 total)
Arithmancy - Ancient Runes - Muggle Studies - Care of Magical
Creatures - Divination

Classes for which you must sit TWO tests; practical and written (by my
estimation: (4 total)
Transfiguration - Charms - Potions - Defense Against the Dark Arts

The TWO Test classes could be counted as two OWLs for a variety of
reasons. 

First, the simple fact that you sit two tests for some classes; one
OWL credit for each test. 

Second, it could be related to the difficulty of the course. Example,
 college/university courses are rated in 'Credits'. A 2 credit course
is easier than a 4 credit course; 4 is about average, and a 6 credit
course would be very difficult and demanding. 

So, again, 'double' credit for the hardest demanding classes. Which,
coincidentally, are the same classes you sit two test for. This would
be the equivalent of the 'Double' O-Level/GCSE tests that Wisteria and
others have mentioned.

I'm curious; a question for anyone who is familiar with O-Level/GCSE,
are there any real world examples of classes where you must sit TWO
test to receive full credit in the class? 

In any event, I am personally convinced that it is one OWL for every
test you sit. Potions, as an example, requires you to sit two test,
each test represents an OWL credit.

Based on this belief, I estimated that Harry and Ron are taking 9
classes and are eligible for 13 possible OWL credits. Hermione is
taking 10 classes and is eligible for 14 OWL credits. I just can't
imagine Hermione getting less than 'Acceptable - the last passing
grade' in anything, therefore I must assume she will get 14 credits.
In my previous post, I estimated that Harry and Ron would get between
8 and 10 OWL credits.

I DO NOT believe that Harry received an 'Outstanding' in his Potions
OWLS. Snape's students generally, as a whole, manage a 'high pass'
grade. Harry thinks he squeezed by with a pass, most of us, including
myself, assume he did better than the thinks he did. That would raise
him from 'Acceptable' to 'Exceeds Expectations' which is a 'high pass'
grade. It's just too unlikely for him to jump all the way to the
highest possible grade when he felt the test was difficult, and that
he did not do well. 

Mostly a repeat of what I said before but I think the discussion has
indicated more people supporting 'double' credit classes.

Just a thought.

Steve/Asian_lovr2
(whose previous username (bboy_mn) seems to have permanently gone to
the great electon graveyard in the sky - thank you Yahoo for such
great service)