The end of the school year is a time for summaries. Wondering what your year-end average is and how to calculate it? This guide will explain everything step by step.
The annual average is the average of all grades obtained throughout the entire school year. Polish schools most commonly use weighted average, where different types of grades have different weights.
⚠️ Remember: Annual average is NOT the average of two semesters! It's the average of ALL grades from the entire year.
Step 1: Collect all grades
Log in to the electronic gradebook (Librus, Vulcan) and list all grades for each subject for the entire school year.
Step 2: Check grade weights
Check the weight for each grade. Tests usually have weight 3, quizzes 2, oral responses 1-2, homework 1.
Step 3: Multiply grades by weights
Multiply each grade by its weight. E.g., 5 with weight 3 = 15, 4 with weight 2 = 8.
Step 4: Sum everything
Sum all products (grade × weight) and all weights separately.
Step 5: Divide
Divide the sum of products by the sum of weights. The result is your weighted end-of-year average.
Let's say you have the following math grades:
Test (weight 3): 4, 5, 3 | Quiz (weight 2): 5, 4 | Oral (weight 1): 4, 5, 3
Calculation: (4×3 + 5×3 + 3×3 + 5×2 + 4×2 + 4×1 + 5×1 + 3×1) / (3+3+3+2+2+1+1+1) = (12+15+9+10+8+4+5+3) / 16 = 66 / 16 = 4.125
✓ Your weighted math average is 4.125 - which means a grade of 4 (good) at the end of the year.
Is annual average the average of two semesters?
NO! Common mistake. Annual average is the average of ALL grades from the entire year, not the average of semester grades.
Do grades from the first semester get 'erased'?
NO. All grades from the first semester count toward the annual average just like grades from the second semester.
What if I retook a grade?
Depends on the school. Some count both grades (old and retake), others only the better one. Check your school's regulations.
- 💡 Don't leave retakes until the last moment - ask for improvement at least 2-3 weeks before classification
- 💡 Focus on subjects where you have an average 'on the edge' (e.g., 3.45 instead of 3.50)
- 💡 Remember high-weight grades - one good test can significantly raise your average
- 💡 Monitor your average in the electronic gradebook regularly
- 💡 If in doubt - talk to the teacher about improvement options
Standard thresholds for end-of-year grades:
- 6 6 (excellent): from 5.50
- 5 5 (very good): 4.50 - 5.49
- 4 4 (good): 3.50 - 4.49
- 3 3 (satisfactory): 2.50 - 3.49
- 2 2 (passing): 1.50 - 2.49
- 1 1 (failing): below 1.50
Want a certificate with distinction (red stripe)? You need:
- 🎖️ Grade average of at least 4.75
- 🎖️ Very good or exemplary behavior grade
- 🎖️ No failing grades (even retaken) on the certificate
The 4.75 average is from all subjects shown on the certificate.
Does religion/ethics count toward the average?
YES, from 2024 religion and ethics count toward the certificate average.
Does PE count toward the average?
YES, physical education counts toward the average like any other subject.
Does behavior affect the average?
NO, behavior grade does NOT count toward the grade average.
When can I see my end-of-year average?
Usually about a week before the end of the school year, when teachers issue proposed grades.