An active, character-driven Hogwarts experience set in the early 2000s. Unique items, plots, and features. Non-canon; this isn't Harry Potter's story, it's ours.
M = Masterful. Highest passing grade for 6th & 7th years. O = Outstanding. Highest passing grade for 1st to 5th years. E = Exceeds Expectations. A = Acceptable. Base grade. Lowest passing grade.
Your Starting / Base Grade
When you create a character, no grades are listed in your account. You earn a base grade of A by attending a class related to that grade. If you join the RPG when the exam period has already begun, you'll automatically receive the base grades needed. The reason for earning it beforehand is for certain features (such as Extra-Curricular Quests) that require receiving an earned base grade first, due to grade-related rewards for completion or participation.
Improving Grades
As the homework feature is temporarily removed and will be reworked (likely not re-released until a future RPG year), the only way to increase your base grade, besides a rare wand attribute benefit or event rewards, from A to and E is by completing Extra-Curricular Quests or participating in educational special events. It may then be further increased by doing well in your end-of-year exams.
Average & Overall Grades
Your grade is calculated as accumulative, yet only increases / decreases one rank at a time. If you receive an E grade, then your average grade is increased from an A to E. But if you then get several As afterwards, the grade average drops back to an A. 1st to 5th years can only receive an A or E grade through homework submissions and Extra-Curricular Quests throughout the Hogwarts year. 6th & 7th years may also receive an O, but not an M grade.
At the end of the school year, that average grade is then combined with your exam grade -- making it your overall grade. An O (1st to 5th years) and M (6th & 7th years) can only be received from doing well in your exams. It's not possible to receive the highest grade without doing EC Quests or submitting homework, as each grade increase must follow the ranking system. So if you have an A then receive an O, your resulting grade is an E.
How Important are Grades?
Homework and Extra-Curricular Quests are optional (though strongly encouraged at N.E.W.T level), yet a useful tool for those who want to increase their class grade. At the end of a Hogwarts year, you may receive bonus rewards for any grade above an A -- typically a nice sum of Galleons and some skill exp.
However, if your character has strong ambitions for post-graduation, particularly in getting a job that requires special training -- Healer, Auror, other Ministry positions, Professor, etc, then higher grades are necessary. 5th years need to meet grade requirements to enter N.E.W.T-level classes, then 6th & 7th years need to meet training grade requirements to apply for certain jobs or attend the Academy. Graduation bonuses earned from higher grades may also help to purchase their own home or have head-start towards their goals after graduation.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. To make the most of your character's future, we highly recommend improving class grades and earning those bonus rewards. If you have no interest in specialised jobs or don't want to put in the extra effort, that's still your decision. Your character's journey is in your hands, after all.