Ehh. We don't have such things so I'm confused. We've only got a point system.

There's a specific amount of courses we need to take, no more, no less, and in each course we get a grade from A-E (worth different amounts of points).

If you get an F you've failed the course and don't recieve any points. However, to be eligible to any university/college (if going a programme that entitles you for that) you need to have at least E in every course.

The points at the end of high school are used when trying to get into university. There is also a test, though, that gives you a chance to get into the university if you lack points (also, the competition is tough).

And the last thing, in our third and last year we are required to do a large project (oftenly independent) that's got something to do with our programme. At most you get an E, the passing grade, and are eligible to graduate.

Sorry for the wall of information.