Gradebook

I'm just starting to look at this problem, so am open to suggestions about changing tack completely. (Those familiar with KS3 assessment in the UK will understand the basic premise).

Students are assessed against a number of pass/fail criteria, grouped into ascending 'Levels'. We assess students 3 times a year and currently award a level based on how many of the criteria have been met during that unit in isolation.

There might be 40 or 50 available criteria, but each unit of work might only have 12 or so that are appropriate - and there will be overlaps.

What I need to produce is a method for staff to assess students on the 12 or so criteria for that unit, and for these details to be stored as part of the overall grading system for that pupil. That way we can provide the student with a level assessment for that unit as well as an overall cumulative level.

My gut says that the Gradebook would be useful for this, but that a Database might be a better option - although I'm really not sure.

Any advice?

TIA