ATL Report Opening and Closing Comments, Ages 11-16

The opener gives a brief overall picture of the student's approaches to learning at this point in the year; the closer looks ahead with one priority, encouragement or thanks. Both frame the ATL comments, so avoid repeating their detail.

Here are 14 samples from the 196 openers and closers in the full pack: one of each for every overall level, then one pair written for each report period.

Student name Pronouns

Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.

For any report period

Overall picture: Expert E

Opener

Across varied tasks, [Name] manages [his/her/their] learning confidently and reflects carefully on what works best.

Closer

[Name]'s curiosity and independent approach provide a sound basis for further growth.

Overall picture: Practitioner P

Opener

[Name] shows curiosity in lessons, regularly asking questions that help [him/her/them] understand new ideas more deeply.

Closer

Consistent routines at home and school can help [Name] sustain this progress.

Overall picture: Learner L

Opener

Resilience is growing for [Name], who, with encouragement, keeps working when a task becomes difficult.

Closer

Planning revision in small stages will help [Name] approach assessments with more confidence.

Overall picture: Novice N

Opener

[Name] asks questions at times and, with guidance, is beginning to use the answers in [his/her/their] work.

Closer

There is plenty to build on, and I am glad to be working with [Name].

For a specific report period

Interim or progress report

Opener

In recent weeks, [Name] has taken the lead in group tasks while keeping [his/her/their] own work well organised and on time.

Closer

[Name] is on a good path, and I am confident [he/she/they] will keep building on it.

Mid-year report (December)

Opener

During the first half of the year, [Name] has shown curiosity in lessons and usually reflects sensibly on how to improve [his/her/their] work.

Closer

[Name] has made a sound start, and the second half of the year offers a chance for more progress.

End-of-year report (June)

Opener

Over this year, [Name] has at times asked thoughtful questions about new topics and used guidance to explore them further.

Closer

[Name] should feel proud of the progress made this year.

Tips for openers and closers

On an interim or progress report, keep the opener to how the student is working so far, such as settling into routines or a busier timetable, and use the closer to point at one habit for the coming weeks.
At the mid-year report, refer to growth over the first half of the year and match the closer to the most important next goal in the skill comments, so the report reads as one plan.
End-of-year openers sum up the year; closers can mention the summer break and next year. Calendars differ between hemispheres, so avoid naming months or holidays, and for older students refer to the next stage of school.

Comments by skill

For the same report: Subject Report Comments for Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary, Stages 1-9.

How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.