Computing Report Comments for Cambridge Stages 1-3

Computing covers computational thinking (algorithms, decomposition, patterns and logic), programming (sequence, selection, loops and variables, testing and debugging), managing data, networks and digital communication including staying safe online, and computer systems.

Below are 13 sample sentences for Stages 1-3: two strengths and one next step for each of the 4 comment levels (Extending / Secure / Developing / Beginning), plus a tip for families. They are a small selection from the 440 computing sentences in the full pack. Copy one, then add a detail only you know about the student.

Jump to: Extending · Secure · Developing · Beginning · Writing tips

Student name Pronouns

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

Extending E

Strengths

Looking at familiar devices, [Name] names the inputs and outputs, such as a keyboard and a speaker, and explains what each one does.
Describing how devices connect and share information, [Name] uses accurate computing words and gives examples of [his/her/their] own.

Next step

A next step is to plan a longer route for the floor robot on paper first, then check each step before entering it.

Secure S

Strengths

Programming a floor robot, [Name] enters a sequence of moves carefully and gets it to the target most of the time.
[Name] writes accurate sets of instructions for familiar tasks and checks that each step is clear and in the right place.

Next step

The next goal is to sort objects by two properties at once, such as colour and size, and explain the groups.

Developing D

Strengths

In our lessons on privacy, [Name] is learning that a full name, address and password are private and can name a trusted adult to tell.
Working with a partner, [Name] answers simple questions about data collected in class.

Next step

Using picture cards, [Name] could match familiar devices with their inputs and outputs, such as a screen or a speaker.

Beginning B

Strengths

With adult support, [Name] is beginning to give a partner simple directions such as "forward" and "turn".
Following a visual guide, [Name] is beginning to match a device part, such as a keyboard or speaker, to what it does.

Next step

[Name] will try joining two blocks on screen to make a character move, with an adult nearby to help.

Support at home

While cooking or getting ready for school, you could ask your child to say the steps in order, in whichever language you speak at home.

How to write computing comments for Stages 1-3

Describe what the student can do with precise instructions: programming a floor robot to follow a route, or spotting a mistake in a sequence and fixing it. Explain 'algorithm' in brackets if you use it.
Online safety comments should describe what the student understands in lessons, such as keeping personal information private and telling a trusted adult, not what happens at home.
Sorting objects by their properties and talking about the inputs and outputs of familiar devices are early computing skills. Name the one the student showed.

Watch out: Avoid naming products or assuming access to devices at home. Describe the skill in neutral words, such as 'a block-based programming language' or 'a programmable robot', and suggest home activities that need no screen.

The four levels describe how independently and securely the student shows what has been taught, never a grade or a test result. Extending suits accurate, independent work applied to unfamiliar tasks, with reasons explained; Secure suits accurate work in familiar tasks with occasional support; Developing suits learning shown sometimes, or with a model, word bank or worked example; Beginning names what is starting to show and the support that helps. Show the level through the work rather than writing the level word.

What Computing covers

Strands and skills covered for computing:

Computational Thinking: algorithms, decomposition, patterns, logic and precision
Programming: sequence, selection, iteration and variables in visual and text-based languages; testing and debugging
Managing Data: collecting, storing, analysing and presenting data
Networks and Digital Communication: how computers connect and communicate, and staying safe online
Computer Systems: hardware, software, inputs, processes and outputs, and the role of computers in society

More Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary comments

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

Not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment or Cambridge International Education. "Cambridge" is used only to describe the curricula these comments are written for.