Mathematics Report Comments for Cambridge Stages 1-3

Maths covers number (counting, place value, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio and calculation), algebra in Stages 7-9, geometry and measure, and statistics and probability, with Thinking and Working Mathematically (trying examples, spotting and explaining patterns, comparing and improving methods) running through all of them.

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 mathematics 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

Using number bonds, [Name] adds and subtracts mentally and explains how a known fact, such as 6 + 4 = 10, helps with 16 + 4.
When calculating, [Name] makes a sensible estimate first and uses it to judge whether [his/her/their] final answer is reasonable.

Next step

Another challenge is to choose a target number, find every pair that makes it and explain how [he/she/they] can tell the list is complete.

Secure S

Strengths

With a Venn or Carroll diagram, [Name] sorts objects by a given rule and explains where each one goes.
When sorting data, [Name] groups items by a clear rule and records the results accurately in a list, table or diagram.

Next step

Checking an addition by subtracting one number that was added from the total, using objects if needed, is a helpful next step.

Developing D

Strengths

Using objects or a number line, [Name] adds and subtracts small numbers and is developing recall of number bonds.
Quick recall of number facts is growing, and [Name] sometimes uses a known fact to help with a new calculation in maths.

Next step

A useful step is to check an answer in a second way, such as counting the objects again, before saying it is finished.

Beginning B

Strengths

With pictures to count, [Name] is starting to read a simple pictogram and say which group has the most.
With small-group support, [Name] is beginning to collect information by making tally marks or ticks in a simple table.

Next step

Showing each answer with cubes, counters or a drawing will help [Name] explain [his/her/their] thinking to an adult.

Support at home

Playing card or board games you already have at home gives your child quick practice with counting and adding.

How to write mathematics comments for Stages 1-3

Name the topic and the skill: counting on from any number, number bonds to 10, halving or telling the time to half past. A family can then ask the student to show them at home with coins, a clock or a game.
Include reasoning as well as answers. Note whether the student can explain how they worked something out, or sort shapes and say why, as this habit matters as much as quick recall.
Number lines, counters and cubes are normal at this age. Mention them as a support when describing Developing or Beginning work, never as a sign of a problem.

Watch out: Avoid summing up maths as being quick with numbers. Speed is not the same as understanding, so describe one thing the student does well and one habit, such as checking with an estimate, to work on.

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 Mathematics covers

Strands and skills covered for mathematics:

Number: counting and sequences, integers and powers, place value, ordering and rounding, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio and proportion, calculation
Algebra (Stages 7-9): expressions, equations, formulae, sequences, functions and graphs
Geometry and Measure: time, shapes and geometrical reasoning, measures, position and transformation
Statistics and Probability: collecting, recording, presenting and interpreting data, and chance
Thinking and Working Mathematically: specialising and generalising, conjecturing and convincing, characterising and classifying, critiquing and improving

More Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary comments

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

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