Mathematics Report Comments for Cambridge Stages 7-9
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 7-9: 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
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Extending E
Strengths
- Given an unfamiliar problem, [Name] tries a simpler case first and builds up step by step to a full solution.
- In number work, [Name] sees how numbers are connected and uses these links to solve unfamiliar calculations in more than one way.
Next step
- Solving multi-step problems with percentage increase and decrease, such as two price changes in a row, would extend [Name]'s number work.
Secure S
Strengths
- To understand a harder problem, [Name] tries a simpler case first and then uses what was learned to solve the original question.
- [Name] checks [his/her/their] calculations, often by working backwards, and corrects most of the mistakes found.
Next step
- Deciding whether the mean, median or mode best represents a set of data, and explaining why, will strengthen [Name]'s statistics.
Developing D
Strengths
- Trying a simpler case first is a skill [Name] is developing for when a maths problem looks difficult.
- [Name] is learning to check [his/her/their] calculations and, with a reminder, can find and correct some mistakes.
Next step
- Grouping data in a frequency table before drawing a chart will help [Name] organise larger sets of data.
Beginning B
Strengths
- Working first on a simpler version of a problem, [Name] is beginning to see where to start on the full problem, with an adult's help.
- In maths, [Name] is beginning to check answers with an adult, using objects or drawings to see whether they are right.
Next step
- A list of questions, such as "What is the title?" and "What do the axes show?", will help [Name] begin to read graphs.
Support at home
- Talking together about tables and charts in the news or on food packets helps your child read data and ask questions about it.
How to write mathematics comments for Stages 7-9
- In Stages 7-9, algebra is added. Name the specific skill, such as simplifying expressions, solving linear equations or finding the nth term of a sequence, and the step to practise next.
- Separate method from accuracy. A student may choose the right method for a ratio or percentage problem but make slips with negative numbers or fractions, so say where the strength and the gap each sit.
- For multi-step problems, describe what the student does when the route is not obvious: drawing a diagram, writing down what is known, trying a first step. Explaining a method to a classmate is a good extension.
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
- English, Stages 7-9
- English as a Second Language, Stages 7-9
- Mathematics, Stages 1-3
- Mathematics, Stages 4-6
- Science, Stages 7-9
- Global Perspectives, Stages 7-9
- Computing, Stages 7-9
- Art & Design, Stages 7-9
- Music, Stages 7-9
- Physical Education, Stages 7-9
- Opening and closing sentences
- All Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary skills and grade bands
- For the same report: EAL / ESL Report Comments, Ages 5-18, ATL Skills Report Card Comments, Grades K-5 and ATL Skills and Learner Profile Report Comments, Ages 11-16
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How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.
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