Report Openers and Closers for Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary
The opening sentence gives families an overall picture of the student's learning in the subject, and the closing sentence thanks, encourages or looks ahead. Keep both short and plain so most of the space goes to the strengths and the next step.
Here are 14 samples from the 188 openers and closers in the full pack: one of each for every overall level, then one pair written for each report period.
Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
For any report period
Overall picture: Extending E
Opener
- [Name] asks questions in [Subject] that deepen [his/her/their] understanding and move discussions forward.
Closer
- I look forward to seeing [Name] extend this independent thinking in [Subject].
Overall picture: Secure S
Opener
- [Name] has a sound understanding of the main ideas in this subject and uses them well in familiar tasks.
Closer
- I will keep inviting [Name] to share [his/her/their] methods with the class.
Overall picture: Developing D
Opener
- With regular practice, [Name] is developing skills in [Subject] and can apply them when a clear example is provided.
Closer
- It is a pleasure to see [Name] use feedback to improve [his/her/their] work in our lessons.
Overall picture: Beginning B
Opener
- With practical resources beside [him/her/them], [Name] is starting to complete one step of a new task in [Subject].
Closer
- We will continue to use clear models to help [Name] build key skills.
For a specific report period
First-term report
Opener
- Since the start of the year, [Name] has explained [his/her/their] thinking clearly and asked questions that take our lessons further.
Closer
- By applying familiar skills carefully, [Name] will make further progress as the year continues.
Second-term or mid-year report
Opener
- [Name] continues to understand most new ideas in [Subject] and asks specific questions when unsure.
Closer
- Over the rest of the year, we will keep working on the key skills together.
End-of-year report
Opener
- This year [Name] has developed several key skills in [Subject], especially when using practical resources.
Closer
- I wish [Name] well next year, and thank you for working with us.
Tips for openers and closers
- For a first-term report, open with how the student has settled into the subject and close with the focus for the rest of the term. Evidence is still limited, so keep the opener general.
- For the end-of-year report, look back over the year and close with good wishes for the next stage. Schools are in both hemispheres and many cultures, so write 'the break' rather than naming a season or a festival.
- For a student at Beginning, open with a real sign of progress and close warmly, perhaps inviting the family to get in touch. A calm, honest frame makes the next step easier to accept.
Comments by skill
- English, Stages 1-3
- English, Stages 4-6
- English, Stages 7-9
- English as a Second Language, Stages 1-3
- English as a Second Language, Stages 4-6
- English as a Second Language, Stages 7-9
- Mathematics, Stages 1-3
- Mathematics, Stages 4-6
- Mathematics, Stages 7-9
- Science, Stages 1-3
- Science, Stages 4-6
- Science, Stages 7-9
- Global Perspectives, Stages 1-3
- Global Perspectives, Stages 4-6
- Global Perspectives, Stages 7-9
- Computing, Stages 1-3
- Computing, Stages 4-6
- Computing, Stages 7-9
- Art & Design, Stages 1-3
- Art & Design, Stages 4-6
- Art & Design, Stages 7-9
- Music, Stages 1-3
- Music, Stages 4-6
- Music, Stages 7-9
- Physical Education, Stages 1-3
- Physical Education, Stages 4-6
- Physical Education, Stages 7-9
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.
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.