S1-S2 Computing Science Report Comments (Scotland)

Computing science covers computational thinking and algorithms, designing, writing, testing and debugging code in block-based and text-based languages, how computers represent data, computer systems and networks, building web pages and databases, and safe, legal and responsible use of technology.

Below are 13 sample sentences for S1-S2: two strengths and one next step for each of the 4 comment levels (Secure / Consolidating / Developing / Beginning), plus a tip for families. They are a small selection from the 288 computing science sentences in the full pack. Copy one, then add a detail only you know about the student.

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

Student name Pronouns

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

Secure S

Strengths

In short tasks on data storage, [Name] explains precisely how pixels are represented in binary and why allowing more colours per pixel requires more bits.
[Name] designs databases with sensible fields, chooses a unique field to identify each record and writes precise searches that find just the information needed.

Next steps:

Investigating how a message travels from a school computer to a server on the other side of the world, and drawing the route, would deepen [Name]'s understanding of networks.

Consolidating C

Strengths

Building on primary learning, [Name] understands that images are made of pixels and can describe how each pixel's colour is stored as a number.
[Name] can set up a simple database with fields and records and usually writes searches that return the right results.

Next steps:

Drawing a labelled diagram of a home or school network, showing devices, the router and the internet, would firm up [Name]'s understanding.

Developing D

Strengths

Saving, uploading and sharing files in the right places is becoming more familiar to [Name], who is growing aware of who can see and edit shared work.
Entering records into a simple database is going well for [Name], who can write a search to find particular information with some guidance.

Next steps:

Sorting a set of devices into input, output and storage, and saying what each one does, would build [Name]'s knowledge of computer hardware.

Beginning B

Strengths

In first tasks on pixels, [Name] is beginning to see that a picture on screen is built from tiny squares of colour.
Following a step-by-step guide, [Name] is starting to enter records into a simple database and find one by searching.

Next steps:

Sorting pictures of devices into input and output with support will help [Name] learn the main parts of a computer.

Support at home

You could ask your child to teach you how to count in binary on their fingers, with each finger standing for 1, 2, 4, 8 and so on.

How to write computing science comments for S1-S2

Name the programming idea the pupil uses: sequence, repetition, selection or variables. 'Uses loops to avoid repeating code' tells parents and carers more than 'good at coding'.
Describe how the pupil tackles errors: reading the code line by line, testing one change at a time, or asking for help straight away. A next step such as predicting what code will do before running it builds good habits.
Cover the wider subject as well as programming, such as binary, how the internet works or keeping accounts secure. If the pupil explains these clearly, say so, and suggest one area to secure next.

Watch out: Avoid describing a pupil as good with computers. Being quick with devices is not the same as computational thinking, so describe a specific skill, such as breaking a problem into steps, and one concrete next step.

The four levels describe how secure, accurate and independent the learning is in what has been taught, never a CfE level. Secure suits detailed, accurate work applied to unfamiliar tasks; Consolidating suits a sound grasp with occasional guidance; Developing suits sometimes, or with a model 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 Science covers

In these comments, computing science covers these behaviours:

computational thinking: breaking problems down, patterns and algorithms
designs, writes, tests and debugs programs, in block-based and text-based languages
understands data representation, computer systems and networks
builds and evaluates digital solutions such as web pages and databases
uses technology safely, legally and responsibly, including cyber resilience

More Scottish secondary subjects comments

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