S3 Modern Languages Report Comments (Scotland)

Modern languages covers listening, talking, reading and writing in the language, grammar and vocabulary, using a dictionary and support materials, knowledge about language (comparing it with English) and cultural awareness of countries where the language is spoken.

Below are 13 sample sentences for S3: 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 modern languages 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

[Name] reads more detailed texts containing a range of tenses and unfamiliar language independently, then summarises them accurately in English.
Writing with care, [Name] checks [his/her/their] own work against a checklist and corrects slips in spelling, punctuation and grammar before handing it in.

Next steps:

Learning how the language forms questions in different ways, and using a range of question words in conversation, would let [Name] lead discussions.

Consolidating C

Strengths

In longer texts with some unfamiliar language, [Name] picks out the main points and most of the supporting detail.
[Name] checks written work against class notes and corrects many errors, with occasional guidance from the teacher.

Next steps:

Writing a plan in the language before extended writing, with key phrases for each paragraph, will help [Name] organise ideas.

Developing D

Strengths

[Name] can read a longer text with a range of tenses and, with some guidance, pick out several main points.
Checking written work against notes is a growing habit for [Name], who corrects some spelling and word order errors when prompted.

Next steps:

Listening for the opinion words that speakers use, such as the words for like and prefer, will help [Name] pick out views in longer recordings.

Beginning B

Strengths

Faced with a longer text, [Name] is beginning to find familiar words and to use headings and pictures to work out the topic, with support.
A checklist helps [Name] to check written work for missing words and spelling slips, and this habit is starting to form.

Next steps:

With key words highlighted by the teacher, [Name] should find where each question is answered in a short written conversation before moving to longer texts.

Support at home

Looking together at a map of a country where the language is spoken and talking about the places your child has studied builds cultural awareness.

How to write modern languages comments for S3

In S3, describe longer and more accurate writing and talking: using linking words, giving and justifying opinions, and referring to past and future events. Target the one that would make the biggest difference.
Comment on reading and listening for detail, not just gist, and on working out unfamiliar words from context. A next step such as noting key words before listening is clear.
Grammar matters more in S3. Name the point, such as verb endings, agreement or word order, and suggest a short routine, such as checking each sentence against a list of common errors.

Watch out: Avoid summing up language learning as confidence alone. Describe what the pupil can do in listening, talking, reading or writing, and name the language if your department teaches more than one.

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 Modern Languages covers

In these comments, modern languages covers these behaviours:

listening: understands spoken language in familiar and new contexts
talking: pronunciation, conversation, presentations and giving opinions with reasons
reading: understands written texts and works out unfamiliar words
writing: writes accurate sentences and paragraphs using a dictionary and support materials
grammar and vocabulary, knowledge about language and cultural awareness

More Scottish secondary subjects comments

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