Scottish Secondary Subject Report Openers and Closers, S1-S3

The subject teacher's opening sentence sums up how the pupil has approached the subject so far, and the closing sentence thanks, encourages and looks ahead or invites parents and carers to get in touch, framing the strengths and next step in between.

Here are 12 samples from the 184 openers and closers in the full pack: one of each for every overall level, then one pair written for each report period.

Student name Pronouns

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

For any report period

Overall picture: Secure S

Opener

[Name] has a thorough command of the topics covered and applies learning confidently in unfamiliar contexts.

Closer

Well done, [Name]; this is work to be proud of.

Overall picture: Consolidating C

Opener

[Name] is building well on earlier learning and copes with new topics with occasional guidance.

Closer

Thank you for taking the time to read about [Name]'s progress.

Overall picture: Developing D

Opener

[Name] works best with a worked example close at hand and is gaining confidence with each topic.

Closer

Going over feedback on marked work together will help [Name] see what to improve.

Overall picture: Beginning B

Opener

Basic skills are taking shape in [Subject], and [Name] gains confidence from each small success.

Closer

There is a good foundation starting to form, and I look forward to building on it with [Name].

For a specific report period

Tracking or interim report

Opener

Progress in [Subject] has been very encouraging for [Name], whose work is thorough and original in its thinking.

Closer

Please feel free to contact me or come along to the parents' evening to talk about next steps.

Full report (end of session)

Opener

The session has seen [Name] grow in independence and produce work that is generally clear and accurate.

Closer

I wish [Name] well for next session and hope the confidence gained this year carries forward.

Tips for openers and closers

For a tracking or interim report, open with how the pupil has tackled the current topics and close with the next step to focus on before the next report. Keep both short so the subject detail stands out.
In the full report at the end of the session, look back over the session and close with good wishes for the summer. Do not assume the pupil continues the subject next session: S3 pupils choose subjects for the senior phase.
For a pupil at Beginning, open with a real sign of progress and close warmly, perhaps inviting parents and carers to the parents' evening or to get in touch. A calm, honest frame makes the next step easier to accept.

Comments by skill

For the same report: Scottish Primary Report Comments, P1-P7.

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