S1-S2 Sciences Report Comments (Scotland)

Sciences covers planet Earth, forces, electricity and waves, biological systems, materials and topical science, together with inquiry and investigative skills: planning fair tests, carrying out practical work safely, measuring, analysing data, drawing conclusions and explaining ideas with scientific vocabulary.

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 sciences 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

When meeting new lab vocabulary, [Name] works out meanings from context and uses terms such as solute, hypothesis and conductor precisely in talk and writing.
[Name] writes clear, testable hypotheses, giving a scientific reason for each prediction, and designs a method that would properly test it.

Next steps:

Rearranging unfamiliar formulae independently, checking each result with units and explaining why it is sensible would stretch [Name] further.

Consolidating C

Strengths

[Name] uses most new scientific vocabulary, such as organism, solute and conductor, correctly in written answers.
[Name] makes reasonable predictions and can usually give a scientific reason for them, drawing on earlier lessons.

Next steps:

Practising drawing circuit symbols and particle diagrams from memory will help [Name] explain experiments more clearly.

Developing D

Strengths

A bank of lab vocabulary is growing for [Name], who uses words such as apparatus, beaker and observation correctly some of the time.
[Name] is learning to make predictions before an experiment and, with a little help, can give a simple reason for them.

Next steps:

Using a worked example in [his/her/their] jotter as a guide will help [Name] set out each calculation step by step.

Beginning B

Strengths

Given a results table set out in advance, [Name] is beginning to write each measurement in the right place.
Sentence starters help [Name] to make simple predictions about what might happen in an experiment.

Next steps:

Copying a labelled diagram and then drawing it again from memory will help [Name] learn the names of common lab equipment.

Support at home

Cooking together is a good chance to spot science: ask your child why sugar dissolves faster in hot water or why bread dough rises.

How to write sciences comments for S1-S2

Describe practical skills for pupils new to a laboratory: reading a measuring cylinder at eye level, lighting a Bunsen burner safely, recording results in a table with units. One named skill says more than 'enjoys practical work'.
Use the language of fair testing precisely: the variable changed, the variable measured and the variables kept the same. A next step such as listing the controlled variables before each investigation suits S1 and S2.
Check whether the pupil can explain an idea with a model, such as particle diagrams for changes of state or a circuit diagram. Explaining with a model shows understanding beyond recalling facts from the jotter.

Watch out: Avoid comments that only list the topics taught. Describe a skill or idea the pupil shows, such as using results to support a conclusion, so the comment works whichever topic came most recently.

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 Sciences covers

In these comments, sciences covers these behaviours:

planet Earth, forces, electricity and waves, biological systems, materials and topical science
inquiry and investigative skills: planning, carrying out practical work safely, measuring and recording
analysing data, drawing conclusions and evaluating investigations
scientific literacy: scientific vocabulary, explaining ideas and discussing science in society
using models, diagrams and calculations to explain scientific ideas

More Scottish secondary subjects comments

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