S3 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 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 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

Complex data holds few problems for [Name], who can read a speed-time graph to describe the motion of a vehicle or use temperature readings to decide whether a reaction gives out or takes in heat.
[Name] selects the most suitable apparatus for each measurement and can explain why, for example, a measuring cylinder gives a more precise volume than a beaker.

Next steps:

Writing extended explanations that link several steps in a process, such as how energy is transferred in a circuit or how the body responds to exercise, would stretch [Name].

Consolidating C

Strengths

Many of the S3 ideas are explained soundly by [Name], for example how sweating helps the body cool down, or why magnesium gains mass when it burns in air.
[Name] measures carefully with common apparatus such as thermometers, balances and measuring cylinders, and readings are usually accurate.

Next steps:

Practising longer calculations that need a unit conversion first, such as finding power or concentration, will build on [Name]'s problem solving.

Developing D

Strengths

[Name] can describe, with some guidance, what a speed-time graph shows or how a vaccine helps the body fight infection.
[Name] takes measurements with simple apparatus such as a ruler or thermometer and is learning to read the scales more precisely.

Next steps:

Reading a short article about a current science issue and using guiding questions to find its author, evidence and main claim will help [Name] judge the source.

Beginning B

Strengths

Working through S3 ideas with the teacher, [Name] is starting to recognise some of them, such as what happens to the temperature when some chemicals react or how the heart and lungs work together.
Following a checklist, [Name] is beginning to set up simple apparatus for an experiment.

Next steps:

Answering short questions about one step of a process, such as one stage of digestion or one part of a circuit, will help [Name] build understanding.

Support at home

On a clear night, stepping outside together to look at the Moon and stars and talking about what your child knows about space can spark plenty of questions.

How to write sciences comments for S3

In S3, pupils may be taught by a biology, chemistry or physics specialist. Describe skills that carry across the sciences, such as evaluating a method or explaining a pattern in a graph, so the comment makes sense whichever science they studied.
Target extended answers: does the pupil build a logical sequence of points with scientific vocabulary, or list facts? Suggest planning the steps before writing, for example when explaining how temperature affects the rate of a reaction.
Calculations often separate secure answers from partial ones. Name the specific step, such as rearranging a formula, converting units or calculating an average from repeated results, and suggest practising it.

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.