S1-S2 Social Studies Report Comments (Scotland)

Social studies covers people, past events and societies (history), people, place and environment (geography) and people in society, economy and business (modern studies), with researching and evaluating sources, using evidence, maps and statistics, and explaining and justifying a view.

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 social studies 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

Key terms such as primary source, erosion and democracy are used accurately and independently by [Name] in both written and spoken answers.
In debates, [Name] justifies a point of view with well-chosen evidence and responds respectfully and convincingly to opposing arguments.

Next steps:

Using more precise subject terms in written answers, and explaining them briefly, will help [Name] write with even greater accuracy.

Consolidating C

Strengths

[Name] uses most key terms correctly, such as source, settlement and election, and is adding new subject words to written answers.
Asked for a view on an issue, [Name] gives one with a supporting reason and can outline an opposing case fairly.

Next steps:

[Name] could present research findings to the class, using a short plan with three key points and a conclusion.

Developing D

Strengths

Using a word list, [Name] sometimes uses subject words such as evidence, climate and parliament correctly and is building up vocabulary.
[Name] gives an opinion in class debates and, with a sentence starter, can sometimes add a reason to back it up.

Next steps:

When presenting research, [Name] could use a simple checklist: a title, three facts, a picture or map, and where the information came from.

Beginning B

Strengths

Given examples to compare, [Name] is beginning to sort simple statements into facts and opinions.
Supported by sentence starters, [Name] is beginning to give an opinion in a discussion and add one reason for it.

Next steps:

Putting the stages of an event, decision or process in order on a numbered list will help [Name] explain one change clearly.

Support at home

Asking your child to teach you about the topic they are studying, as if you knew nothing about it, helps them organise and remember key facts.

How to write social studies comments for S1-S2

Many schools teach S1 and S2 social studies as history, geography and modern studies units. Name the skill along with the unit, such as using grid references on a map or explaining the causes of the Wars of Independence.
For source work, describe what the pupil does: finds information, notices who made a source and why, or separates fact from opinion. A next step can be asking 'who made this and why?' of every source.
Note how the pupil presents findings from research, such as a short talk, a poster or a written report, and whether the evidence comes from more than one source. Suggest one step, such as noting where each fact came from.

Watch out: Avoid comments that only list the topics covered. Topics vary between schools, so describe a skill the pupil shows, such as using evidence to support a view, and a next step that works in the next unit too.

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 Social Studies covers

In these comments, social studies covers these behaviours:

people, past events and societies (history): chronology, causes and consequences, sources and interpretations, including Scottish history
people, place and environment (geography): physical and human processes, maps and fieldwork, sustainability and climate change
people in society, economy and business (modern studies): democracy, rights, the Scottish and UK parliaments, local and global issues
researches, evaluates sources and presents findings
explains, justifies and debates a view with evidence

More Scottish secondary subjects comments

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