KS3 Maths Report Comments (Years 7-9)

Maths covers number, algebra, ratio and proportion, geometry and measures, probability and statistics, with fluency, mathematical reasoning and problem solving running through all of them, plus showing clear working, estimating and checking answers.

Below are 13 sample sentences for KS3 (Years 7-9): two strengths and one next step for each of the 4 comment levels (Excellent / Good / Developing / Needs support), plus a tip for families. They are a small selection from the 288 maths sentences in the full pack. Copy one, then add a detail only you know about the student.

Jump to: Excellent · Good · Developing · Needs support · Writing tips

Student name Pronouns

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

Excellent E

Strengths

[Name] handles negative numbers, powers, roots and the order of operations accurately, giving a very secure base for the topics ahead.
Faced with an unfamiliar multi-step problem, [Name] selects an efficient strategy and links several areas of maths to reach a complete solution.

Next step

[Name] could extend [his/her/their] geometry by investigating the angle properties of polygons and justifying a rule for the sum of the interior angles.

Good G

Strengths

Constructions and transformations are generally accurate, and [Name] can reflect, rotate and translate shapes on a coordinate grid.
[Name] can explain the steps of a method clearly and is becoming more confident in justifying why an answer is correct.

Next step

To build on secure basics, [Name] could practise converting between fractions, decimals and percentages until it is quick and accurate.

Developing D

Strengths

Key vocabulary such as factor, multiple and prime is becoming more familiar to [Name], who uses the knowledge organiser to check meanings.
[Name] is learning to explain the steps of a method out loud, and these explanations are becoming clearer with practice.

Next step

[Name] should learn the meaning of key words such as perimeter, area, factor and multiple, so that questions are easier to understand.

Needs support N

Strengths

With a partly completed table, [Name] is beginning to continue simple number sequences and spot whether they go up or down in equal steps.
When asked to explain an answer, [Name] is beginning to describe the first step in words, and sentence starters are helping with this.

Next step

[His/Her/Their] target is to learn the names and properties of common shapes, using labelled drawings to help remember them.

Support at home

Quizzing your child for a few minutes on times tables or key formulae, using flashcards they have made, helps fix facts in memory.

How to write maths comments for KS3 (Years 7-9)

Name the topic and the skill: solving two-step equations, simplifying ratios, finding the area of compound shapes or ordering fractions and decimals. Parents can then ask the student to talk them through a worked example at home.
Look for reasoning as well as answers. Note whether the student can explain why a method works or spot the error in someone else's working, as this habit matters as much as accuracy in Years 7 to 9.
Secondary maths usually asks for more written working than students are used to. If a student reaches answers mentally but skips the steps, say so kindly and set a target of one clear line per step.

Watch out: Avoid summing up maths as being quick with numbers. Speed is not the same as understanding, so describe one strand the student handles securely and one habit, such as checking with an estimate, to work on.

The four levels describe how secure, accurate and independent the learning is, never a grade. Excellent suits precise, perceptive work that applies ideas to unfamiliar contexts; Good suits usually accurate with occasional guidance; Developing suits sometimes, or with a worked example; Needs support names what is emerging and the help that works. Show the level through the work rather than writing the level word.

What Maths covers

In these comments, maths covers these behaviours:

calculates fluently and recalls key facts and methods (number, algebra, ratio and proportion, geometry and measures, probability, statistics)
reasons mathematically: explains, justifies and generalises
solves multi-step and unfamiliar problems, including problems in real contexts
shows clear working, estimates and checks answers, and uses a calculator efficiently

More UK secondary subjects comments

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