KS3 Modern Foreign Languages Report Comments (Years 7-9)
Languages covers listening, including short dictation, speaking with clear pronunciation, reading and working out unfamiliar words, writing and translating both ways, grammar such as tenses, agreement and word order, and learning high-frequency vocabulary with sound-spelling links.
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 modern foreign languages 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
Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Excellent E
Strengths
- Reading short stories, poems and letters, [Name] grasps the gist quickly and works out unfamiliar words using cognates and context.
- When translating into English, [Name] conveys the full meaning of each sentence in natural English rather than word for word.
Next step
- Listening to songs in the language and writing down the lyrics as they are heard would sharpen [Name]'s transcription skills further.
Good G
Strengths
- Short texts, poems and songs studied in class are usually well understood, and [Name] can explain the gist with supporting detail.
- Translating into English, [Name] conveys the meaning of most sentences accurately, needing only occasional guidance on tricky phrases.
Next step
- A useful next step is to adapt the model paragraphs from lessons by changing details and adding an opinion with a reason.
Developing D
Strengths
- With a glossary or word list to hand, [Name] works out the meaning of short texts and simple poems studied in lessons.
- [Name] is developing an awareness of life in countries where the language is spoken and can compare one or two customs with life here.
Next step
- A next step is to add an opinion and a simple reason to each written sentence, using the sentence builders from lessons.
Needs support N
Strengths
- Copying and adapting short sentences from the sentence builders used in lessons is helping [Name] take first steps in writing.
- With step-by-step guidance, [Name] can translate short, familiar phrases into English and is beginning to notice key words.
Next step
- Playing a matching game with picture cards and key words would help [Name] learn new vocabulary in a relaxed way.
Support at home
- Encouraging your child to label a few items around the house in the language, and to say the words when using them, builds quick recall.
How to write modern foreign languages comments for KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Report the skills separately. A student may pronounce words well yet find listening at speed harder, so name one skill that is secure and one to practise, rather than summing up the language as a whole.
- Name the grammar point the student uses accurately in their own sentences, such as the present tense, adjective agreement or negatives, so the strength is specific and the next grammar step is obvious.
- Vocabulary learning is the most practical home target in Years 7 to 9. Set a small, regular amount, such as ten words a week with look, cover, write, check, which families can quiz without speaking the language.
Watch out: Avoid judging accent, or assuming a student who speaks the language at home has nothing to work on. Describe skills shown in lessons, such as written accuracy or translation, and set the target from those.
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 Modern Foreign Languages covers
In these comments, modern foreign languages covers these behaviours:
- understands spoken language, including short dictation passages
- speaks with clear pronunciation, reads aloud accurately and takes part in conversations
- understands written texts and works out the meaning of unfamiliar words
- writes accurately and translates into and out of English
- applies grammar accurately, including verb tenses, agreement and word order
- learns and uses high-frequency vocabulary and sound-spelling links
More UK secondary subjects comments
- English, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Maths, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Science, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- History, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Geography, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Religious Education, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Modern Foreign Languages, KS4 (Years 10-11)
- Computing, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Art and Design, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Music, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Drama, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Physical Education, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Design and Technology, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Food and Nutrition, KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Opening and closing sentences
- All UK secondary subjects skills and grade bands
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How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.