KS3 Science Report Comments (Years 7-9)
Science combines knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics with working scientifically: planning investigations, carrying out practical work safely and accurately, analysing data, drawing conclusions, evaluating methods and using maths such as units, equations and graphs.
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 science 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
- From the first practical lessons, [Name] has worked safely and skilfully, using a Bunsen burner correctly and reading measuring cylinders accurately.
- [Name] uses precise scientific vocabulary naturally in speech and writing, choosing the exact term rather than an everyday word.
Next step
- Building on secure graph skills, [Name] should start drawing lines of best fit and using them to describe relationships between variables precisely.
Good G
Strengths
- Early practical work has gone well, and [Name] uses equipment such as thermometers, measuring cylinders and balances safely and accurately.
- Scientific vocabulary is used well: [Name] regularly chooses the correct term and can define the key words from each topic.
Next step
- To build on a good start, [Name] should give a scientific reason in every conclusion, explaining why the results came out as they did.
Developing D
Strengths
- [Name] can plot a bar chart with some guidance and is learning when a line graph is the better choice.
- [Name] is building a scientific vocabulary and uses key words correctly at times, especially when a word list is available.
Next step
- [Name]'s target is to learn the key words for each topic, such as 'nucleus', 'element' and 'force', and use them correctly in written answers.
Needs support N
Strengths
- First experiences of practical work have gone well, and [Name] can measure temperature and volume carefully with close support.
- A word bank helps [Name] choose the right scientific term, and key words are starting to appear in [his/her/their] written answers.
Next step
- Using a ready-made table, [Name] should practise recording each result in the right column with its unit.
Support at home
- Talking together about a science story in the news, such as a new vaccine, a space mission or extreme weather, and asking what evidence supports it builds curiosity.
How to write science comments for KS3 (Years 7-9)
- Describe practical skills for students new to a laboratory: reading a measuring cylinder at eye level, using a Bunsen burner safely, recording results in a table with units. One named skill says more than 'enjoys practicals'.
- Use the language of variables precisely: independent, dependent and control. A target such as listing the control variables before each investigation suits Years 7 to 9 and carries into every science.
- Check whether the student 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 the knowledge organiser.
Watch out: Avoid comments that only list the topics taught. Describe a skill or idea the student shows, such as explaining a result using evidence from a graph, so the comment works whichever science the student studied recently.
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 Science covers
In these comments, science covers these behaviours:
- knows and explains key ideas in biology, chemistry and physics, using models and correct scientific vocabulary
- plans investigations, identifies variables and makes predictions (working scientifically)
- carries out practical work safely and accurately and records observations and measurements
- analyses data, spots patterns and errors, draws conclusions and evaluates methods
- uses mathematical skills in science: units, equations, graphs and calculations
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- Opening and closing sentences
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How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.