Wales Report Comments: Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving, Y3-6
Critical thinking and problem-solving covers asking questions and investigating, weighing up evidence and different viewpoints, explaining reasoning and making connections, and trying more than one way to solve a problem when the first does not work.
Below are 13 sample sentences for Years 3-6: two strengths and one next step for each of the 4 comment levels (Consistently / Usually / Sometimes / Not yet), plus a tip for families. They are a small selection from the 173 critical thinking and problem-solving sentences in the full pack. Copy one, then add a detail only you know about the student.
Jump to: Consistently · Usually · Sometimes · Not yet · Writing tips
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Consistently C
Strengths
- During peer assessment, [Name] gives careful feedback that explains exactly why a piece of work meets the success criteria.
- [Name] independently links new learning to earlier topics, and these connections help [him/her/them] to remember and apply ideas.
Next step
- Using peer assessment, [Name] could help classmates write success criteria for a problem-solving task and set a challenge for the group.
Usually U
Strengths
- [Name] often uses the success criteria to judge [his/her/their] own work and explains which parts meet them.
- Talking through a problem with a partner, [Name] generally explains each step in a logical order.
Next step
- During homework, [Name] could jot down the different strategies tried, which will help [him/her/them] choose the best one next time.
Sometimes S
Strengths
- With reminders, [Name] uses the success criteria to check [his/her/their] work and can at times explain which parts have been met.
- At times, [Name] makes connections between subjects, such as noticing a shape from maths in a piece of art.
Next step
- A next step for [Name] is to use the success criteria to explain one reason why [his/her/their] answer is correct.
Not yet N
Strengths
- With a visual prompt, [Name] is beginning to use the success criteria to check one part of [his/her/their] work.
- Explaining reasoning does not yet come easily to [Name], but [he/she/they] can show an answer using objects or drawings.
Next step
- With adult support, [Name] could use the success criteria to explain one reason for [his/her/their] answer.
Support at home
- When [Name] solves a problem at home, you could ask [him/her/them] to talk you through each step of [his/her/their] thinking.
How to write critical thinking and problem-solving comments for Years 3-6
- Look for evidence weighed in research: checking whether a website can be trusted, comparing two sources or spotting a gap in an argument. Name the topic so the comment rests on a real task.
- In maths and problem-solving tasks, note whether the learner explains why a method works and tries a second method when stuck. A strategy card is a practical next step.
- Discussions about local issues or class debates show whether a learner can see more than one viewpoint. Mention whether they back an opinion with a reason and listen to the other side.
Watch out: Do not count fast correct answers as critical thinking. A learner who gets there quickly may not explain how, so describe the questions, reasoning and second attempts you have actually seen.
Let the rating shape the wording. Consistently suits reliably, independently and without being asked; Usually suits regularly and with few reminders; Sometimes suits at times and with some support; Not yet names what the learner can do with adult support or a visual prompt. Show the rating through one behaviour you have seen rather than repeating the word itself.
What Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving covers
In these comments, critical thinking and problem-solving covers these behaviours:
- asks questions and investigates
- weighs up evidence and different viewpoints
- explains reasoning and makes connections
- tries different ways to solve problems
More Curriculum for Wales comments
- Ambition and Engagement, Years 3-6
- Creativity and Innovation, Years 3-6
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving, Reception-Year 2
- Personal Effectiveness, Years 3-6
- Planning and Organising, Years 3-6
- Collaboration and Citizenship, Years 3-6
- Opening and closing sentences
- All Curriculum for Wales skills and grade bands
- Build a comment with the comment picker
How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.