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Science and HASS report comments: examples for every achievement level

Original science, history and geography report comments for Foundation to Year 10, grouped by A–E level and tied to v9 inquiry skills and understanding.

✓ By the TeacherPay AU Editorial Team · fact-checked against official sources Updated 20 October 2026 8 min read
On this page (9 sections)
  1. What science and HASS assess
  2. Primary science comments (Foundation to Year 6)
  3. Secondary science comments (Years 7 to 10)
  4. Primary HASS comments (Foundation to Year 6)
  5. Secondary history and geography comments
  6. Inquiry skill sentences you can mix in
  7. Next steps for science and HASS
  8. Keeping science and HASS comments short
  9. FAQs

The short answer

A good science or HASS comment names the unit studied, describes the student's understanding of the key concepts and their inquiry skills (questioning, investigating, using evidence and communicating), and gives one specific next step. Science and HASS comments are usually shorter than English and maths ones, about 40 to 70 words in primary.

  • Name the topic: 'In our unit on the water cycle...'
  • Report both understanding and inquiry skills
  • Keep it short: one strength, one piece of evidence, one next step

What science and HASS assess

Australian Curriculum Science (Version 9.0) has three strands that work together: Science understanding (the biological, chemical, Earth and space, and physical sciences), Science as a human endeavour (how science knowledge develops and is used) and Science inquiry (questioning, planning, conducting, analysing, evaluating and communicating). A strong student can recall facts, but also plan a fair test, record results and explain what the evidence shows.

Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) from Foundation to Year 6 combines history, geography and, in later primary years, civics and citizenship and economics and business, with a shared set of inquiry and skills: questioning, researching, analysing, evaluating and communicating. From Year 7 these become separate subjects. NSW has separate History and Geography syllabuses (many primary schools report them together as HSIE), and Victoria uses 'Humanities' under the Victorian Curriculum 2.0. From 2027, Victorian government schools can no longer report Foundation Levels A–D in Science, Geography and History, and will use 'PT' (Progressing Towards) instead for students not yet at the lowest level.

Write this student's comment in seconds Add your notes, pick the year level and grade, and get three polished comments to choose from. Your first set is free.

Primary science comments (Foundation to Year 6)

Primary science, by achievement level
LevelComment
A[Name] has demonstrated an extensive understanding of [topic]. They pose thoughtful questions, make predictions based on what they know, and plan fair tests with little guidance. [Name] explains results clearly using scientific vocabulary. Their next step is to suggest how an investigation could be improved.
B[Name] shows a thorough understanding of [topic] and uses scientific words accurately. They conduct investigations carefully, record observations in tables and identify patterns in their results. [Name]'s next step is to explain why their results may differ from their prediction.
C[Name] has achieved a sound standard in Science. In our unit on [topic], they described [key concept] and made careful observations during experiments. [Name] works well in a group investigation. Their next step is to use evidence from their results when explaining a conclusion.
D[Name] is working towards the expected standard. They participate with enthusiasm in hands-on investigations and can describe what they observed with support. [Name]'s next step is to record observations using labelled diagrams or simple tables.
E[Name] is developing early science understanding and enjoys exploring materials and living things. With support, they can describe [simple observation]. Their next step is to use simple science words, such as [example words], when talking about what they notice.

Secondary science comments (Years 7 to 10)

Secondary science, by achievement level
LevelComment
A[Name] has demonstrated an extensive understanding of [topic], explaining complex concepts with precision. Their practical report on [investigation] identified variables, analysed data accurately and evaluated the method thoughtfully. [Name] should continue to read about current science to deepen their interest.
B[Name] has a thorough understanding of [topic] and applies it to explain unfamiliar situations. Their practical work is careful and well recorded. To reach the highest level, [Name] should evaluate sources of error and suggest specific improvements.
C[Name] has achieved a sound standard in Science. They understand the key ideas of [topic] and follow practical procedures safely and accurately. [Name]'s next step is to use data to support conclusions in their practical reports.
D[Name] is working towards the expected standard. They can describe some key ideas in [topic] and complete practical tasks with guidance. [Name] would benefit from regular revision of key terms and completing all parts of their practical reports.
E[Name] has found this semester's content challenging. They participate in practical work and can describe [specific observation]. [Name]'s next step is to learn and use the key vocabulary for each topic, with the support of the glossary provided.

Primary HASS comments (Foundation to Year 6)

Primary HASS, history and geography, by achievement level
LevelComment
A[Name] has an extensive understanding of [topic]. They research independently using a range of sources, compare different perspectives and present well-supported conclusions. In our inquiry into [topic], [Name] asked insightful questions that extended the class discussion. Their next step is to evaluate how reliable each source is.
B[Name] demonstrates a thorough understanding of [topic]. They locate relevant information from sources, organise it clearly and use correct terms such as [example terms]. [Name]'s next step is to explain causes and effects in more detail.
C[Name] has achieved a sound standard in HASS. In our study of [topic], they described [key idea] and used maps and timelines to organise information. [Name]'s next step is to ask their own questions to guide research.
D[Name] is working towards the expected standard. With support, they can locate information in a source and describe [key idea]. [Name] contributes ideas to class discussions. Their next step is to record research in their own words using a graphic organiser.
E[Name] is developing their understanding of [topic] and benefits from visual supports and adjusted tasks. They can talk about [simple idea] related to their own experience. Their next step is to sequence events in order using pictures and simple labels.

Secondary history and geography comments

Years 7–10 History and Geography
LevelComment
A[Name] has demonstrated an extensive understanding of [topic]. Their extended response analysed the causes and consequences of [event] and evaluated historians' interpretations with insight. [Name] should keep practising timed responses to build on this strong standard.
B[Name] has a thorough understanding of [topic] and uses evidence from sources effectively. Their fieldwork report presented data clearly and drew logical conclusions. [Name]'s next step is to consider alternative perspectives in their analysis.
C[Name] has achieved a sound standard. They describe key events, places and concepts in [topic] and use some evidence to support their ideas. To improve, [Name] should explain the significance of each piece of evidence they use.
D[Name] is working towards the expected standard. They can describe some features of [topic] and, with a scaffold, write a structured paragraph. [Name] would benefit from completing class tasks in full and seeking feedback on drafts.
E[Name] has found the demands of this semester's work challenging. They have shown understanding of [specific idea] in discussion. [Name]'s next step is to write a short paragraph about a source using the sentence starters provided.

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Inquiry skill sentences you can mix in

Inquiry skills carry across units, so these sentences help when the content has changed several times in a semester.

  • [Name] asks questions that can be investigated and makes predictions based on prior knowledge.
  • [Name] plans a fair test by changing one variable and keeping others the same.
  • [Name] records observations accurately in tables, diagrams and graphs.
  • [Name] identifies patterns in data and uses them to draw conclusions.
  • [Name] explains how science knowledge is used in everyday life or by people in different jobs.
  • [Name] locates and selects relevant information from a range of sources.
  • [Name] sequences events on a timeline and explains how things have changed over time.
  • [Name] uses maps, scales and directions to locate and describe places.
  • [Name] considers different points of view, including First Nations Australian perspectives, when exploring an issue.
  • [Name] communicates findings clearly in a presentation, poster or report.

Next steps for science and HASS

Specific next steps

  • Use evidence from results to support a conclusion
  • Identify the variable being changed, measured and kept the same
  • Suggest one way to improve an investigation
  • Learn and use the key vocabulary for each unit
  • Check the reliability of a source before using it
  • Explain causes and effects, not just events
  • Put research into their own words rather than copying
  • Talk at home about the science or history in everyday news

Keeping science and HASS comments short

In primary, science and HASS often get one to three sentences, and many schools allow shorter comments than for English and maths. The fastest approach is a class frame: one sentence about the unit that applies to everyone, then one personalised sentence per student and a next step. That frame isn't copy and paste if the personal sentence is genuinely about the child.

Worked example

A class frame for a Year 4 science unit

Shared opening
This term we investigated how forces affect the movement of objects.
Personal sentence
[Name] designed a careful ramp test and explained why the toy car travelled further on carpet than tiles.
Next step
Their next step is to measure results more than once to check they are reliable.
Length About 45 words

Check your school allows a shared opening; some prefer every sentence to be individual.

For the full structure and grade language, see our pillar guide to report card comments in Australia, and for time savers, how to write reports faster.

Frequently asked questions

What do you write in a science report comment?
Name the unit, describe the student's understanding of the key concepts and their inquiry skills, such as planning fair tests and using evidence, and give one specific next step. Match the language to the A–E grade.
What is HASS on a school report?
HASS stands for Humanities and Social Sciences. From Foundation to Year 6 it combines history, geography, civics and citizenship and economics and business. In secondary these are usually separate subjects.
How long should science comments be?
In primary, about 40 to 70 words is typical, shorter than English and maths. In secondary, 40 to 80 words. Check your school's limit.
What are science inquiry skills?
They are the skills of questioning and predicting, planning and conducting investigations, processing and analysing data, evaluating, and communicating results. They appear in every year level of the Australian Curriculum.
Can I use one comment for the whole class in HASS?
Some schools allow a shared sentence about the unit, but every student should get at least one sentence about their own learning and a personal next step. Check your school's reporting guidelines.
What does PT mean on a Victorian report?
PT stands for Progressing Towards. Victorian government schools use it for students who have not yet reached the lowest level available in a learning area, and from 2027 it replaces Foundation Levels A–D in Science, History and Geography.
How do I write a history report comment?
Describe the student's knowledge of the period or event studied, their use of sources and evidence, and their ability to explain causes, effects and perspectives. Finish with one next step, such as evaluating source reliability.

Sources we checked · last verified 2026-10-20

  1. 1.ACARA: Australian Curriculum Version 9.0 (Science and HASS)
  2. 2.Victorian Department of Education: Reporting student achievement and progress policy
  3. 3.NSW Curriculum: Reporting and using grades
  4. 4.QCAA: Australian Curriculum reporting advice and guidelines

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