VIC Report Comment Examples by Achievement Level (Ready to Adapt)

Victorian Five-Point Scale in Practice

The Victorian five-point scale—Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Needs Improvement, and Not Shown—provides a consistent framework for assessing student achievement. But what does each level actually look like in a report comment?

This guide provides annotated examples for each achievement level. Use these as reference points when moderating with colleagues or writing your own comments.

Excellent Level Example

What Makes This Excellent

• Specific Vocabulary: "exceptional," "sophisticated," "outstanding" match the Excellent descriptor
• Evidence Detail: References to specific skills (narrative structure, punctuation, dialogue)
• Above Standard: Work described is well beyond typical Level 4 expectations
• Consistency: "Consistently demonstrates" indicates sustained excellence
• Next Steps: Extension suggestion appropriate for high achievers

Good Level Example

What Makes This Good

• Appropriate Descriptors: "Thorough understanding," "effectively" align with Good level
• Above Standard Elements: Multi-step problems, explaining reasoning indicate depth
• Room for Growth: Areas for further practice show it's not Excellent
• Positive Approach: Notes confidence and perseverance as strengths
• Balanced: Recognition of achievement alongside next steps

Satisfactory Level Example

What Makes This Satisfactory

• Sound Understanding: Matches the Satisfactory descriptor exactly
• Age-Appropriate: Work described is at expected Level 2 standard
• Familiar Contexts: "Familiar texts," "simple narratives" indicate meeting standard
• Areas for Development: Clear next steps without suggesting below-standard performance
• Positive Tone: "Sound," "appropriate," "participates appropriately" affirm achievement

Needs Improvement Level Example

What Makes This Needs Improvement

• Basic Understanding: Below the "sound" understanding expected for Satisfactory
• Support Required: "With some support," "requires assistance" indicate below standard
• Emerging Skills: "Is developing understanding," "beginning to build confidence"
• Growth Focus: Next steps are foundational, addressing gaps
• Constructive Tone: Acknowledges effort while being honest about achievement level

Not Shown Level Example

What Makes This Not Shown

• Insufficient Evidence: Clearly states inadequate evidence for assessment
• Reason Provided: Limited attendance explained as the cause
• Not Judgemental: Focuses on evidence rather than ability
• Support Offered: Constructive pathway forward is outlined
• Accurate: Does not assess skills that haven't been demonstrated

Key Differences Between Levels

Excellent vs Good

• Excellent: Exceptional, sophisticated, outstanding, exceptional depth
• Good: Thorough, effective, above standard, but with room to grow

Good vs Satisfactory

• Good: Works effectively in most contexts, shows depth
• Satisfactory: Sound understanding, meets expected standard in familiar contexts

Satisfactory vs Needs Improvement

• Satisfactory: Age-appropriate achievement, works independently
• Needs Improvement: Basic understanding, requires support, below expected standard

Writing Comments That Match Your Ratings

Use Level-Appropriate Language

The words you choose should align with the five-point scale rating. If you've rated a student as Satisfactory, use language that describes sound, age-appropriate achievement. Avoid language that suggests higher or lower performance.

Provide Specific Evidence

Each comment should reference specific skills or knowledge from the Victorian Curriculum. Vague comments make moderation difficult and provide little value to parents.

Include Growth and Next Steps

Even at the Excellent level, there should be next steps for learning. At lower levels, next steps should focus on building foundational skills and confidence.

Maintain Positive Tone

Even Needs Improvement and Not Shown comments should be constructive. Focus on what the student needs rather than what they lack. Parents need to understand the path forward.

Adapting Examples for Your Students

Change the Specific Skills

The examples above focus on particular curriculum areas. Replace these with the specific skills you're assessing, while maintaining the structure and tone of the comment.

Match Year Level Expectations

Level 2 Satisfactory looks different from Level 6 Satisfactory. Ensure your examples reference the appropriate achievement standards for your year level.

Consider Individual Context

For EAL students or those with additional needs, reference their individual learning goals or the EAL continuum rather than solely the Victorian Curriculum standards.

Using These Examples for Moderation

Establish Reference Points

Use annotated examples like these as reference points during moderation discussions. When teachers disagree on a rating, ask: "Which example does this work sample most closely resemble?"

Build Shared Understanding

Discuss as a team what makes each example fit its rating. Develop shared language for describing achievement levels across your school.

Create School-Specific Examples

These examples provide a starting point. Your school can develop its own annotated samples using actual student work (de-identified) to build a robust moderation resource.