VIC Reporting (Pillar)
Five-point scales in Victoria: which scale to use, and what each rating means
A VIC teacher guide to the four types of five-point scales (age-related, learning goals, learning dimensions, EAL expected progress) and when each is appropriate.
This page is a practical summary of publicly available guidance. Always follow your school's reporting template and professional judgement.
Quick compliance checklist
- English/Mathematics/Science use the age-related five-point scale (where applicable).
- EAL does not use the age-related scale; use an EAL-appropriate five-point scale.
- Five-point scale ratings are explained clearly for parents/carers.
- Comments complement the teacher judgement, progress indication, and the five-point scale.
The four five-point scale types used in Victoria
- Age-related scale (required for English, Mathematics, Science where applicable).
- Learning goals scale (progress toward agreed learning goals).
- Learning dimensions scale (progress within targeted unit dimensions).
- EAL expected progress scale (progress rating that accounts for individual factors).
Age-related descriptors (common parent language)
- Well above age-expected standard
- Above age-expected standard
- At age-expected standard
- Below age-expected standard
- Well below age-expected standard
Where the VC lookup matrix fits
Many systems use a lookup matrix/algorithm to support age-related scale ratings by mapping a student’s level score and year level to a five-point rating.
Your comment still needs to explain the learning evidence in plain English.
Official sources
Create a VIC-aligned comment draft
Use VIC School Reports to draft a comment, then edit it to match your evidence and school template.
Explore the VIC reporting cluster
VIC Student Reporting Requirements (Foundation to Year 10): What must be in the report
A practical, VIC-compliant summary of the minimum requirements for reporting to parents/carers: teacher judgement, progress indication, and five-point scale for each curriculum area taught.
How to write VIC report comments (plain English, evidence-based, achievement-standard aligned)
A practical template for Victorian report comments: achievement, progress, strengths, growth areas, and next steps—written in plain English for parents/carers.
VIC five-point scale language: how to write comments for Well above → Well below
Plain-English phrasing to match five-point scale ratings (well above, above, at, below, well below) while staying evidence-based and constructive.