VIC Comment Language
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.
Updated 2025-12-19
This page is a practical summary of publicly available guidance. Always follow your school's reporting template and professional judgement.
Quick compliance checklist
- Language matches the five-point rating and is supported by evidence.
- Growth areas are constructive with clear next steps.
- Avoid deficit labels and comparisons.
Well above / Above
- demonstrates sophisticated understanding
- consistently applies skills in unfamiliar contexts
- shows depth and independence
- demonstrates strong understanding
- applies skills confidently
- extends ideas with support
- Next steps: extension tasks, applying skills in unfamiliar contexts, deeper reasoning.
At
- demonstrates sound understanding
- applies skills consistently in familiar contexts
- meets expectations
- Next steps: consolidate and extend by applying skills in new contexts.
Below / Well below
- is developing understanding
- applies skills with support
- is working towards expectations
- is beginning to develop foundational skills
- requires significant support
- is working at an earlier point on the continuum
- Next steps: targeted practice, explicit strategies, small-step goals and feedback.
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
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.
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.