QLD Prep Report Card Comments

The Prep five-point scale

Prep in Queensland uses a five-point scale that is separate from the A–E grades used in later years. The language focuses on capability, independence and transfer of learning.

• Applying (AP): thorough understanding, transfers learning independently, advanced problem-solving.
• Making Connections (MC): applies skills with minimal support and links new and prior learning.
• Working With (WW): sound understanding in familiar contexts and completes tasks successfully.
• Exploring (EX): emerging understanding with some teacher guidance.
• Becoming Aware (BA): initial awareness of concepts and requires significant support.

Applying: example comments

Examples

• "[Student] confidently applies what they know about letters and sounds to read and write new words independently. They explain their thinking during play and solve number problems using their own strategies. Next steps include extending their writing with more detail."
• "[Student] transfers learning from one situation to another without prompting, for example using counting skills to share items fairly during play. They retell and innovate on familiar stories. Next steps include tackling more complex stories and number problems."

Making Connections: example comments

Examples

• "[Student] links new learning to what they already know and needs only occasional prompting. They retell stories in order and count collections to 20 accurately. Next steps include using what they know about sounds to attempt unfamiliar words."
• "[Student] is making connections between letters, sounds and the words they see around the classroom. They describe simple patterns and sort objects by more than one attribute. Next steps include explaining their thinking using full sentences."

Working With: example comments

Examples

• "[Student] shows a sound understanding of Prep concepts in familiar contexts. They recognise many letter sounds, write their name and count objects to 10. Practising letter formation and number rhymes at home will consolidate their skills."
• "[Student] listens and responds well during shared reading and joins in group activities. They complete familiar tasks successfully and are learning to describe what they have done. Next steps include using new vocabulary when talking about their work."

Exploring: example comments

Examples

• "[Student] is exploring early literacy and numeracy concepts with teacher guidance. They know some letter sounds and can count to 5 with support. Short daily activities, such as sharing a picture book and counting steps, will build their confidence."
• "[Student] is exploring how drawing and marks carry meaning and is starting to label their pictures with the first sound of a word. They work best with an adult nearby. Playing sound games at home will support their next steps."

Becoming Aware: example comments

Examples

• "[Student] is becoming aware of letters, numbers and classroom routines and needs significant support to take part in learning tasks. They show interest in books and counting songs. Targeted small-group activities will support their next steps."
• "[Student] is beginning to notice that print carries a message and enjoys looking at books with an adult. They need one-to-one support to follow routines and join in tasks. Regular short book-sharing sessions at home will help them settle into learning."

Writing positive Prep comments

• Describe what children do in play and routines, not just on worksheets.
• Include social and emotional growth alongside literacy and numeracy.
• Offer at least one practical activity families can do at home.