School reports can be a powerful tool to help you understand your child’s progress — but let’s be honest, they’re not always easy to decode. Between grades, comments, effort ratings, and subject-specific jargon, it can be tough to figure out what your child’s report is really saying.
Here’s a guide to help you read between the lines, identify what matters most, and support your child’s learning effectively.
🎯 Understand the Structure of the Report
Most school reports include:
- Academic grades or achievement levels (e.g., A–E, percentages, or numerical scores)
- Teacher comments outlining strengths, areas for improvement, and behavior
- Effort or work habit ratings, which may be separate from academic performance
- Comparative performance, like class averages or rankings (depending on the school)
Start by identifying what kind of grading system your child’s school uses. For example:
- A–E grading is common in primary and lower secondary school
- Percentages or marks may be used in high school subjects
- Progress scales, like “Emerging, Developing, Consolidating, Proficient, Extending,” often appear in primary reports
Manoj Arachige
📝 Understanding the Grading System: What Do A–E Actually Mean?
Grades can feel like a blunt measure of your child’s success — but when you know what they really represent, they become a useful tool for insight rather than judgment.
Many Australian schools use a five-point letter grade system (A–E), aligned with the Australian National Curriculum. Here’s what each grade actually means in terms of student achievement:
- A (Outstanding Achievement): Indicates a sophisticated, confident, and deep understanding of the subject matter. Students receiving an A are often performing well above the expected level.
- B (Strong Achievement): Shows a clear, capable, and effective understanding of the content. Students demonstrate confidence and consistency in their skills.
- C (At Standard): Reflects that the student is on track and developing appropriately. Understanding may be inconsistent at times, but the core skills are present.
- D (Partial Achievement): Suggests the student shows some understanding or can demonstrate key skills only occasionally. This might indicate missed work or gaps in learning.
- E (Limited Achievement): Points to a rudimentary or minimal grasp of the material. Students may need additional support to engage with the content successfully.
It’s important to note: grades reflect performance on assessments or tasks — not the child themselves. So rather than thinking of a child as a “C-grade student,” focus on what their work currently demonstrates and how it can improve with the right support.
🧠 Look Beyond the Grades
Effort ratings (when included) can be one of the most insightful parts of a school report. They reflect your child’s attitude, persistence, and engagement — qualities that often predict long-term academic growth better than grades alone.
Pay close attention to any mismatch between effort and achievement:
- High effort, lower grades? Your child may be trying hard but struggling with key concepts and could benefit from extra support.
- Low effort, higher grades? They may not be fully challenged or could be coasting below their potential.
Understanding this balance helps you better support your child — whether that means building study strategies, reigniting interest in a subject, or helping them extend themselves further.
If you’re unsure how something is graded, don’t hesitate to contact the school for clarification.
💬 Have a Thoughtful Conversation With Your Child
Once you’ve reviewed the report, sit down with your child in a calm, non-judgmental way. Focus on understanding rather than reacting.
Ask open-ended questions like:
- “What do you think went well this term?”
- “Was there anything you found challenging?”
- “Is there a subject you enjoyed more this time?”
- “How can I support you going forward?”
This conversation is a chance to celebrate successes, talk about challenges, and encourage self-reflection.
📈 Identify Patterns and Set Realistic Goals
Instead of focusing on isolated grades, look for patterns:
- Is your child consistently struggling in one subject?
- Are effort ratings high but academic performance lagging?
- Are there signs of disengagement or stress in teacher comments?
Use these patterns to set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) for the next term. For example:
“Improve from a C to a B in Maths by practicing weekly revision and asking for help when needed.”
🤝 Reach Out to Teachers or Support Staff
If anything in the report is unclear, or if you’re concerned about your child’s progress, don’t hesitate to contact their teacher. A short parent-teacher meeting can provide valuable context that the report alone may not capture.
Ask questions like:
- “What can we do at home to support our child’s learning?”
- “How are they participating in class?”
- “Are there any resources or support programs you’d recommend?”
Building a partnership with your child’s educators can make a big difference in their motivation and progress.
🧘 Keep Perspective and Focus on Growth
Finally, remember that one school report does not define your child’s potential. Students all develop at different paces, and challenges in one subject or one term are entirely normal.
Encourage a growth mindset — where setbacks are seen as opportunities to learn, not as failures. Help your child feel proud of their progress and committed to their personal goals, rather than overwhelmed by comparison.
✨ Final Thoughts
Reading your child’s school report shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle. With the right mindset, it becomes a valuable opportunity to celebrate growth, understand challenges, and shape a positive path forward.
And if your child needs extra support, KIS Academics tutors are here to help. Whether it’s boosting confidence in a tricky subject or developing better study habits, our expert tutors can guide your child toward their full potential.
👉 Book a free study skills consultation to learn how we can support your child on their academic journey.
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