Tutor’s notes / Resource Reference: C2
TUTOR’S NOTES
Writing Subject References In addition to writing academic references you may be asked to provide a subject reference for a student who you teach whilst another colleague completes the overall reference. The guidelines given in the previous resource will still be applicable. The following sample subject references are from Aimhigher Northamptonshire and can be found on their website. In each of the four sample subject references, all are around 80 words and give a good idea of the student’s approach to the subject. Although these have been written for A-Level students, these sample references still provide a useful guide to subject references. It is vital to make sure that your reference truly reflects the student’s ability, approach and progression in your subject. • In English Language lessons, Britney engages at an impressively sophisticated level with texts, ideas and manners of approach - expressing her own responses in a strongly persuasive way, but always supportively receptive to the views of others. In both oral and written work, she already displays a distinctive critical voice. She is eager to challenge assertion and has excellent independent study skills which feed evidence into the support of her own responses. She is confidently predicted an A grade for A Level. • In his Physical Education studies, Phillip is valued as a mature, sensible student with an impressive work ethic. Thoughtfully quiet, but not shy, he is constructively respectful of others’ views - yet able to articulate his own ideas in a clear and positive manner. His skills with others connect well with his abilities within teams: he is a talented all-round sportsman, and viewed as an “awesome” rugby player by the school coach. In his A Level Physical Education examinations, he is capable of a C grade this summer. • In RE, where Billy is predicted a grade D in the summer examinations, he has showed an admirable level of determination. His genuine enjoyment of the subject helped him maintain a tremendous degree of effort - and his low grade was both unfortunate and unexpected. Despite setbacks, his approach was always both diligent and motivated - and success is expected in the retakes he has organised. • Throughout John’s AS Mathematics course, in which he achieved a grade E, he displayed his typical enjoyment of a challenge and determination to succeed. Though not a naturally gifted mathematician, he showed great quality in his diligence, determination and perseverance. He was regarded as an exemplary student in a subject he found hard: enthusiastic, open to advice and keen to experiment.
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