The Comments module enables schools to create a database of standardised or personalised comments for learner reports. These comments can be applied broadly (for an entire term or grade) or specifically (for individual learners or subjects). Once the comment database has been established in the Curriculum module, the comments are linked to learners in the Learners module.

My School > System: Curriculum > Databases: Set up Comments

Purpose of the function

• Standardise feedback: Create a library of professional comments to ensure consistency across reports.

• Automate personalisation: Use “Special Markers” (tags) to automatically adjust gender pronouns and names.

• Streamline administration: Apply a single comment simultaneously to an entire grade or subject group.

• Bilingual support: Manage and translate comments in both English and Afrikaans.

How do I set up comments?

Step 1: Comment categories and tabs

The interface is divided into seven tabs. Select the tab that matches the scope of your comment:

Step 2: Creating a new comment

1. Select the relevant tab and click Add New.

2. Category: Select from General, Positive, Negative or Old Comments.

3. Comment code: This is generated by the system and cannot be edited.

4. Content: Enter the comment in the Afrikaans and English blocks. Use “Translate to English” for a Google Translate draft, or “Copy to English” to duplicate the text to the English field.

5. Special Markers (Tags): Use markers in brackets to make comments dynamic. Example: [Nickname]'s marks have improved. I am proud of [him/her]. The system will render this as “Piet's marks have improved. I am proud of him.” for a male learner.

6. Click Save.

Step 3: Managing and editing comments

• Filtering: Use the Status filter to view All, Active, Inactive or Deleted comments.

• Editing: Double-click on any existing comment to edit the text or change the linked subject/task.

• Status changes: Change the Status field to Inactive (Orange) or Deleted (Red) to remove them from the active list without losing the data record.

• Search: Use the Filter block to search for comments with keywords.

Step 4: Activating comments on reports

Creating a comment does not automatically print it. Activate the display in the template as follows:

1. Navigate to My School > Curriculum > Databases: Report Template.

2. Select your template and click Edit selected template.

3. Go to the Comments tab.

4. Mark the Print educator comments checkbox and configure your display preferences.

Step 5: Link comments to learners

• Navigate to My School > Learners > Learner Marks: Capture Comments.

• Click the question mark icon to view the manual on how to link these comments.

Frequently asked questions

Why are my comments not printing on the report?

Comments only print if the “Comments” tab in the Report Template is configured and the Print educator comments checkbox is marked. Also ensure the comment is linked to the learner via Learner Marks: Capture Comments.

Can I change a comment code after it has been created?

No. Comment codes are fixed once created. They serve as the database anchor for linking comments to learners — changing them would break existing links on historical reports.

How do I link a comment to a specific learner?

Navigate to My School > Learners > Learner Marks: Capture Comments and link the comment from the comment database to the relevant learner.

How do I use markers to make a comment read differently for boys and girls?

Use “Special Markers” such as [him/her] or [Nickname] in the comment text. The system automatically replaces these markers based on the learner's gender and name when the report is generated.