A coverage grid is a table built from the official syllabus: one row per learning point, with columns for how confident you are and what evidence you hold. It replaces the vague feeling of “I think I’ve done that” with something you can inspect.
It follows from confirming your code and your tier and year, because the rows must come from the right document.
How is a grid built, step by step?
- Open the correct syllabus for your code, tier and year.
- List the topic headings as section titles in your grid.
- Copy the learning statements beneath each heading, or paraphrase them in your own words.
- Add four columns: confidence (1 to 3), evidence, resource used, and next action.
- Fill in confidence honestly, using the scale below.
- Write the evidence or leave it blank. A blank cell is useful information.
- Choose a next action only for rows scored 1 or 2.
A simple confidence scale:
- 1: cannot explain it without the notes
- 2: can explain it, but make errors in questions
- 3: can explain it and answer questions correctly from memory
Worked example
This is part of a filled grid. The data is invented to show the layout, not taken from any real student or syllabus page.
| Topic | Learning point (own words) | Conf. | Evidence | Resource | Next action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant nutrition | State what plants need for photosynthesis | 3 | Wrote from memory, checked | Class notes | None |
| Plant nutrition | Explain a limiting factor | 2 | Two questions, one wrong | Video | Redo with a new question |
| Particles | Compare solids, liquids, gases | 3 | Diagram from memory | Textbook | None |
| Forces | Link force, mass and acceleration | 1 | None | None yet | Read notes, try 3 questions |
Reading it: the student has two secure rows, one partly secure and one untouched. The “Next action” column turns the grid into a to-do list. Rows with blank evidence cannot be scored above 2.
The mistake to watch for
The most common mistake is scoring a row 3 after watching a video.
Mistaken entry: “Forces: confidence 3, evidence: watched a video.”
Watching shows exposure. The evidence column asks for something you produced.
The correction: score the row 1 or 2 until you have written an answer from memory and checked it. Raise it to 3 only after that. This keeps the grid honest enough to guide your revision.
Self-check
1. Why should the rows come from the syllabus and not a textbook contents page?
Show answer
The syllabus defines what your course covers. A textbook is written by an author who may add, omit or reorder content, so its contents page may not match your scope.
2. A row has confidence 3 but the evidence cell is blank. What should you do?
Show answer
Lower the score to 2 or less until you add evidence, for example by answering a question from memory and checking it.
3. Name one column that turns the grid into a plan.
Show answer
The “next action” column. It lists what to do for each row scored 1 or 2.
What next?
A grid also helps you judge lessons and videos, which is the topic of selecting a shared science lesson after scope checking. The mistake log and retest queue pairs well with it. For one-to-one help building a plan from your grid, see Combined Science tuition.