Could I use the Form as a template for a term-long reflective practice assessment? Will it be private to the student? (ePortfolio)

The form response will be private to the student unless they share it with you. Another option is to use single use Discussions (learn about using Discussions for private 'blogging' here https://www.ul.ie/brightspace/articles/creating-private-student-blogs-in-brightspace-using-discussions)