What Is Sparx Reader?

Sparx Reader is a powerful platform designed to remove barriers and open access to a wide range of books and texts for all students. By assessing each student's individual reading speed and ability, Sparx recommends four books tailored specifically to their level.

Sparx encourages careful, active reading by breaking texts into manageable chunks and including short multiple-choice questions to check comprehension. As students progress, Sparx continuously measures their reading speed and awards points based on their effort and understanding.

Weekly Homework Expectations

Sparx reading homework is set centrally each week, with the following structure:

• Start: Every Monday at 8:30 am

• Deadline: The following Monday

• Target: Earn 200 Sparx Reader Points (SRP) each week

• Estimated Time: Around 30 minutes of focused reading

During school holidays, deadlines are extended to the Monday students return to the Academy. Tutors check weekly completion and award positive or negative points on Class Charts.

Gold Reader Programme

Students who prefer reading their own physical books can aim to become a Gold Reader. To qualify, students must:

• Earn five gold stars, with each star awarded for reading 300 SRP above the weekly target

Once qualified, Gold Readers can choose any text to read, use the Sparx timer, and follow the instructions to evidence their careful reading and continue earning points.

Sparx Rewards

Sparx celebrates reading progress with a variety of recognition opportunities:

• Milestone Certificates awarded in rewards assemblies (led by Academic Year Leaders) at every 5,000 SRP milestone

• Reading Pin Badges awarded to top readers in each year group who reach the following milestones:

  • Bronze: 10,000 SRP

  • Silver: 25,000 SRP

  • Gold: 50,000 SRP