Online Learning
Remote education provision: Information for parents/carers
Our blended learning plan has been made with our learners and their families in mind.
Learner email access guide is available here - subject specific work will be sent to learners via Google Classroom.
Blended Learning is a style of education in which young people learn via electronic and online media as well as traditional face-to-face teaching. At the end of August 2020 the Government announced, 'every school must have a Blended Learning plan in place'. This was mainly due to Covid19 but remains in place to support learners who can access remote learning when they are away from the classroom, for any reason, so they do not fall behind. If your child is unwell we would advise them to rest and get better.
We encourage families to contact school and to discuss the best options for their child. We can support with devices if needed. You will be contacted by school on a first day absence so please discuss with school your options, particularly should the absence be lengthy and your child is able to access work.
When learning online, learners should:
- Check Google Classroom
- Interact patiently and respectfully in accordance with the school behaviour policy and the BFL guidelines
Sparx Reader
Sparx Reader is a reading, comprehension and vocabulary programme that gets all young people reading regularly to help improve their Literacy.
Year 7, 8 and 9 learners are set homework each week on Sparx Reader. Learners are set the task of reading a book of their choice on the platform each week. They need to collect 200 SRP per week to complete their homework. This equates to around 20 minutes of slow, concise and accurate reading per week. SRP points, or Sparx Reader Points are awarded to students for completing their homework. This is how we track their learners' progress and engagement.
Once learners have completed a placement test, the ‘library’ on Sparx Reader will open and they can select a book to read for homework. As learners read, they will be asked some comprehension questions to check their understanding and to ensure they are completing their homework weekly. Tasks are personalised based on each learner's reading ability so that every young person can be successful with their reading. The books that a learner can choose from are carefully chosen so that the text is accessible yet suitably challenging.
Do learners read whole books?
Yes, they read whole e-books on the platform, not just short excerpts. Each story has been carefully broken up into passages, and at the end of a passage, a learner will be asked a few questions about that part of the story. When they complete the questions, they will move onto the next part of the book.
Does it have a range of books suitable for all reading ages?
We have e-books from a Sparx Level 1, which is roughly equivalent to a reading age of just over 6 up to 16+ which includes classic literature such as Wuthering Heights. Gold readers can read any paperback book from their school library - some books require teacher validation before they can be read. There are enough books so that learners at every level always have a choice of books to read. Learners identified as Gold Readers will record their reading onto the platform themselves as a record of their personal reading.
At what level are learners allowed to read books of their own choice?
Learners who are new to Sparx Reader will be given a selection of carefully selected e-books which they can work through over several weeks. This allows us to understand whether they are able to read carefully and are motivated to independently finish a book. Those that demonstrate they can do this will then be able to add their own books to the system. We do not use learners' level or reading age to decide when to unlock this feature, meaning weaker readers will be able to add their own books if they are reading carefully and are motivated to complete books independently. Similarly, if stronger readers cannot demonstrate that they can read the e-books carefully and remain motivated to complete books, they will continue to only have access to the Sparx Reader e-books.
How do I log in?
Learners should first select their school in the drop down menu and then enter their login details. These are the same login details they use for Sparx Maths. If a learner forgets their password, they can request a password change from their teacher directly.