Dear GA Families

I am writing regarding the changes to the online maths homework that year 7 & 8 students complete at Gloucester Academy to help them climb their own personal mountain to the best universities and professions.

Sparx Maths

At Gloucester Academy we know the impact that high quality homework has on student outcomes. This is why we only invest in the very best online homework platforms. Our year 7 & 8 students all get set online maths homework on Sparx Maths, an award-winning online Maths website. The aim of Sparx is to provide a top-quality home learning platform for all students and to help students not only become better mathematicians but more independent learners.

Changes

Students will have work set on Sparx each Wednesday at 4pm, they have one week to complete this work. If a student has not made a start on their Sparx work by 8am the following Wednesday students will be required to attend a compulsory support session that same day from 3.05pm to 3.35pm where they will get a chance to complete their work.

The Sparx work for one week should take one hour to complete. Students need to bring in their Sparx booklets every Wednesday for teachers to check their work.

Completing Sparx tasks will consist of the following parts:

• Watch the whole video before completing the task
• Make notes in their Sparx booklet, with at least two fully worked examples written down
• Complete the quiz, showing full working out in their booklet, writing down the book code as they go along.

​​​​​​​Rewards

Students who complete their Sparx homework to the highest standard will be rewarded for their excellent work. Each week we will announce the “Sparx Superstars” for that week and give out prizes to these students in each year group. However, the ultimate reward of doing Sparx maths is becoming a more independent learner and better mathematician!

Compulsory Support Sessions

If a student does not complete the work to an acceptable standard they will need to attend a compulsory support session after school that same day. These will run from 3.05pm to 3.35pm and students will be given Chromebooks to complete the homework that they missed.

We have a fantastic array of extra homework support available to ensure students succeed; GA Prep starts at 7.15am where students can use Chromebooks to complete their online homework, as well as homework support happening every lunch time, both with teacher supervision.

Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions at all please contact me using the email jwatson@gloucesteracademy.co.uk

Yours faithfully

Mr J Watson

Acting Head of Mathematics