Literacy (Sparx Reader)

Building a Lifelong Love of Reading

At KTC, we believe that being a confident reader is the greatest gift we can give our students. It is the master key that unlocks every subject in the curriculum and opens doors to a world of imagination and opportunity. Our KS3 Universal Literacy Offer is designed to ensure that every student in Years 7, 8, and 9 has the support, the time, and the very best books to thrive.

Why Reading Matters So Much

Reading is about far more than just exams. When students read regularly, they build a richer vocabulary, improve their empathy, and develop the focus they need for a busy world. We want our students to move beyond just finishing a book and instead discover the genuine joy of getting lost in a story. By dedicating time to reading each week, they aren't just doing homework, they are growing their minds and building a habit that will serve them for a lifetime.

Sparx Reader Website

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.

How It Works 

Each week, students in Years 7, 8 and 9 are set a personalised reading goal on the Sparx platform. To complete their homework, students need to earn 200 Sparx Reader Points (SRP). This typically takes about 30- 45 minutes of focused, careful reading.

As students read their chosen book, the platform will occasionally ask comprehension questions. These aren't "tests," but rather a way to check for understanding and ensure students are reading at a pace that helps them progress. To celebrate their hard work, House Points are awarded for every successfully completed week!

How Do Students Log In?

Students should first select their school in the drop-down menu and then log in with Google. These are the same login details they use for both Sparx Reader and Sparx Maths.

Weekly Homework Expectations

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

  • Start: Every Thursday
  • Deadline: The Following Thursday
  • 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 Thursday when students return to the Academy. Tutors check weekly completion and award positive or negative points on Class Charts.

Sparx Homework Expectations Poster

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 are awarded in rewards assemblies (led by SLT) for Most Sparx Reader Points.
  • Reading Pin Badges are 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

Sparx Reader Homework Club

The English Department are running a 30-minute Sparx Reader Homework Club every Monday and Thursday after school. This club is designed to support students in completing their English homework before the deadline every Thursday. If your child is struggling to complete their homework independently, this club will be the primary support system they are directed to.

  • Every Monday - 3:05pm to 3:35pm in Room H4
  • Every Thursday - 3:05pm to 3:35pm in Room H1

How Parents Can Help

You do not need to be an expert in English to support your child. You can make a significant difference by:

  1. Checking Progress: Ask your child to show you their ‘Hand-In’ page once a week to confirm they have reached 100%. You can also set up parental emails to inform you when homework is due and when it has not been started so your child does not miss a deadline.
  2. Setting a Routine: Encouraging a small amount of work on these platforms a few times a week helps prevent a last-minute rush and aids long-term memory.
  3. Positive Encouragement: Remind them that Sparx is designed to be personalised to their level, making it challenging but always achievable with effort.

Parents’ Guide to Sparx Reader