Sparx Reader is a reading, comprehension, and vocabulary programme designed to get all young people reading regularly and improve their literacy. It reassures teachers and parents that students are reading carefully while helping readers of all abilities feel successful and motivated.
How It Works
- Initial Reading Test: Students complete a reading test first, which determines their reading age and reading speed. This ensures that the book options are tailored to their reading ability.
- Each week, students in Years 7, 8, and 9 are set a personalised reading goal on the Sparx platform.
- To complete homework, students must earn 300 Sparx Reader Points (SRP), typically requiring 30–45 minutes of focused reading.
- SRP is adapted to each student’s reading speed, meaning weaker readers have the same likelihood of gaining points as stronger readers. By rewarding pupils for careful reading rather than speed or word count, Sparx Reader levels the playing field and ensures all students can experience success.
- As students read, the platform occasionally asks comprehension questions to check understanding. These are not tests, but a way to ensure steady progress.
Students earn ARE Points for every successfully completed week as a celebration of their effort.
Reading Experience
- Students read whole e-books, not just excerpts. Books are divided into manageable passages, with short questions after each section to check comprehension before moving on.
- The platform offers a wide range of books suitable for all reading ages—from Sparx Level 1 (reading age just over 6) to 16+ (including classics such as Wuthering Heights).
Accessibility Features
Sparx Reader includes a range of tools to support accessibility, including:
- Adjustable font size and text spacing
- Colour overlays to reduce visual stress
- Reader guides to track text
- Multiple fonts, including a dyslexia-friendly font
Supporting Your Child
- Encourage independence: Sparx Reader adapts to each student’s reading level. Avoid answering questions for them, as it may affect the system’s assessment.
- Provide a quiet space and set aside time for weekly reading homework.
- Engage in conversations about the book, characters, and plot predictions to deepen comprehension.
- You can find more resources on the dedicated parent page:
Sparx Reader - A parent's guide to Sparx Reader
Logging In
- Students first select their school from the dropdown menu.
- Then log in with their normal Google account.
- Sparx Reader can be accessed through any device.