This article explains how to effectively onboard students and how they experience Sparx Maths, including key features that support their learning journey. Understanding the student perspective will help you better support your student's success with Sparx Maths.
The onboarding process
When students first log into Sparx, they'll see an 'Introducing Sparx Maths' task consisting of three sections:
Step 1: 'About Sparx Maths': A brief introductory video (1:35 mins) explaining how Sparx works
Step 2: 'Try some questions': Sample KS2-level questions to familiarise students with navigation and answering questions
Step 3: 'Sparx Maths Tips': Optional video with tips for success (40 secs)
Students must complete Step 1 before they can access any other content, including their compulsory homework. We recommend that you give students the opportunity to complete all three steps to ensure that all students understand why they're using Sparx Maths and how it works. Completing all three steps typically takes 10-15 minutes and earns students 100 XP.
Optional: data privacy information to share with students
Optional: data privacy information to share with students
This video explains to students what data we collect about them, how we use it, and why.
Using the Student Demo feature
Using the Student Demo feature
Teachers are able to experience Sparx for themselves by using our Student Demo feature. Through this, we provide a demo homework package, showcasing a variety of KS3 and GCSE content, with a range of different question and answer types. You will also have access to Independent Learning.
To use this:
Go to Management > Student demo
Progress is saved on these for up to 24 hours, after which it is reset, allowing you to use this as many times as you like, whether it be for introducing Sparx to new students/classes, showcasing at parents evening, or just exploring the app for your own interest and knowledge.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check if my students have completed their onboarding?
How can I check if my students have completed their onboarding?
You can see students' onboarding status on the Student Manager page under 'Details'.
Not started - student has not completed any of the steps
In progress - student has completed step 1 but not 2 or 3
Complete - student has completed all 3 steps
Can students redo the onboarding task?
Can students redo the onboarding task?
Yes, the Introducing Sparx Maths task will remain available at the bottom of students' list of homework if they want to review it later.
What if a student joins the school mid-year?
What if a student joins the school mid-year?
New students will see the same onboarding process when they first log in. They will be set their first homework on the next hand-out day after they've been added to the system and completed their onboarding.
Can students see homework they have previously completed?
Can students see homework they have previously completed?
Once students have completed a task in their homework or a full homework, they can't go back and look at their answer history.
Do students need access to headphones for the onboarding steps?
Do students need access to headphones for the onboarding steps?
Students will need to watch some videos during their onboarding steps. These work best with sound, but there are subtitles if students do not have access to headphones.