This article explains how to manage the end of your current academic year and prepare for the new academic year in Sparx Maths.
End of year preparations
About class sync pausing
About class sync pausing
For most of the academic year, we'll automatically sync changes from your school's MIS overnight, but we pause these automatic updates towards the end of each academic year because:
Many schools start adding next year's classes into their MIS before the end of the academic year
Year 11 lesson timetables end, even though they are revising for GCSEs
If we were to sync these changes to Sparx this could result in current classes and students being removed too early
We'll show you a notification in your Sparx Maths site when we pause the sync.
If you want to sync changes in your MIS across to Sparx Maths during this period, you'll need to run a manual sync as described in our Adding classes and students article.
The automatic sync will resume once your school resets for the new academic year.
Please be aware that if you run a manual sync towards the end of the academic year and significant changes have been made in your MIS (for example, next year's classes have been set up and this year's classes have been removed), these will be reflected in Sparx Maths which may not be your intention.
Pay careful attention to your sync preview before completing the sync.
If next year's classes have been set up in your MIS and you want to start using them now, please contact us using the 'Help & Support' option in your Sparx Maths site as there are some things we'll need to change for you.
Guidance in product for getting ready for the new year
Guidance in product for getting ready for the new year
90 days before the end of the academic year (typically 31st August for UK schools), we will begin showing messaging in product encouraging you to begin preparing for the new academic year.
From here you can access the New Year setup steps to get begin completing steps for the new year ahead of September, including creating schemes of learning, adding holiday dates and reviewing your staff/key contacts.
Setting up for the new academic year
About reset mode
About reset mode
When you reach your academic year end date in Sparx Maths (for most UK schools, this is 31st August), your site will move into reset mode. During this time:
No new homework can be set
Students can still complete outstanding work
Previous homework data remains accessible
Download any data that you want to keep
Download any data that you want to keep
Download any reports in the Reporting area relating to the academic year that has ended, including XP Reports in the Student Rewards section, and the Student Activity Report in the Downloadable Reports section.
Important: these will not be available after you reset your site, and we will not be able to recover this data after reset.
Follow the steps in your Sparx Maths site
Follow the steps in your Sparx Maths site
Once your school has entered reset mode, you'll see a message on your dashboard advising you that you need to set your school up for the new school year
Click on the reset mode message in your site to go to your school's new school year setup page, which will guide you through the following steps:
Manage staff & key contacts
Add Holiday dates for the new academic year
Copy or create schemes of learning for the new year
Manage parent email settings
Review login settings with Google/Microsoft
Reset your Sparx Maths site
Import your student data for the new year
Schedule homework
Class setup ahead of first homework
Class setup ahead of first homework
Once you import your new classes, you will need to complete some setup steps before students start receiving homework. This includes assigning a teacher(s) and a scheme of learning for the class to follow.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my classes not ready to import for the new year?
Why are my classes not ready to import for the new year?
When your school's MIS administrator adds students to the school timetable, and assigns them their classes, there will be a 'go live' date recorded in your MIS. This date is normally the first day of classes when students return.
Until this date, your student data will not be available to Sparx Maths, so it won't be able to show your students. Try importing your classes and students again once your MIS is ready.
Do students need new login credentials for the new year?
Do students need new login credentials for the new year?
No, existing students can continue using their current login details. New students will be able to set up their accounts once their details are imported.
Will teachers and students lose access during the reset?
Will teachers and students lose access during the reset?
Teachers maintain full access to Sparx during the reset period. Once you reset your site, students will temporarily lose access until their new class has been added.
How do I copy a previously used Scheme of Learning into the new year?
How do I copy a previously used Scheme of Learning into the new year?
There are two options:
Before resetting, you can copy your current SoLs into the next academic year
After resetting, you can find your SoLs from the previous year in the Archive tab. You can then copy these into the current year.
Will I lose access to my data during reset mode?
Will I lose access to my data during reset mode?
No, once your site enters reset mode on the 31st August, your site will be held in an interim state, which keeps all information in tact. You can download reports, check hand in and more. Once you choose to press the reset button during September, then your site will be refreshed and previous academic year data will no longer be available.
What happens to a student's progress and settings when we reset for the new year?
What happens to a student's progress and settings when we reset for the new year?
Students will not lose any progress. They will keep all their XP from the previous year, and they will keep the same homework settings (including difficulty level and personalisation).
Why is my site locked?
Why is my site locked?
If you have not subscribed for the new academic year, your site will be in a locked state until you subscribe. All data is preserved and students can still access their homework during this time