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High-quality homework can make a huge difference to students' achievement. This is why for core subjects we've invested in Sparx Reader (due on Tuesdays), Sparx Maths (due on Wednesdays), and Sparx Science (due on Thursdays) – powerful online platforms that apply the principles of cognitive science to help students learn and remember essential knowledge. 
Our expectation is that students always achieve 100% in their Sparx homework. For Sparx Reader, this involves reading an engaging book of their choice for about 40 minutes and periodically answering questions to confirm they've been paying attention. Skim reading is not effective as students will get the questions wrong and may become frustrated, so please support your child to read carefully. If possible, consider asking them to read aloud to you. 
With Sparx Maths and Sparx Science, students need to answer questions and keep retrying them until they are all correct, aided by lots of support materials such as videos and worked examples. Modern technology means it's always possible to get "unstuck" and reach 100% completion. Students should use their exercise book or spare paper to write their working and bookwork codes. 
We're very pleased to issue Q-Points when students fully complete their Sparx homework. This is done centrally to ensure we're consistent in rewarding students' hard work. When students do not complete their homework, they should expect behaviour points from their class teacher. Please set your child up for success by checking they have completed their homework the day before it is due. We set Sparx Reader for Years 7-10, and Sparx Maths and Science for Years 7-11. 
We also continue to set purposeful homework in other subjects, and students can find their assignments recorded on Teams. Positive Start to the Year in MathsAs we settle into the new academic year, we are delighted to share some positive developments from our mathematics department. We have had a truly encouraging start, with students demonstrating remarkable dedication and enthusiasm in their studies. The commitment to learning and the effort put forth by our students have been exemplary, and it is heartening to witness such a positive attitude. 
We encourage parents to sign up to receive feedback from our mini-tests, if you have not already done so. You should have received a personalised email with instructions on how to sign up. This feedback will include details about how your child performs on each assessment, along with suggestions for areas of improvement, as you can see below. This is a valuable tool to help support your child's learning journey and we encourage you to take advantage of it. 
This year, we are placing a greater emphasis on incorporating reasoning and problem-solving questions into lessons. This approach is designed to challenge students further and enhance their critical thinking skills. We are pleased that students have adapted exceptionally well to these types of questions, embracing the challenges with determination and resilience. Thank you for your continued support and collaboration. Together, we can ensure a successful and enriching year for all our students. – Mr Machin 
Exciting Educational Adventures in ComputingAs we wave goodbye to our Year 11 students from last year, we now say hello to our new Year 10 students who are starting their GCSEs. Our Creative iMedia and Computer Science students have kicked off their two-year courses with incredible enthusiasm and dedication. Creative iMedia students have been looking at different audience needs and planning documentation, and Computer Science students have been exploring the intriguing realm of programming theory. 
Not all computing lessons involve working on the computer, as demonstrated this week with Year 8 students learning about binary and hexadecimal number bases. Computers principally use binary to represent everything including text, images, and sound. 
While Year 8 are learning about how data is stored, Year 12 have been looking at how computers themselves are put together. As part of this week's lessons they have taken apart some older computers, identified each component, and put them all back together correctly. – Mrs Y Smith 
Mr Savadogo sweeps first ZAFTA of the year!This week saw the return of the ZAFTA Awards – our weekly recognition for a teacher who shows exemplary commitment to high-quality teaching practice. Winners host Zog for the week, our teaching and learning mascot! Our new year of celebrating great teaching got off to a flying start last week as Mr Savadogo in the French Department took the prize. The first winner of the year wowed Zog with his commitment to in-the-moment feedback for his classes. – Mr Mills 
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