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Original poster

Sparx maths, how is it for you?!

90 replies

MaffsMover · 01/10/2022 15:13

DD is complaining about the new Sparx maths homework. Does anyone use it? Is it Hegarty with a deferent name? She used Hegarty before and I’m not sure why there was a change or what the difference is.

She seems to be taking hours to get to the 100 % correct answers as she finds the videos aren’t as helpful as the Hegarty ones.

Is Sparx problematic or does she just need to get used to the change?

OP posts:
AugustRose · 02/10/2022 14:55

If a child gets an individual question wrong then they get another one. This is true, they get another question using the same concept/type of question. But if they don't understand the concept just changing the numbers doesn't always help - and that's my DDs issue with it.

AugustRose · 02/10/2022 14:51

Our secondary started with Sparx last year. My year 7 DS has never used Hegarty so is finding it OK. However, my Year 11 DD much preferred Hegarty because of this 100% completion rule and worried about not being able to complete the work. There have been a couple of times when she just couldn't answer the questions and she has e-mailed the teacher but I find it causes unnecessary stress. If it isn't 100% is looks like the student hasn't completed the work despite having spent a long time trying so I don't think it reflects the effort.

It is tailored to your child's ability level and your child's personal strengths and weaknesses making it achievable for all pupils. This is sort of correct and after the firt few times of using it DD found most of the tasks a bit easier but it still puts her off doing the homework, which she never had with Hegarty. I think the supporting videos were better on Hegarty too.

steppemum · 02/10/2022 14:50

We are another who had Hegarty previously and now Sparks.

I am not sure how dd feels about the change, but some things we ahve noticed

  1. she used to be able to do Hegarty quickly, but with Sparks, somehow they keep going until you have been working fro an hour (not sure exactly how it works) which really lowers the incentive to work quickly.
  2. dd is ggod at maths, so sparks often seems ot have extension questions for her. Unfortunately she is also on the autistic spectrum, so her reaction to those is to say - BUT WE HAVEN'T DONE THIS IN CLASS. and I end up talking her through the idea that she is using same thing in new format to test her ability to apply. Good really as she wants to do A level.
It does seem to change questions according to ability. I am notsure if they are set in advance by teacher or it adjusts as you go.

But the most annoying thing is the email notifications - Jane Doe hasn't started their maths homework yet - only 3 days to go! Encourage them to start.
3 days, of course she hasn't bloody started, it is only a dealine if it is the night before!

Lougle · 02/10/2022 14:44

This is an extract of the email I received:

"How does Sparx homework work?
Sparx personalises each child's homework, creating a weekly set of questions tailored to their level of understanding and learning pace. The questions are designed to be achievable whilst offering the stretch that learners need to make progress.

Each week, topics are set by your child's maths teacher and will make up the majority of the homework questions. Questions from previous topics will also be included in the homework so that pupils can keep practising the skills they have learned.

How can I help my child with their homework?
We appreciate that you will of course want to support your child with their home learning but please try not to help them with a question until they've had a go first. It is really important that they complete their homework independently, and that questions are marked as correct. They can watch the support video if they need to. This way, Sparx can make sure your child continues to see homework that's at the right level for them.

Why does my child need to achieve 100% compulsory homework completion?
Sparx Homework is deliberately designed to help pupils really get to grips with and understand the concepts and skills they are learning by ensuring they cover the essential building blocks needed to make progress in maths. It is tailored to your child's ability level and your child's personal strengths and weaknesses making it achievable for all pupils. It is advised that pupils do their homework as early as possible, so they have the time to try themselves and seek help from their teacher if needed."

Original poster
MaffsMover · 02/10/2022 13:44

DD says everyone in her year had the same question. If a child gets an individual question wrong then they get another one. How she knows I’m not sure…
Maybe it’s too early in the term for it to be intuitive. I’ve never got involved in homework so it was a surprise to get the email telling parents to not be involved. I mean, I am involved in that she’s got a place and time to study and we will chat about it if she wants. I can’t believe I’d have anything to add to the experience anyway.

OP posts:
Lougle · 02/10/2022 11:44

Mr Hegarty sold Hegarty maths to Sparx

The theory is that Sparx maths is intuitive and adjusts the work for the child according to their ability/progress. We were sent an email asking us not to help our children with maths because it would mask their progress.

DD2 hated Hegarty, but then hated Sparx more! The videos are not as good, IMO. I also think it's ridiculous to ask children to write down an explanation for something and then ask them to check either 'I have done this' or 'I have not done this.'

NeedSleepNow · 02/10/2022 11:44

My eldest has only just started secondary and is using sparx so he has only had a few weeks' homework on it so far but he is already complaining about it!

thewalrus · 02/10/2022 11:37

Hegarty completely new to me, but my kids do Sparx and all hate it. They're lucky that maths comes easily to them, but it takes forever.

Original poster
MaffsMover · 01/10/2022 20:16

Thanks Down, it’s a shame you’ve got a similar story to DD. Although I’m glad it’s a Sparx issue and not a DD issue.

DD says the videos aren’t helpful and it’s difficult to use. Her class have also reported a few correct answers being marked incorrect, so it’s impossible to move on. I’m not sure how true that is, or if it’s a mass misunderstanding.

I wonder if it’s worth buying a Hegarty pack just to help with the Sparx homework! DD was told that Hegarty are no more as Sparx took them over but that can’t be right.

OP posts:
Downthestais · 01/10/2022 18:35

We hate Sparx here and lived Hegarty previously. The videos are less helpful and it’s much less user friendly. My daughter dreads it.
Luckily my sons school still uses Hegarty so if my daughter needs to watch a video to support, she used his login and watches Mr Hegarty instead!

piano789 · 01/10/2022 16:34

I think probably because it is weekly she gets through it a lot quicker than Hegarty and it seems easier at the moment …. although u do have to remember to write all your answers down for the checks!

Original poster
MaffsMover · 01/10/2022 15:24

Yes, it’s changed to weekly here too. Interesting that your DD prefers it. Do you know what’s improved for her?

OP posts:
Original poster
MaffsMover · 01/10/2022 15:20

Thanks Saffy.

I assumed she had to get the Hegarty 100% correct but maybe she just had to finish it.

OP posts:
piano789 · 01/10/2022 15:19

My DD’s school used hegarty and now sparx she seems to get on better with it although now it is set every week instead of every two weeks. It does take a little while. I prefer it!

SaffyWall · 01/10/2022 15:16

Sparx is Hegarty under a new name and with some new features - we got quite a long letter home from school explaining the differences.

My DS has said that with Sparx you have to get 100% in each exercise wheras with Hegarty you just had to finish the exercise. I'm not sure if that's just the way that is school have set it up though?