Exeter EdTech company Sparx scoops prestigious award for its approach to maths learning

Sparx, the Exeter-based socially focused learning technology company has been named ‘Supplier of the Year’ at this year’s Education Resources Awards (ERA’s) for its innovative approach to maths learning and its focus on evidence-based technologies.

The ERA’s reward quality educational resources and aim to raise the standard of services and products by highlighting excellence in the industry. This year, due to the coronavirus outbreak, the winners were announced at a virtual awards ceremony on 27 March 2020.

An expert panel of judges selected Sparx as the winner in the ‘Supplier of the Year’ category for its innovative maths learning platform, Sparx Maths. With over 38,000 handwritten questions, supported by more than 9,000 tutorial videos, Sparx Maths creates individualised learning pathways for students, based on their individual needs. This is underpinned by an adaptive, artificial intelligence (AI) technology platform that gives secondary school students personalised learning to aid progress and cuts teacher workload. Its evidence-based approach has seen homework completion rates soar; in one case from under 20% to over 95%. Using Sparx Maths for four hours a week, on average, helps increase students’ predicted GCSE result by one GCSE grade.

Sparx has spent over nine years researching, investigating and reimagining the way maths is taught and learnt in schools. Its long-term collaboration and development work with schools, combined with the experience of its team of educators, means it understands the challenges faced by schools, teachers and students. At last years’ ERA’s, Sparx and the Ted Wragg Trust was awarded the Education Resource Award in the category of ‘Collaboration between School and Supplier’ for its collaborative approach.

Dan Sandhu, CEO of Sparx commented: “One of the main challenges facing the UK is innumeracy. At Sparx we use our understanding of teaching and learning maths, combined with technology, to make a real difference. Our learning technologies are evidence-based, and we are proud of the research-rich culture that ensures everything we do is focused on positive impact. As a result, Sparx Maths is delivering real results for students around the world. Being recognised as ‘Supplier of the Year is testament not only to our technology but to our supportive, collaborative approach, underpinned by research, evidence and impact. This approach will continue despite the unprecedented times we find ourselves in. During the current Coronavirus crisis, we’re offering all secondary schools free access to Sparx Maths Virtual Classroom to help them plan, deliver and monitor lessons remotely. It is available for any school, across the world and is designed to help students, teachers and parents continue maths teaching and learning while schools remain closed.”

Rupert Greeves, Director of Maths at Education South West, a Multi-Academy Trust using Sparx Maths added: “We use Sparx Maths to support maths learning both in the classroom and through homework. The quality of Sparx’ content is excellent and sets high expectations of students while supporting them with access to detailed videos and tutorials. In addition to this, Sparx’ approach to research and evidence has provided us with the insight we need to ensure it is delivering real impact. We have also been impressed with the level of care and support Sparx offers us. We are delighted to have access to this resource, which not only helps our students to achieve more but also helps teachers provide tailored, individual support where it is most needed.”