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07/02/25

It's NSPCC Number Day today, and it's their 25th anniversary, too! So, what year did they start? 2000? or 2001?#wearevalleypark#numbersday pic.twitter.com/PgJeMz1LSv— Valley Park School () February 7, 2025

07/02/25

House Points update...#wearevalleypark#ambition pic.twitter.com/3POIt4GJRx— Valley Park School () February 7, 2025

05/02/25

It's Year 9 Options Evening tomorrow (Thursday 6 Feb). The schedule for arrival is included in the accompanying picture. #optionsevening pic.twitter.com/rVhqp6VoJs— Valley Park School () February 5, 2025

04/02/25

Tired of dull weekends? Want to try something exciting and meet a whole new group of people? Why not try a taster session at Leeds and Kingswood Explorers? pic.twitter.com/sS0TaJLly7— Valley Park School () February 4, 2025

03/02/25

The week ahead: It's Children’s Mental Health Week. On Tues, Year 9 & 11 have immunisations; Year 7 visits Herstmonceux Observatory. On Wed, there's a trip to the Marlowe Theatre for Dear Evan Hanson. Thurs is Year 9 Options Evening (5.30pm - 8pm) pic.twitter.com/4NYIIvNRSH— Valley Park School () February 3, 2025

03/02/25

Our second hand uniform shop (SHUSH) will be open for business on Year 9 Options Evening, which takes place on Thursday 6 February at 5.30pm to 8pm. pic.twitter.com/f9Y1f1A7MQ— Valley Park School () February 3, 2025

02/02/25

Candlemas is a Christian festival that commemorates a young Jesus being presented at the temple for the first time. It was also the day when the year’s supply of candles was brought to the church to be blessed.#religiousfestivalscalendar pic.twitter.com/bqdfhz5q7k— Valley Park School () February 2, 2025

01/02/25

Imbolc, (immolk), is a pagan celebration symbolizing the transition from winter to spring, marking increased daylight. It honors Brigid, the goddess of inspiration, creativity, healing, and poetry. Historically, it was a time to reaffirm life and prepare for the harvest. pic.twitter.com/BG1gEfnZtF— Valley Park School () February 1, 2025

31/01/25

House Points update...#wearevalleypark#ambition pic.twitter.com/0qseq5RLNA— Valley Park School () January 31, 2025

31/01/25

We need good condition donations for our Second Hand Uniform Shop! For more information, please visit the Uniform page on our website.#wearevalleypark#SHUSH pic.twitter.com/3lZgJryXoE— Valley Park School () January 31, 2025

31/01/25

We have some more Sixth Form Open Morning Tours coming up on Wednesday February 12 and Friday February 14 at 8.45am. Visit our website to book a place: https://t.co/58lYerhh35 pic.twitter.com/I2SAloIU6n— Valley Park School () January 31, 2025

30/01/25

A gentle reminder to those of you who have received an invitation to Year 9 Options Evening, but who have not yet responded. Please could you complete the online form to confirm or decline your attendance? https://t.co/l6uCwAkTKh pic.twitter.com/XMo4RuuuKr— Valley Park School () January 30, 2025

30/01/25

A free Well-Being conference, run by , is taking place at Valley Park School on Thursday 13 February 2025 between 2pm and 6pm. Book your tickets at https://t.co/aynD862pZq pic.twitter.com/UTFe8geS92— Valley Park School () January 30, 2025

29/01/25

pic.twitter.com/CH3QpW1L5a— Valley Park School () January 29, 2025

29/01/25

This celebration of the new year on the lunisolar Calendar is one of the most important holidays in many cultures. It is a largely secular holiday but includes cultural rituals that derive from Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, as well as from ancient myths and folk traditions. pic.twitter.com/4uYPjiwOAI— Valley Park School () January 29, 2025

28/01/25

pic.twitter.com/l6hjeCu1Mn— Valley Park School () January 28, 2025

27/01/25

pic.twitter.com/E2xbvQZ5vH— Valley Park School () January 27, 2025

26/01/25

There are many reasons why a student might struggle with attendance at school. Valley Park has a dedicated team to help & support you. To speak to someone, contact us by phone or email & a member of the attendance team will get back to you. pic.twitter.com/8RDVQlqCNR— Valley Park School () January 26, 2025

24/01/25

Mrs Austin took her year 12 Performing Arts students on a trip to university and they took part in a workshop leading to a performance of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Students had the best day! https://t.co/wLtGt8JDh6 pic.twitter.com/fPRvBmYhBt— Valley Park School () January 24, 2025

24/01/25

The Immunisation Service will visit the school soon for TdIPV and MenACWY vaccinations for Year 9, with catch-up for Years 10 & 11. Consent or decline by the deadline via https://t.co/547b1JMlbN or call 0300 123 5205 with questions. pic.twitter.com/5xD6amRBBG— Valley Park School () January 24, 2025

20/01/25

Art scholars enjoyed a workshop with a Chinese New Year theme on Friday. These pieces will be displayed at the newly adopted Maidstone East railway station, highlighting our students' talent to the community! pic.twitter.com/rK4qth0aMN— Valley Park School () January 20, 2025

20/01/25

TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE for the Valley Park Music Showcase, featuring Sixth Form musicians. Year 13 students are performing for their exam "Rehearsal Skills and Live Performance" and would be delighted if you attended to support them. pic.twitter.com/xNGd0cf9aV— Valley Park School () January 20, 2025

20/01/25

Keira & Max placed third among 900 entries in a national STEM competition after winning the regional heat. Their determination and teamwork made them excellent ambassadors for Valley Park School, showcasing ambition, respect, and kindness. https://t.co/4BlVDFIa3T pic.twitter.com/KOce2aXQmc— Valley Park School () January 20, 2025

19/01/25

If a student’s attendance at the end of Term 2 was below 90% this means that they have missed at least 6 days or 30 hours of learning across the school year.#everylessoncounts pic.twitter.com/uCcogI9UyY— Valley Park School () January 19, 2025

16/01/25

Tickets will soon be available for the Valley Park Music Showcase, featuring Sixth Form musicians. Year 13 students are performing for their exam "Rehearsal Skills and Live Performance" and would be delighted if you attended to support them. pic.twitter.com/ABrwAKlC3P— Valley Park School () January 16, 2025

Accelerated Reader

 

A Parent’s Guide to Accelerated Reader

What is Accelerated Reader?

Accelerated Reader is a computer program that helps teachers manage and monitor children’s independent reading practice. Your child picks a book at their own level and reads it at their own pace. When finished, your child takes a short quiz on the computer. Passing the quiz is an indication that your child has understood what has been read.

Teachers may assist pupils by:

  • Guiding them to books appropriate to their ability and interest;
  • Asking probing questions as your child reads and before quizzing;
  • Pairing your child with others, Reading with or reading to your child.

How can I help my child become a better reader?

As with anything, performance improves with practice. According to Renaissance Learning's research, children who read at least 20 minutes a day with a 90% comprehension rate on AR quizzes see the greatest gains. Encourage your child to read at home, discuss books, ask questions about what they have read and visit your local library.

What is the STAR Reading test?

STAR Reading is used to determine your child’s reading level. It is a computer-based reading assessment programme which uses computer adaptive technology. Questions are continually adjusted to your child’s responses. If the child’s response is correct, the difficulty level is increased. If the child cannot answer a question or answers incorrectly, the difficulty level is reduced. The test uses multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 20 minutes.

What is a Book Level?

Book Levels are reported using the ATOS readability formula and represent the difficulty of the text. The levels range from 0.2-13.5. Text chosen based on the ZPD range recommended for each student by STAR Reading.

What is a Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)?

ZPD is the range of books that will challenge the child without causing frustration or loss of motivation. Your child will receive a ZPD reading range after taking the STAR Reading test. It is important for children to read with a higher degree of comprehension and within ZPD. 

What are Points?

Every book that has an AR Reading practice quiz is given a points value. AR points are based on the length of the book (number of words). Students earn a percentage of points according to how well they pass the quiz.

What is Interest Level?

The interest level indicates for which age group a book is appropriate, based on the content and themes. These are recommendations only and teachers and parents must use their best judgement when guiding students.

Book examples

The examples above have a book level of 4.0 since both have short sentences and vocabulary that is simple. However, Noughts and Crosses is intended for older students, while The Enormous Crocodile is intended for younger students.

How can I find further information?

Visit AR Book Finder to conduct a search of all the books available with AR quizzes.