TIMES TABLES
An effective understanding and recall of times tables is the foundation of most of the mathematics children will complete at primary school and the 2014 National Curriculum places a huge emphasis on knowing them early.
By the end of Year 4, children are now required to know and understand the times tables facts up to 12 x 12.
Learning multiplication facts is a vital part of any child’s mathematical development. Once rapid recall of multiplication facts becomes possible, a whole host of mathematical activities will seem easier. Children need to be able to recall multiplication facts in any order and also to derive associated division facts. The National Curriculum’s expectations for each year group are set out below:
Year 1 - Count forwards and backwards in steps of 2, 5 and 10.
Year 2 - Recall and use multiplication and division facts for the 2, 5 and 10 multiplication tables up to 12x in any order.
Year 3 - Recall and use multiplication and division facts for the 3, 4, and 8 multiplication tables up to 12x in any order.
Year 4 - Recall and use multiplication and division facts up to 12×12 in any order.
Year 5 and 6 - Recall and use multiplication and division facts up to 12×12 and apply knowledge
What is the Year 4 multiplication tables check?
In June 2020, all Year 4 pupils will undertake a multiplication tables check.
The multiplication tables check is an online test for pupils in Year 4. Pupils are asked to answer 25 questions on times tables from two to 12. They are given six seconds per question, with three seconds rest between each question, so the test should last less than five minutes.
Questions about the six, seven, eight, nine, and 12 times tables are likely to come up most often, as these are the hardest for most children to learn. It’s a good idea to focus on these tricky times tables with your child.
First and foremost, the check is about finding out which children are struggling with their times tables so that they can get extra support. It is not a judgement on what your child can do, but a way for the school to know how their teaching is going and to adjust their focus if needed.