Times Tables
Why are times tables so important?
Learning times tables is really important. After all, they’re the building blocks of maths, and with multiplications mastered, the children will be able to do anything!
Here are just some of the ways in which memorising tables can benefit your child:
- Most importantly, knowing their times tables will give your child confidence in their ability in Maths. We aim for all children to be able to mentally recall their times tables, moving away from counting on their fingers as they become more confident.
- Times tables can help your child to grasp other mathematical concepts, such as fractions, division, ratio and percentages to name a few. Children who do not know their times tables will not be able to access more complex procedures.
- If a child is confident with their times table skills, then this can reduce the cognitive load when learning a new method. An example of this is when learning the long multiplication method; if a child is already confident with their times tables then they can solely focus on the new skills with the method, e.g. where to carry numbers, when a place value holder is needed, estimating and checking that their answer is correct. This will not only help to ensure that their calculations are accurate, but speed up the process of learning a new method and also boost their confidence as they see that they have been successful.
Expectations for times tables for each year group:
What is the Year 4 Times Tables Test?
The Year 4 Times Tables Test, known by the government and schools as the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC), is an annual check to see if Year 4 pupils in England and Wales have a good level of times tables knowledge. Primary-school children are expected to know all their times tables up to 12x12. Under the current National Curriculum, children are supposed to know their times tables by the end of Year 4.
Multiplication Tables Information
Why has the test been put in place?
The DfE says that the check is part of a new focus on mastering numeracy, giving children the skills and knowledge they need for secondary school and beyond. The purpose of the MTC is to determine whether Y4 pupils can recall their multiplication tables fluently (being able to answer times tables questions accurately and quickly, without having to work out the answers).
What is the Year 4 times tables test’s format?
The Multiplication Tables Check is an online, on screen digital assessment meaning the children will take the test on a desktop computer, laptop or tablet (such as an iPad) at school.
The 2018 MTC Assessment Framework document below provides information about Multiplication Tables Check Assessment Framework:
The times tables test will be timed, with the entire assessment lasting approximately 5 minutes in total. The children will be set a handful of practice questions to begin with. Following the practice questions, the test itself will comprise of 25 questions; children must answer each question within 6 seconds so the whole test will take less than 5 minutes.
How will the results be reported?
Pupils' individual results will be made available to schools, and the Department for Education will report national results to track how they change over time. Schools will be required to report the results to parents or carers.
What happens if my child does not score very highly on the test?
There will be no "pass mark" (expected standard threshold) and no child will "fail" the test. Multiplication facts will be the only things tested (there will be no testing of children's knowledge of division facts or problem-solving in the check).
The DfE says the purpose of the check is to help teachers identify which children are falling behind and target areas where they’re not being given a chance to succeed.
How can I help my child?
Times tables are learnt best when learnt regularly and in short bursts. It is suggested children do 3 minutes a day to increase their fluency and recall of times table facts. At Barnwood, we use 'Times Tables Rock Stars' to help learn multiplication and division tables. This interactive tool is a fun way of learning times tables facts as well as being highly addictive!
The 'Sound Check' area of the website has been designed specifically in order to support the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check.
Please click the 'Times Tables Rock Stars' link below to take you to the pupil login area:
How is the school helping my child?
Within our Mathematics curriculum, the children will be taught the multiplication and division facts expected to be covered in their year group through small progressive steps using manipulatives and representations to help develop their concrete understanding.
Please see our Multiplication and Division Calculation Policy below which provides examples of the manipulatives and representations that will be used in each year group.
Additionally, at Barnwood, classes have timetabled access to iPads to ensure they have time to practise the recall of their times tables in school using a format similar to that used by the MTC.
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Y4 National Multiplication Check (1) | [pdf 352KB] |
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Multiplication and Division calculation policy July 2022 | [pdf 3MB] |
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2018 MTC assessment framework PDFA updated for 2022 | [pdf 386KB] |
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Multiplication table
Additional Resources
The following site provides lots of interactive maths games with quick fire questions
Children, or parents, can select the times table game they wish to play.
For many of the games, certificates can be printed to celebrate your child's times tables progress and achievements.