Times Tables are at the heart of mental arithmetic, which helps form the basis of a child’s understanding and ability when working with number. Once the children have learnt the times tables and related divisions by heart, they are able to work far more confidently – and efficiently – through a wide range of more advanced calculations.
At The Leys Primary School, we believe that through a variety of interactive, visually engaging and rote learning techniques, most children can achieve the full times tables knowledge required by the end of Year 4.
It is therefore important that we approach the teaching and testing of times tables in a similar and progressive format from Year 2 to Year 6.
According to the National Curriculum 2014 the expectation of times tables in each Year Group is as follows:
Year 2: 2x, 5x, 10x
Year 3: 3x, 4x, 8x
Year 4: 6x, 7x, 9x, 11x, 12x
Year 5: All x and ÷ facts (12x12)
Year 6: All x and ÷ facts (12x12) and related language/symbols e.g. % and square root
There is now a Statutory Multiplication Times Table Check (MTC) administered to Year 4 which takes place in the summer term. The test is completed in school electronically, where any times table fact up to 12 x 12 is generated randomly. During the test, children are required to mentally recall the multiplication fact and type in the answer within a 6 second timeframe. The check takes no longer than 5 mins to answer 25 questions.
We will provide Year 4 parents with further information as the test approaches, but in the meantime, if you wish to know more, please follow the links below.
Multiplication Check Video
Information to Parents: Multiplication Check 2023
We have decided to follow a Times Table Reward System to build up the times tables in a methodical and progressive format, ensuring that facts are retained and revised.
These times table facts will be assessed through weekly tests, taken in a set time period of 5 minutes. Initially the tests contain 40 questions, extending to 60 questions closer to the end of the scheme. The pass mark for 40 questions tests is 38+ and 57+ for the later tests of 60. Once children have achieved this score, they will then progress onto the next multiplication table which follows the same sequence as that laid out by the National Curriculum. The certificates are awarded when children complete each step.
Progress of the children's weekly results are recorded and monitored. Children’s progress through the times table is shared at parent consultations.
When a child has completed their journey, they then move onto number facts for their Key Stage e.g dividing by 10, 100 and 1000 or equivalent fractions, decimal and percentages.
By working on a systematic approach to the times tables and with practice within school and at home, children will have a sound understanding and knowledge of the multiplication facts by the end of Year 4. These can then be applied to skills within calculation, reasoning and problem solving. Children will apply their understanding and knowledge of multiplication facts with more confidence, to more sophisticated multiplications e.g. 6000 x 40 etc. This should result in a greater confidence and ability in using multiplication facts and therefore raise attainment of children's work and results in weekly, termly, non-statutory and statutory testing of mathematics.
It is expected that all children from Year 2 onwards practise the times table they are currently working on in preparation for the weekly Leys Times Tables Tests which take place on Fridays.
Please note – these tests are designed totest times tables knowledge, rather than to teach it. There are many ways in which children can learn times tables - for example, playing games, quick-fire questions from an adult, chanting tables, writing the tables out and using songs, websites or apps (see suggestions at the bottom of the page). This learning needs to take place before the knowledge gained can be assessed in a test.
To support the rapid recall of multiplication facts, at The Leys we promote the use of
Times Table Rock Stars (TTRS). All children in Year 2 and beyond have been issued with a Times Table Rock Star login, which can be found in their reading diaries. Children can access the times tables which they are currently working on as well as those previously learnt.
TTRS Parent Guide
The complete set of weekly times tables is given below. If you would like to practise these at home, open the file, then download the times tables Excel document and press F9 to generate a new test and then print. In this way you can generate an unlimited number of different tests for each area of learning.
The tests are given in the following order. Remember to download the Excel document first before pressing F9 to generate a new test, and then print the page. The tests are not designed to be filled in electronically on your computer - they are to be printed out and filled in with a pencil.
Here are some great websites to help children learn their times tables: