Times Table Challenge

The new National Curriculum from 2014 states in regards to Maths:

• By the end of Year 2, pupils should be able to count in steps of 2, 3, and 5 from 0, and in tens from any number, forwards and backwards

• By the end of Year 2, pupils should be able to recall and use multiplication and division facts for the 2, 5 and 10 multiplication tables, including recognising odd and even numbers

• By the end of Year 4, pupils should be able to recall multiplication and division facts for multiplication tables up to 12×12

• Each year, starting from June 2020 there will be a statutory online multiplication check for Y4 children

This means it is important for the children to learn their times tables facts and to be able to recall them quickly and accurately.

In order to raise the profile of learning times tables through the school, we have a ‘Whole School Times Table Challenge’ award system, to ensure continuity across the school and to encourage the children to learn their times tables facts and to be able to recall them quickly and accurately. The challenge focuses on rewarding children when they are proficient in a number of times tables.

The children need to learn their tables (multiplication and division facts and missing digit questions) to achieve the following awards

• Merit – Counting in 2’s, 5’sand 10’s (forwards and backwards)

• Bronze – 2, 5 and 10 times tables

• Silver – 3, 4, and 8 times tables

• Gold – 6, 7, 9, 11 and 12 times tables

• Platinum – all tables mixed

• Titanium – 100 mixed questions (very challenging, have a go!)

To achieve the awards the children will complete a weekly 3 minute timed test and answer all of the questions correctly on three separate occasions.

Below are some examples of the weekly timed written tests.

Bronze Test 1 _2_5__10

Silver Award 2 – 3_4_and_8

Gold Award 3 – 6, 7_9_11 and_12

Platinum Award 2 all

Titanium Award_100_mixed_questions

Why Learn Times Tables?

Knowing the times tables is essential for moving on easily to most other things in mathematics including division, fractions, decimals, percentages and algebra. Children who know their times table facts will be able to answer questions more quickly and be able to focus on using other strategies in more complex problems rather than being slowed down by the multiplication.

Here at Canon Popham, we would like all children to succeed at the Times Table Challenge!  Your child will continue to work within school to learn their times tables but we would also like children to be encouraged to practise them at home. Below you’ll find links to websites that have fun ways of practising times tables as well as supporting your child’s learning.

Learn your multiplication tables