An effective understanding and recall of times tables is the foundation of most of the mathematics pupils 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. Pupils 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 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 to help solve decimal multiplication and division, e.g. 12x12= 144 so 12x1.2=14.4

Timetable Rockstars

As a school we have a subscription to Timetable Rockstars which is an online programme to practise the recall of times table facts. The games online have helped to 'improve the speed for hundreds of thousands of pupils in over 14,000 schools worldwide'.

Using this app helps children to engage in a fun way with their times table learning. Children can quickly see their own improvements with their speed and accuracy in answering the questions. They are rewarded for their efforts.  It is also a great tool to help prepare for the year 4 times table test. 

To log into Timetable Rockstars, click on the link below.