TimesTables

The 2014 National Curriculum states that:

"By the end of year 4, pupils should have memorised their multiplication tables up to and including the 12 multiplication table and show precision and fluency in their work."

And that:

"Pupils should be taught to recall multiplication and division facts for multiplication tables up to 12 × 12."

The purpose of the multiplication tables check (MTC) is to determine whether year 4 pupils can fluently recall multiplication tables in accordance with the above objectives. However, it will only assess the instant recall of multiplication facts – division facts will not be tested in the check.

National Curriculum expectations for each year group:

• Year 1 - Count in multiples of 2, 5 and 10. Recall and use doubles of all numbers to 10 and corresponding halves.
• Year 2 - Recall and use multiplication and division facts for the 2, 5 and 10 multiplication tables.
• Year 3 - Recall and use multiplication and division facts for the 3, 4 and 8 multiplication tables.
• Year 4 - Recall multiplication and division facts for multiplication tables up to 12 x 12.
• Year 5 - Revision of all times tables and division facts up to 12 x 12.
• Year 6 - Revision of all times tables and division facts up to 12 x 12.

When will the multiplication tables check be introduced and who will take it?

The MTC will be introduced in June 2020 (2019/20 academic year) subject to the approval of parliament. This means that children currently in year 3 who are registered at maintained schools, special schools or academies (including free schools) in England will be taking the test as a statutory requirement. However, if schools should wish to trial the MTC, it will be available as a voluntary check in the 2018/19 academic year.

Schools will be able to access the check during a three-week window in June, during which time they can choose when they administer the check.

How will the multiplication tables check be delivered?

Schools will need to have a secure and reliable internet connection and access to computers or tablets in order to be able to administer the test, as the MTC will be delivered as an "online, on-screen digital assessment".

Under standard administration (this hinting at the fact that some children may be allowed extra time), the check will take each pupil less than five minutes to complete.

What will the multiplication tables check look like?

• There will be 25 questions worth one mark each. The questions will be in no particular order.
• Every question will follow the same format and will require the same type of response e.g. 4 x 8 = 32
• Children will have a maximum of six seconds to answer each question – this is based on research undertaken by the Standards and Testing Agency (STA). There will be a three-second pause before the next question is displayed.
• The emphasis will be on the "6, 7, 8, 9 and 12 multiplication tables", with two to four questions in every test taken from each of the 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12 multiplication tables, meaning that between 18 and 22 questions will focus on KS2 content.
• There will be no question reversals in any test. For example, "3 × 8 would not appear in the same form as 8 × 3".
• Children will be randomly assigned a test. The system will provide a range of tests, equal in difficulty, but with different questions in different orders. No test should have more than 30 per cent of the same questions as another test.
• Children will be able to access a "practice area" in the run up to the test window in June. This is so children can become familiar with the format of the test.