Why do we learn times tables?
In primary schools, times tables knowledge is vital for quick mental maths calculations and problem solving, as well as for many of the topics children learn in KS2 (division, fractions, percentages). In secondary school, good multiplication skills are a great help when starting to learn algebra, as well as chemistry, physics, biology and computing, all of which depend heavily on maths knowledge.
Is chanting enough?
Rote learning isn't enough to help children recall or apply their tables facts and a strategy-based approach is required to allow children to understand and make use of the properties of and connections within maths.
What are the expectations of each child?
EYFS focus on the development of number patterns and repeated addition.
Y1 pupils will explore 2, 5 and 10 times tables throughout the year.
Y2 pupils will be taught 2, 5, 10, with the more able also covering 3 times tables.
Y3 will continue to work on 2, 5 and 10 times tables and also 4 and 8's.
Y4 pupils should know all the times tables – they will need regular practise opportunities and should be able to mix times tables confidently.
Y5 and 6 pupils will continue to rehearse and develop their times table skills using larger numbers.
How do we teach Times Tables across school?
Our policy will share a number of ideas for the teaching of key strategies in KS1 and KS2 and provide ideas to support children in developing rapid recall of times tables through understanding the underlying structure of and relationships with multiplication.
How do we baseline children?
Using TTRS, the baseline is needed to see and compare improvement. When using the iPad the baseline simply requires playing a 'Gig' game. This issues 100 multiplication questions on the 10s, followed by 10 questions on each of the 2s, 5s, 3s, 4s, 8s, 6s, 7s and 9s and then 5 questions on the 11s and the 12s. There is a 5 minute time limit and pupils will not necessarily get round to answering all 100 questions during that time which is fine.
After the gig, pupils will be placed at the best starting point on the training course. IMPORTANT: Automatic training mode needs to be turned on for 'gig' game to appear! (Set tables>choose class>automatic training turn on)
How can we personalise Times Tables for every pupil?
Using TTRS, we select specific tables that we want the pupils to work on. We also use ‘maths on a page’ and each pupil’s ‘personalised heatmap’ for guidance on what times tables the children in our classes need to be focusing on. It is easy to ensure that all pupils are challenged through a wide variety of times tables.
We provide time for pupils to practise their focus times tables and make sure they are set them on TTRS. When pupils have selected ‘Garage’ or ‘Arena’ they are purely tested on their focus tables set by teachers. If they choose ‘Studio’ or ‘Festival’ they are focusing on random tables up to 12 x 12.
Little and often is better than a long session once a week. Alongside the use of TTRS, we understand the importance that we teach strategies to build on conceptual understanding and progressive steps can be found on the calculation policy.
After pupils have completed their baseline, they will have their own personalised heatmap. These should be analysed by the class teacher to ensure personalised times tables are set for specific groups.
Over the course of the term pupils should gain confidence in their set times tables when using the ‘garage’ feature.
On a weekly basis (especially with Y3 & Y4) pupils should take the ‘soundcheck’ assessment to evaluate their progress towards the expected standard. The ‘soundcheck’ replicates the test Y4 pupils will be taking nationally.
It is expected that children achieve a score of 20+ by the end of Y4 in order to pass the Multiplication Times Table Check
At Birdwell, we have engaged parents and encourage them to promote the use of the TTRS app explaining the importance of times tables being practised at home. Shared information about the times table check in Y4 and the sharing of heat maps for pupils to take home will allow parent to see the times tables that their children are struggling with.
We also celebrated TTRockstar day and other National TTRS competitions where we dressed up in our favourite rock outfits and celebrated those children who had been using TTRockstars at home regularly.
How do we ensure that children know more and remember more in each year group?
It is important to ensure that children get a chance to revisit times tables they have previously been taught along with their focus tables that half term.
Questions can be generated through the TTRS website and teachers can select a range of tables they would like their children to answer. This enables children to revisit and make links to previous learning and further their understanding.