Blog | The Power of Multiplication Facts

Knowing times tables doesn’t only set pupils up well for future success in mathematics, but it is a skill that is called into play regularly throughout their lives. Having multiplication facts at their fingertips is a valuable building block for mathematical understanding, supporting mental calculations and helping them to solve real-life problems, for example shopping and following recipes.

“Having a secure grasp of the basics of maths, including the fluent recall of times tables, is crucial for children’s success in moving on to more complex maths.” [educationhub.blog.gov.uk]

Fluent recall of times tables builds confidence and gives pupils a sense of independence. A secure knowledge of multiplication also builds number sense. Noticing, following and predicting number patterns and seeing how numbers relate to each other helps pupils to understand how they can use their knowledge to solve problems.

The multiplication tables check (MTC) is statutory for all year 4 pupils registered at state-funded maintained schools, special schools or academies, including free schools, in England. It takes 5 minutes and the DfE stresses it is a check, not a test.

According to the DfE, ‘the purpose of the MTC is to determine whether pupils can recall their times tables fluently, which is essential for future success in mathematics.’ It is designed to help schools identify pupils who need additional support to ensure they have a secure understanding of multiplication in order to access the upper Key Stage 2 and KS3 curriculum.

Since the MTC was introduced in 2021, there has been an increase in the percentage of pupils achieving full marks:

Following the initial increase in 2023, the Minister of State for Schools, The Rt Hon Damian Hinds, stated: “mastering times tables by age nine will make sure children can tackle more complex maths later on in life as well as help them with everyday adult activities…That is why it’s so exciting that these checks show more children are learning their times tables in primary schools.”

In addition to recalling times tables fluently, it is vital that we identify and teach the connections within multiplication facts so that children can use what they know in a way that goes beyond the MTC and sets them up for future learning.

SIL advocates teaching a range of strategies, including the use of concrete apparatus and pictorial models to ensure pupils develop a deep understanding of multiplication and have the confidence to apply this knowledge flexibly.

‘It is not terrible to remember maths facts; what is terrible is sending kids away to memorise them and giving them tests on them which will set up this maths anxiety.’ 
Prof Jo Boaler, Stanford University 

Our multiplication course incorporates research from Cambridge University including:

• Times tables should be taught explicitly, using a range of methods and representations
• Digital resources have been shown to be effective in helping pupils practise times tables
• It is advisable to balance the amount of summative testing pupils experience with formative assessment
• Pupils should be assessed in a variety of different ways

SIL empowers teachers by providing a comprehensive plan to support the teaching and learning of multiplication. We break down the learning of multiplication facts into small, manageable steps and explore a number of strategies for effective and engaging learning.

Teaching Multiplication Facts: MTC and beyond starts in January 2025 - book your place or find out more at the training section of our website.