Mastering Multiplication Table is KEY to maths (the building blocks for division, fractions, algebra, long multiplication, percentages etc) which is why the Government have issued the new mandate:
“every child in Britain will have to know their times tables off by heart by 11“.
In fact, a report by Ofsted, the schools watchdog, found that:
“pupils without instant recall of the multiplication table struggle in maths”.
“Many low-attaining secondary pupils struggle with instant recall of tables“.
“Lack of fluency with multiplication tables is a significant impediment to fluency with multiplication and division“.
“It is really important that children have the tools of arithmetic at their finger tips.” “Without that it is like sending a plumber out to do a job without knowing how to use a spanner“. (Jean Humphrys, Ofsted’s education director)
