Maths at Bourton Primary:
At Bourton Primary, the EYFS children develop their mathematical understanding through investigating, exploring, talking, problem-solving and most importantly ‘doing’. In Reception, adults create a continuous learning environment that encourages children to notice, explore and apply mathematical ideas throughout their play and everyday experiences. Alongside this, carefully planned adult-led experiences provide opportunities to explicitly teach and develop key mathematical concepts, language and skills, building a strong foundation for future mathematical learning.
Throughout KS1 and KS2, our mathematics teaching builds upon the strong foundations developed in the EYFS. We incorporate a mastery approach, providing children with rich opportunities to develop conceptual understanding through practical experiences, carefully chosen resources and representations that are appropriately matched to their stage of learning. This enables children to develop fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills, while building confidence and making connections between mathematical concepts.
Year 4 Multiplication tables check (MTC)
Having secure knowledge of times tables is crucial to children’s success in mathematics. Times tables are the building blocks for many areas of Maths and developing rapid recall helps children to access more complex mathematical concepts with greater confidence.
Here are some ways that secure times table knowledge benefits your child:
- Build confidence and fluency: Rapid recall helps children work confidently with numbers without relying on counting strategies.
- Support wider Maths: Times tables are essential for many areas of maths including multiplication, division, fractions, ratio and percentages.
- Reduce cognitive load: Knowing multiplication facts allows children to focus on new methods and mathematical concepts rather than working out basic facts.
- Improve accuracy and efficiency: Quick recall helps children complete calculations more accurately and efficiently, building confidence and independence.
What is the Year 4 Multiplication check?
The Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) is an annual statutory check in England that assesses children’s fluency in recalling multiplication facts. Children are expected to know their multiplication and division facts up to 12 × 12 by the end of Year 4, in line with the National Curriculum. The DfE introduced the check as part of its focus on developing secure numeracy skills and ensuring children have the mathematical knowledge they need for secondary school and beyond. The purpose of the MTC is to assess whether Year 4 pupils can recall their multiplication tables fluently, accurately and quickly, without needing to work out each answer. The pupils results will be included in their end of year report.
How can I help my child prepare for the MTC?
Times tables are best learnt through regular, short bursts of practice. At Bourton on-the-water Academy, we use Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS) to support children in developing secure multiplication and division facts. The interactive platform makes practising times tables fun and engaging, allowing children to challenge themselves and compete against their friends and teachers.
The ‘Sound Check’ area has been specifically designed to help children prepare for the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check and develop their fluency and speed.
Please click the link below to access the Times Tables Rock Stars pupil login area:
Numbots
Numbots and Times Table Rock Stars (TTRs) are regular homework tasks that will allow children to develop automaticity around counting, number facts and the times tables.
Numbots 
NumBots is an online game. Playing little and often will significantly improve your child’s recall and understanding of number bonds, as well as addition and subtraction facts. These skills form critical foundations in mathematics.
Game Types
Story Mode
This mode focuses on learning the ideas and concepts behind addition and subtraction. It includes more diagrams, shapes, and varied question styles.
Challenge Mode
This mode focuses on the speed of recall of key facts, such as number bonds to 10, doubling small numbers, and adding or subtracting mentally.
Children are given logins from Reception. The programme is predominantly used in Years 1 and 2, although it can be accessed from Reception to Year 6.
Children in Reception to Years 2 will receive certificates, which are presented during Friday’s Start of the week Assemblies. Certificates are awarded for completed levels.
To play, log on to numbots.com or download the app.
For more information, please refer to the parent guide below.
Times Table Rock Stars (TTRs)
Times table Rock Stars 
When it comes to times tables, speed and accuracy are essential. Times Table Rock Stars (TTRS) is a fun and challenging programme designed to help children master their times tables.
Times tables are explicitly taught in school and children are encouraged to practise at home using a range of methods, including games, songs, chants and TTRS.
All children from Year 2 (Spring term onwards) are given a login for the website by their class teacher. If your child has difficulty logging in, please speak to their class teacher.
Children in Years 3, 4, 5, and 6 can compete to win weekly certificates, which are presented during Friday’s Star of the week Assemblies. Certificates are awarded for change in Rock status and Gone Green.
Game Types
Jamming
This is the only game mode without a timer, players chose the table and operation they want to practise.
Gig
Gigs last 5 minutes and contain up to 100 questions, which come in 'waves', starting with 10s, then 2s, 5s, 3s, 4s, 8s, 6s, 7s, 9s, 11s and 12s. These are to be completed once a month in school.
Garage
Players are given a personalised set of 6 multiplication questions in each round. This is probably the best game made for improving their recall while still learning.
Studio
Here players earn their Rock Status, which is based on their studio speed, this is based on an average of their most recent 10 studio games.
Soundcheck
This game is the most like the Year 4 Multiplication Check (MTC), it gives players 25 questions, allowing 6 second for each question.
In Year 4, children complete the National Multiplication Check (MTC). This involves answering 25 multiplication questions, up to 12 × 12. Children have 6 seconds to answer each question. The results are reported to the Department for Education. However, there is no pass mark for the children.
To play, visit ttrockstars.com or download the app.
For more information, please refer to the parent guide below.