Under new government plans, every child in the UK will be tested on their times tables before making the transition from primary to secondary school.
With considerable emphasis being placed on the importance of mathematics in a child’s journey through education, the government have made the decision to pilot the scheme across 80 schools.
Using 3,000 pupils in the pilot programme, those in power ultimately intend to roll out the programme on a nationwide scale by the year 2017.
According to emerging reports, primary school pupils will be expected to know their times tables up to 12x12 and will be tested on their knowledge using what is known as an on-screen check – the first of its kind in a National Curriculum test.
Commenting on the proposal, the Education Secretary, Nicky Morgan, highlights the reasoning behind the scheme and places emphasis on its importance.
While acknowledging that many students have a ‘good grasp of the three Rs’ upon their arrival to secondary school, Ms. Morgan notes that this is, unfortunately, not the case across the board.
“That is why, as part of our commitment to extend opportunity and deliver educational excellence everywhere we are introducing a new check to ensure that all pupils know their times tables by age 11," she explains.
Explaining the positive effect the programme is likely to have on children struggling with arithmetic, Ms. Morgan continues: “They will help teachers recognise those pupils at risk of falling behind and allow us to target those areas where children aren't being given a fair shot to succeed.”
The government hopes the testing process, which will see students work against the clock in multiplication challenges, will ensure certain children do not fall through the gaps when it comes to this aspect of their education.
What are your thoughts?
