The Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) is a statutory assessment in schools, for children in Year 4, administered in the Summer Term. The purpose of the MTC is to determine whether pupils can recall their times tables (up to 12 x 12) fluently, which is essential for future success in mathematics. It will also help the school to identify pupils who may need additional support.

What does this involve?

The MTC is an on-screen, online check consisting of 25 times tables questions. Your child will answer 3 practice questions before moving on to the official check and will then have 6 seconds to answer each question. On average, the check should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.

The MTC has been designed to be inclusive, which means it is also accessible to children with special educational needs (SEND) or English as an additional language (EAL).

What does the check measure?

The MTC is designed to determine whether Year 4 pupils can fluently recall their times tables up to 12 x 12. It does not check related division facts.

What can I do to help?

In terms of preparing pupils for the on-screen nature of the MTC, the school will have access to a ‘try it out’ area. We will be able to use this to familiarise pupils with the check and try out any access arrangements that may be required.

We also have similar programmes that run in almost an identical way to the actual MTC test that can be accessed via the below links amongst other games and activities:

www.ttrockstars.com

www.timestables.co.uk

www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/7-11-years/multiplication-and-division

When will we receive feedback?

Children will receive a score out of 25. In June, schools will be able to view pupil results. The school will report individual results to parents or carers as part of end of year school report arrangements.

2023 - 2024

Autumn Term

Park Road Academy Year 4's Fun-filled Sports Day at Timperley Sports Club

Excitement buzzed through the air as Year 4 students from Park Road Academy embarked on their adventure to Timperley Sports Club. With overcast skies overhead, they were in for a day of sports and smiles.

Upon arrival, they were welcomed by enthusiastic sports leaders from BTH Secondary School, ready to introduce them to the world of sports.

Lacrosse, Cricket, and Hockey - The children eagerly rotated through these stations, learning the ropes of each sport. Lacrosse sticks in hand, they practiced passing and dribbling. Cricket bats swung, and balls were bowled with precision. Hockey sticks tapped and swirled on the field, with teamwork taking center stage.

Team Games - The day's excitement reached its peak during team games. Relay races had everyone engaged and cheering each other on. The sports leaders' guidance inspired teamwork.

Amidst laughter and cheers, Year 4 students discovered their passion for sports and the joy of working together. As the sun set on their trip, they left with tired bodies but hearts full of newfound skills.

Summer Term

Why is North America so special?

Our North American geography cycle started with a great ignition this term as the children 'Americanised' their house teams and took part in some typically North American sports - basketball and baseball!

Athletics - Jumping

The children in Year 4 have been practicing in Physical Education based on jumping in athletics. The lessons have focused on teaching the children how to accurately perform a standing long jump and use a scissor kick technique to complete a triple jump. The children were given instructions on how to properly position their body and how to generate enough power to jump farther. They practiced their techniques repeatedly, and the teacher and other pupils provided feedback and encouragement to help them improve their performance. The children enjoyed the lesson and were thrilled to see the progress they made throughout the class.

King Charles Coronation Celebration

The children in Year 4 had a wonderful enrichment day at school, celebrating the King's Coronation. They spent the day engaging in various activities and creating a small book filled with poems and things they wanted to include in a time capsule. The highlight of the day was an afternoon celebration picnic and play outside, where the children enjoyed the sunny weather and spent time with their friends.

Roman Britain Art Day

Our class recently had an exciting Roman Art day with artist and historian Tony North! Throughout the day, the children explored the fascinating world of ancient Roman art and culture, building a Roman town and creating metallic Roman art such as coins. With Tony's guidance the class even planned their own Roman town. It was a fantastic opportunity for the children to engage with history and art in a fun and interactive way, and they all had a wonderful time! We're grateful to Tony for sharing his expertise with us and making the day so memorable.

Spring Term

We are delighted to share with you the incredible learning that Year 4 children have accomplished this term. They have engaged in a range of exciting topics and explored different subject areas with enthusiasm.

In Science, they have studied the digestive system and participated in a food tasting experiment to learn how food moves through the digestive tract. This hands-on experience helped the children understand the importance of a healthy diet and how the digestive system works.

In PE, they have honed their skills in tag rugby and demonstrated exceptional teamwork and sportsmanship. The children have shown impressive progress in their physical abilities and have had fun while doing so.

In English, the children have explored the art of storytelling and have written captivating narratives that demonstrate their creative flair and their command of language. They have demonstrated excellent communication skills and have impressed us with their imaginative ideas.

Furthermore in science, they have learned about the states of matter, focusing on the freezing and melting of water. They have explored the concepts of evaporation and condensation and have used scientific vocabulary to describe their observations.

Year 4 recently completed an art unit inspired by the artist Jen Aranyi. They studied Aranyi's mountain landscape paintings, analysing her use of colour, texture, and brush strokes. The children were then tasked with creating their own mountain landscapes inspired by Aranyi's work. They experimented with various watercolours and sketching landscapes in pencil before outlining them using pen. The final pieces were stunning, with each student putting their own unique spin on the mountain landscape theme.

Overall, the Year 4 children have shown great dedication to their learning, and we are immensely proud of their achievements. They have demonstrated a strong work ethic and have eagerly embraced new challenges. We look forward to seeing them continue to flourish as they progress through their academic journey.

Learning Together Morning

A wonderful morning with the Year 4 parents for our learning together morning! Lots of activities including circuit building with electrical equipment, playing Ancient Greek Monopoly, creating an Ancient Greek Parthenon, battling against the parents in a Times Table Rockstar battle and estimating the electrical use across the world. What a busy morning!

Autumn Term

We are delighted to share the amazing learning that Year 4 children have accomplished this Autumn term. They have engaged in a range of exciting topics and explored different subject areas with enthusiasm.

In Science, the children have studied electricity and have worked with circuits to create simple electrical systems. This hands-on experience has helped the children understand the principles of electricity and how circuits work.

In DT, the children have researched and learned about London and Manchester, and have built their own landmarks using art straws. They have demonstrated excellent creativity and attention to detail, resulting in some stunning models of iconic buildings.

In Geography, they have identified plants and animals in different habitats, and have had the opportunity to meet some insects and other creepy crawlies up close. This experience has sparked their curiosity and led to some engaging discussions about the natural world.

In English, the children have written setting descriptions based on the Pandora Forest in the film Avatar. They have demonstrated excellent descriptive skills and have used figurative language to create vivid images in the reader's mind.

In Maths, they have learned about perimeter and have used measuring utensils to measure the perimeter of the field and MUGA in the playground. This has helped them understand the concept of perimeter and its practical applications in real life situations.

Overall, the Year 4 children have shown great dedication and engagement with their learning this Autumn term, and we are immensely proud of their achievements. They have demonstrated a positive attitude towards their work and have eagerly embraced new challenges. We are confident that their enthusiasm and hard work will continue to fuel their academic journey, and we are excited to see what the future holds for them.

Greek Warfare Day with Tony North

 Today the children enjoyed a day creating and learning all about Greek Warfare as part of our introduction to the Ancient Greek civilisation as part of our History cycle. The children worked alongside author and historian Tony North of TimeTrips.co.uk. The children learnt all about the Ancient Greek army and the role of a hoplite, an ancient Greek soldier. The class then built replicas of the armour that Ancient Greek hoplites would have worn - shields and helmets! This all before a reenactment of the Battle of Marathon between the Athenians and the Persians. What a day!