The Year 4 MTC:
Speed vs. Panic
It happens every June. Year 4 students in Dubai's British schools face the "Multiplication Tables Check." It's not just about getting the answer right—it's about doing it before the screen goes blank.
The "Instant Recall" Trap
Most parents test their kids by asking "What is 7 times 8?" and waiting 10 seconds for the child to count on their fingers.
In the MTC, that is a fail. The child has exactly 6 seconds per question on an iPad. If they are still counting when the timer hits zero, the question disappears.
Home Practice vs. The Real Test
Why do children who "know their tables" fail the MTC? Because the environment is completely different.
| Kitchen Table Practice | The Official MTC (School) |
|---|---|
| Unlimited Time. Parent waits patiently for the answer. | 6 Seconds Per Question. Hard cut-off. No pause button. |
| Verbal. You say it, they say it. | Digital. They must read it on screen and type the answer on a keypad. |
| Ordered. "Do your 4 times table." (4, 8, 12...) | Random. 6x7, then 3x9, then 12x4. No pattern to follow. |
The Hidden Hurdles
The test is not just about math; it is about nerve and logistics.
1. The Digital Barrier
Some children know the answer (42) but struggle to find the '4' and the '2' keys on the screen quickly. If they panic and mistype, there is no "backspace" time. Typing speed is actually part of the test.
2. The "Nasty" Numbers
The test is not random. It is heavily weighted towards the 6, 7, 8, 9, and 12 times tables.
They won't get many "2 x 5" questions. They will get "12 x 8" and "7 x 9"—the ones everyone forgets.
How We Prepare Them
We don't just use flashcards. We simulate the pressure. Our tutors use "Soundcheck" software to desensitize your child to the 6-second timer.
Beat the Clock
Is your child ready for June? We offer intensive "Speed Training" sessions to ensure they hit that 6-second target every time.
Start Speed TrainingThe Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) is a statutory assessment in England. While not mandatory for the UAE Ministry of Education, many British Curriculum schools in Dubai (such as JESS, Kings', and DESS) adopt this test voluntarily to benchmark standards.