Feature: Return of multiplication tables for young pupils in England

Generations of older people in England were drilled almost daily in their maths lessons to learn by heart their 'times' tables'.

Computers, calculators and changes in teaching methods saw an end to the tradition. But it emerged Sunday that the times tables are on the way back to schools across England, described by some social commentators as a "war on innumeracy".

The Department for Education announced Sunday plans to start a pilot scheme this summer in 80 junior schools, with around 3,000 students to be taught how to memorize their times tables. The scheme will be rolled out across the country over the following year.

Tough numeracy tests are intended to tackle the thousands of children who leave junior school aged 11 every year, without meeting the expected grade in maths. It has been estimated around 74,000 children last year progressed from junior to high school failing to meet the required level in maths.

Modern technology, though will play a part with computer training and testing giving instant results. An "on-screen check" examination will involve children completing multiplication challenges, which will be scored instantly. The Department for Education says it will be the first time on-screen technology will be used in national curriculum tests.

Previously children learned their 'twelve times' tables parrot fashion, reciting them aloud in their classrooms, twelve times twelve is 144, etc.

Britain adopted tables to the power of 12 because the country's pre-decimal money system used twelve pence to the shilling (a shilling is worth five new pence in Britain's modern currency). And things were counted by the dozen, with the imperial measures starting with twelve inches equalling one foot. Even today, eggs in Britain are sold by the dozen.

Britain's Education Secretary Nicky Morgan said Sunday that maths was a non-negotiable aspect of a good education.

"Since 2010, we've seen record numbers of 11-year-olds start high school with a good grasp of the three Rs (reading, writing and arithmetic), but some continue to struggle. 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," Morgan said.

"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 secretary said. Endit