Diamond Dash
In order to raise the profile of times tables within school, we have adopted a ‘Diamond Dash’ times table challenge. We believe that times tables are the foundation to mathematical knowledge and are vital to the subject.
The challenge encourages all pupils to become fluent in their times tables as they progress through school from Early Years to Year 6. There are 8 levels available and these should be taken based on each child’s ability, not their year group. Children will be encouraged to take the challenges regularly after practising their skills in school and at home.
Below is a grid showing the awards on offer, which are designed to include all children. The expectation for each award has been matched to the National Curriculum expectations.
Apart from the Topaz and Emerald levels, each test is to be timed. There will be certificates given for each level of the challenge with a special award for the Gold Challenge winners in each phase.
Diamond Dash Level | Year Group | Content Covered | Practise Tasks | Challenge | Timing |
EYFS | |||||
Pre-Topaz | EYFS | 2, 5, 10 (consecutively) | 27 questions | 27 questions | Untimed |
Topaz | EYFS & Y1 | 2, 5, 10 (consecutively) | 36 questions | 36 questions | Untimed |
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KS1 | |||||
Emerald | Y1 | 2, 5, 10 (mixed) | 36 questions | 36 questions | Untimed |
Pearl | Y2 | 2, 5, 10 (inverse) | 56 questions x 3 sheets | 56 questions | 5 minutes (5.3s/q) |
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LKS2 | |||||
Ruby | Y3 | 2, 5, 3, 4, 8 (inverse) | 80 questions x 3 sheets | 80 questions | 5 minutes (3.75s/q) |
Sapphire | Y4 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 (inverse) | 116 questions x 3 sheets | 120 questions | 6 minutes (3s/q) |
Bronze | Y4 | All up to 12 x 12 | 138 questions x 3 sheets | 138 questions | 8 minutes (3.4s/q) |
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UKS2 | |||||
Silver | Y5 | All up to 12 x 12 (square, cube numbers and roots) | 172 questions x 3 sheets | 172 questions | 7 minutes (2.4s/q) |
Gold | Y6 | All up to 12 x 12 (square, cube numbers and roots) | Three teachers on panel - Quick Fire Questions in Assembly | 20 questions | 2 minutes (6s/q) |
Quartz | Y6 | All up to 12 x 12 (square, cube numbers and roots) | 116 questions | 116 questions | 6 minutes (3.1s/q) |
Quartz Star | Y6 | All up to 12 x 12 (square, cube numbers and roots) | 172 questions x 2 sheets | 171 questions | 7 minutes (2.4s/q) |
Platinum | Y6 | All up to 12 x 12 (square, cube numbers and roots) | 172 questions | 171 questions | 7 minutes (2.4s/q) |
Strategies To Try At Home
