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Young mathematicians are continuing to rock their schoolwork at home.

Pupils at Roydon Primary Academy have spent the last year indulging in maths while having fun as part of the Times Tables Rock Stars scheme.

The programme gives children daily times tables practice to boost their recall speed.

They are encouraged to play the online app as often as possible to improve their multiplication tables knowledge.

Before the partial school closures due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the school held battle of the bands competitions where classmates competed against each other to earn points.

There have also been boys versus girls competitions, pupils versus teachers contests, live battles in assembly and the school took part in a national competition for Maths Week in November.

With schools closed to all but children of key workers, the school has had to find new ways to inspire pupils to continue their work.

Matt Girvan, maths lead, said: “Times Tables Rock Stars is continuing to run and thrive during lockdown.

“As we are not in school, I have been putting a video of me on ClassDojo – our online communication app - announcing the winners and sending certificates directly to the children.

“This week, I have started battles up again and I have also organised one or two teachers to go on and play live games against the children every day. This has been really well received and attended so far.

“It has been really important to me that children have continued to access Times Table Rock Stars during lockdown. It is crucial that the children are keeping on top of their times table knowledge. Having the opportunity to now play against their teachers and friends means it is a really enjoyable experience.

“It has been amazing to still have the opportunity to award weekly certificates to the highest scorers and the children have loved watching me announcing their names on the ClassDojo videos.”