I think the CGP papers are quite similar to the exam in difficulty - I'd say around the same though I'm not entirely sure. Also, thanks
I have access to paper 1 if you would like to try it out. Message me and I'll send it then you can mark it and get a grade (I would say anything above 77 is a definitive 9).
Overall the questions that came up on the GCSE this year, iirc:
- exact values of trig combined with rationalizing the denominator
- volume of cone, frustum and similarity to find missing dimensions for volume (non-calc)
- circle theorems with regular angle postulates e.g. vertically opposite
- instantaneous gradient e.g. tangent
- combinations, probability and tree diagrams
- completing the square mixed with finding the equation from a quadratic given it passes through 2 given points
- quadratic sequences
- angles
- geometric progressions, arithmetic sequences, cosine rule mixed with 1/2 ab Sin c and area of sector (proof question)
- regular trig, area of circle etc
- ratio problem solving
- miles as a function of kilometres
- equation of tangent to circle
- expanding 3 brackets (that has 2 variables)
- more problem solving on ratios and algebra
- transformations
- simple indices/surds (i.e. simplify root 12 1/4)
- cumultive frequency
- simple inequalities, standard form, simultaneous equations
- density, speed, etc
- averages from a grouped table
- proving f(x) > 0 (f(x) = x^2 + x +1))
The last question was interesting. You can prove that function is always positive for all real x in 2 ways:
1) completing the squares gives you minimum value to be 3/4 thus always positive
2) discriminant < 0 i.e. no real roots for that function i.e. it never hits 0 or below (always above the x axis) thus always positive