1. Content Areas
The specification covers the following areas, with topics assessed across Foundation and Higher tiers:
A. Number
Integers, decimals, and fractions
Factors, multiples, and primes
Powers and roots, including indices and surds
Standard form
Percentages and ratio
Rounding, estimation, and error intervals
B. Algebra
Algebraic expressions, including expanding, factorizing, and simplifying
Solving linear, quadratic, and simultaneous equations
Inequalities and sequences
Graphs of functions, including linear, quadratic, and exponential
Algebraic manipulation, including rearranging formulas
C. Ratio, Proportion, and Rates of Change
Ratio and proportion problems
Direct and inverse proportion
Speed, distance, and time
Growth and decay problems
D. Geometry and Measures
Properties of angles, shapes, and constructions
Transformations, including reflections, rotations, and translations
Pythagoras' theorem and trigonometry
Perimeter, area, and volume
Circles, arcs, and sectors
Vectors and their applications
E. Statistics
Data representation (bar charts, pie charts, histograms, etc.)
Averages (mean, median, mode) and range
Probability, including combined events and tree diagrams
F. Probability
Simple probabilities and relative frequencies
Use of Venn diagrams, set notation, and probability trees
2. Assessment Objectives
The exams assess three key objectives:
AO1: Recall and use standard techniques (50% for Foundation, 40% for Higher)
AO2: Reason, interpret, and communicate mathematically (25% for both tiers)
AO3: Solve problems in a mathematical and non-mathematical context (25% for Foundation, 35% for Higher)
3. Assessment Structure
The GCSE Mathematics assessment consists of three papers:
Paper 1: Non-calculator
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Marks: 80
Paper 2: Calculator allowed
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Marks: 80
Paper 3: Calculator allowed
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Marks: 80
Each paper contributes 33.3% to the final grade.
Questions are a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response types.
Foundation Tier assesses grades 1–5; Higher Tier assesses grades 4–9.
4. Grade Boundaries
Grade boundaries vary each year depending on exam difficulty, but typically:
Foundation Tier: Covers grades 1–5.
Higher Tier: Covers grades 4–9 (grade 3 awarded if the performance is below grade 4).