GCSE Maths

The changes to GCSE Maths can be summarised as follows:-

1. More content to be taught with the introduction of more difficult topics.
2. More emphasis on higher-order skills of problem-solving and mathematical reasoning, with more marks being allocated in the exams to these skills.
3. The need for children to memorise formulae.
4. The increase in total examination time.
5. A new grading structure from 9 to 1, with fewer marks at the lower grades and more marks at the higher grades.

All exam boards offer a Foundation tier (grades 1 to 5) and a Higher tier (grades 4 to 9). Pupils must take three papers at the same tier. All papers must be taken in the same series.

Structure of the GCSE Maths Exam Papers

Depending on the exam board, there are either two or three exam papers. At least one of the papers will be calculator based.

A variety of question styles are present in all papers, from short, single mark to multi step problems. As the pupil progresses through each paper, the mathematical demand increases.