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How GCSE Maths is assessed
Knowing how the exams work helps you practise the right way from the very start of Year 10.
Three papers
GCSE Mathematics (1MA1) has three papers, each 1 hour 30 minutes and 80 marks, each worth a third of the GCSE.
Paper 1: non-calculator
Paper 2: calculator allowed
Paper 3: calculator allowed
Any topic can come up on any paper.
Paper 1: non-calculator
Paper 2: calculator allowed
Paper 3: calculator allowed
Any topic can come up on any paper.
Two tiers
Foundation tier: grades 1 to 5.
Higher tier: grades 4 to 9 (grade 3 is allowed).
You sit all three papers at the same tier.
Higher tier: grades 4 to 9 (grade 3 is allowed).
You sit all three papers at the same tier.
What earns marks
The papers test three assessment objectives:
AO1: use and apply standard techniques
AO2: reason, interpret and communicate mathematically
AO3: solve problems within mathematics and in other contexts
Show your working: many marks are for the method, even if the final answer is wrong. In a "show that" question the answer is given, so the marks are all for clear steps.
AO1: use and apply standard techniques
AO2: reason, interpret and communicate mathematically
AO3: solve problems within mathematics and in other contexts
Show your working: many marks are for the method, even if the final answer is wrong. In a "show that" question the answer is given, so the marks are all for clear steps.
Foundation tier: AO1 is worth 50% and AO2 is worth 25%. What percentage is AO3?
- The three objectives add up to 100%.
- 100 − 50 − 25 = 25
Answer: 25%
Three 1 hour 30 minute papers of 80 marks; Paper 1 has no calculator. Foundation gives grades 1 to 5, Higher gives 4 to 9. Always show working: method earns marks.
Check you have got it
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