The GCSE Maths syllabus, in brief, is as follows:
The exam has two levels; Foundation tier – grades 1 to 5 and Higher tier – grades 4 to 9. Students have to appear for three GCSE maths papers in the same tier
Breakdown of the GCSE Maths Syllabus Following are the GCSE maths topics and the explanation of each section of the syllabus
Number This section deals with the main mathematical operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. In addition, the student must know the following:
Ordering of rational numbers Multiple Highest LCF – Least Common Factor Prime numbers Prime factors\
Algebra The student is expected to know the different symbols and notations used in GCSE algebra. The student must be able to distinguish between
Equation Formula Identity Expression
The student is also expected to be adept in:
Multiplication of two linear expressions Factorisation of quadratic expressions Simplification of rational expressions Simultaneous equations Parallel lines, equation of the straight line, plotting of the graph that corresponds to the straight-line equations Reflection, enlargement, rotation Direct and indirect proportions Graphs of loci and cubic functions
Geometry and Measures The GCSE Geometry section deals with shapes of various kinds including:
Angles Lines – perpendicular and parallel Triangles Polygons.
The student is expected to be able to calculate the sums of external and internal angles of polygons and quadrilaterals. The Pythagoras theorem in 2D and 3D is also part of the syllabus. Vectors are also included, and the student must know how to perform various operations such as difference, scalar multiplication, etc. on vectors. Measures refer to the interpretation of scale drawings and maps. The student must be able to explain the effects of enlargement of area, volume and perimeter of solid shapes.
Probability The student must demonstrate an ability to differentiate between even, equally likely and unlikely chances, as well as impossible events. The student will also be tested estimates, measures of probability, relative frequency and theoretical models. Probabilities of successive events such as tossing a coin or throwing dice are also covered.
Statistics Students will be expected to understand and demonstrate the use of the following concepts from GCSE statistics:
Bias, sample size and their relation to problems and conclusions Design of questionnaires and surveys with a clear understanding of population and sample size Design of data collection sheets Extraction of data from lists and tables Designing of tables for grouped and discrete data Charts, diagrams, histograms, etc. Mean, median, mode, range, etc.
GCSE Assessment Objectives This refers to the way in which students will be assessed in their GCSE Maths papers. The Assessment Objectives (AOs) are set by Ofqual - Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation – and are thus standardised across all exam boards.
They are as follows:
AO1: Use and apply standard techniques Students should be able to:
Accurately recall facts, terminology and definitions: This means students should have learnt the meaning and definitions of various mathematical terms Use and interpret notation correctly: This means the student must correctly use mathematical notations Accurately carry out routine procedures or set tasks requiring multi-step solutions: When answers have to be solved in multiple steps, students should be able to logically follow the steps and demonstrate them to achieve the final result.
AO2: Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically Students should be able to:
Make deductions, inferences and draw conclusions from mathematical information: This refers to the student’s ability to correctly deduce information from mathematical data provided Construct chains of reasoning to achieve a given result: Related to the last point in AO1, this objective means that students should be able to logically create the chains of steps to achieve the result Interpret and communicate information accurately: The student must be able to understand the problem and convey the solution clearly and accurately Present arguments and proofs: Solutions must show the steps used to achieve the result and these steps must be logical Assess the validity of an argument and critically evaluate a given way of presenting information: The student is expected to examine arguments presented in the paper and evaluate them.
AO3: Solve problems within mathematics and in other contexts Students should be able to:
Translate problems in mathematical or non-mathematical contexts into a process or a series of mathematical processes: It is important to note that the mathematical exam does use data from other streams. The student must be able to interpret non-mathematical data using mathematical principles Make and use connections between different parts of mathematics: The student must understand the different branches of mathematics sufficiently well to be able to connect them to solve a given problem Interpret results in the context of the given problem Evaluate methods used and results obtained: The student must demonstrate an understanding of the means by which results are obtained Evaluate solutions to identify how they may have been affected by assumptions made.
Join 4M+ learners. Unlock unlimited quizzes, wrong-answer tracking, flashcards + reminders, study guides, and 1-on-1 challenges.