Master Foundation & Higher Tier Maths for AQA, Edexcel & OCR
Welcome to the CramVault GCSE Maths Revision Hub. Mathematics is a core compulsory subject taken by all GCSE students in the UK. Whether you are aiming for a Grade 4 pass on Foundation tier or striving for a Grade 9 on Higher tier, our topic-by-topic revision guides break down key formulae, methods, and worked examples step-by-step.
Master Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, Compound Interest, HCF/LCM, Ratio, Direct & Inverse Proportion, Standard Form, and Surds.
Expanding & Factorising, Linear & Quadratic Equations, Simultaneous Equations, Inequalities, Sequences, Functions, and Transformations.
Angles, Perimeter, Area, Volume, Pythagoras, SOH CAH TOA, Sine/Cosine Rule, Circle Theorems, and Column Vectors & Proofs.
Mean, Median, Mode, Range, Histograms, Cumulative Frequency, Box Plots, Tree Diagrams, Venn Diagrams, and Conditional Probability.
Essential exam formulae sheet, command words ("Show that", "Work out"), Non-Calculator tricks, and tier strategies.
GCSE Mathematics in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland is assessed through three written papers taken during May and June of Year 11. The core content is structured across six mathematical domains defined by the Department for Education: Number, Algebra, Ratio & Proportion, Geometry & Measures, Probability, and Statistics.
| Topic Area | Foundation Tier Weighting | Higher Tier Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Number | 25% | 15% |
| Algebra | 20% | 30% |
| Ratio, Proportion & Rates of Change | 25% | 20% |
| Geometry & Measures | 15% | 20% |
| Probability & Statistics | 15% | 15% |
Notice how Foundation Tier heavily prioritises Number and Ratio (50% combined), whereas Higher Tier focuses heavily on Algebra (30%) and Geometry (20%). Tailor your revision strategy to match your specific tier!
While all three exam boards test the same national curriculum topics, their exam styles differ subtly:
Top examiners recommend pairing formula notes with targeted practice workbooks and an approved GCSE scientific calculator:
Clear study notes, warm-up questions, and realistic exam-style practice questions covering all 3 papers.
The UK's most recommended scientific calculator for GCSE Paper 2 & 3. Features high-res natural textbook display and solar dual power.
There are 3 papers in GCSE Maths for all major exam boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). Each paper lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes and carries equal weighting (80 marks per paper, 240 marks total). Paper 1 is Non-Calculator, while Papers 2 and 3 allow a scientific calculator.
Foundation tier awards grades 1 to 5 (with grade 4 as a standard pass and grade 5 as a strong pass). Higher tier awards grades 4 to 9. Higher tier includes advanced topics like surds, quadratic formula, circle theorems, algebraic fraction equations, vector proofs, and 3D trigonometry.
You can use any standard scientific calculator that does not have symbolic algebra manipulation, computer algebra system (CAS), or wireless communication capabilities. Popular recommended models include the Casio fx-83GT CW, fx-85GT CW, or fx-991CW.
To get a Grade 4 (standard pass) on Foundation tier, students typically need around 50–55% overall. On Higher tier, the boundary for a Grade 4 is much lower, often around 15–20% depending on exam board grade boundaries for that year.
