AQA GCSE Mathematics
Explore your course, one topic at a time.
Course overview
The AQA GCSE Mathematics specification covers 13 study areas with 435 learning objectives (8300). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
- 13 study areas
- 133 study pages
- 435 learning objectives
- 393
- practice questions
- 141
- teaching notes
- 13
- topics
- 4
- explainer videos
- 20
- audio lessons
Your exams
- Written (non-calculator)Friday, 14 May 2027, AM
- Written (calculator)Thursday, 27 May 2027, AM
- Written (calculator)Monday, 14 June 2027, AM
Always confirm dates and times with your exam centre.
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: non-calculator (Foundation) | 90 min | 80 | 33.33% |
| Paper 1: non-calculator (Higher) | 90 min | 80 | 33.33% |
| Paper 2: calculator (Foundation) | 90 min | 80 | 33.33% |
| Paper 2: calculator (Higher) | 90 min | 80 | 33.33% |
| Paper 3: calculator (Foundation) | 90 min | 80 | 33.33% |
| Paper 3: calculator (Higher) | 90 min | 80 | 33.33% |
Explore your topics
13 study areas
Number3 subtopics
- Structure and calculation14 specification points covering order positive and negative integers, decimals and fractions use the symbols =, ≠, <, >, ≤, ≥, apply the four operations,…44 objectives · 14 study pages
- Fractions, decimals and percentages4 specification points covering work interchangeably with terminating decimals and their corresponding fractions (such as 3.5 and 7/2 or 0.375 and 3/8),…12 objectives · 4 study pages
- Measures and accuracy6 specification points covering use standard units of mass, length, time, money and other measures (including standard compound measures) using decimal…18 objectives · 6 study pages
Algebra4 subtopics
- Notation, vocabulary and manipulation12 specification points covering •• use and interpret algebraic notation, including: •• ab in place of a × b •• 3y in place of y + y + y and 3× y •• a² in…37 objectives · 11 study pages
- Graphs16 specification points covering work with coordinates in all four quadrants, plot graphs of equations that correspond to straight-line graphs in the…48 objectives · 15 study pages
- Solving equations and inequalities10 specification points covering solve linear equations in one unknown algebraically find approximate solutions using a graph, including those with the…30 objectives · 9 study pages
- Sequences6 specification points covering generate terms of a sequence from either a term-to-term or a position-to-term rule, recognise and use sequences of…18 objectives · 6 study pages
Ratio, proportion and rates of change1 topic
Geometry and measures3 subtopics
- Properties and constructions17 specification points covering use conventional terms and notations: points, lines, vertices, edges, planes, parallel lines, perpendicular lines, right…52 objectives · 15 study pages
- Mensuration and calculation13 specification points covering use standard units of measure and related concepts (length, area, volume/capacity, mass, time, money etc.), measure line…39 objectives · 13 study pages
- Vectors3 specification points covering describe translations as 2D vectors, apply addition and subtraction of vectors, multiplication of vectors by a scalar, and…9 objectives · 2 study pages
Probability1 topic
Statistics1 topic
About this course
About AQA GCSE Mathematics
This AQA GCSE Mathematics course equips you with essential maths skills for everyday life and further study. You'll develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts across six core areas: Number, Algebra, Ratio, proportion and rates of change, Geometry and measures, Probability and Statistics. The course emphasises problem-solving, reasoning and applying maths in real-world contexts, preparing you to think logically and analytically.
The specification is structured as a linear programme assessed entirely by examination at the end of the course. You'll work through progressively challenging content, with the option of Foundation Tier (grades 1–5) or Higher Tier (grades 4–9). The design ensures a smooth progression from Key Stage 3 and a solid foundation for A-level Maths or other post-16 pathways.
Throughout your studies, you'll engage with a variety of question types, from straightforward calculations to multi-step problems requiring interpretation and communication of solutions. The AQA approach values clarity and accessibility, making it a popular choice for students of all abilities who want to build confidence and competence in mathematics.
Assessment Structure
Assessment is 100% exam-based, with no coursework. You will sit three written papers at the end of the course, each 1 hour 30 minutes long and worth 80 marks (total 240 marks). Paper 1 is a non-calculator paper, while Papers 2 and 3 allow calculator use. Each paper contributes one third (33.3%) of your final GCSE grade. The papers contain a mix of question styles: short, single-mark questions, structured multi-step problems, and longer, open-ended tasks that test your problem-solving and reasoning skills.
Why Choose AQA?
- AQA's question papers are known for their clear language and logical layout, which helps reduce exam anxiety and allows you to show what you really know. The progression from straightforward to more demanding questions is carefully scaffolded.
- The three-paper structure, including one non-calculator paper, gives you a balanced opportunity to demonstrate both mental arithmetic and calculator skills, reflecting real-world mathematical competence.
- AQA provides extensive, high-quality support materials, including past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports, making it easier for you and your teachers to prepare effectively and target areas for improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I take Foundation or Higher Tier for AQA GCSE Maths?
How does AQA GCSE Maths compare to Edexcel?
How can I best prepare for the AQA non-calculator paper?
What are the grade boundaries like for AQA GCSE Maths?
Is there any coursework or controlled assessment in AQA GCSE Maths?
Assessment and exam guidance
Assessment Objectives
Use and apply standard techniques. Students should be able to: accurately recall facts, terminology and definitions; use and interpret notation correctly; accurately carry out routine procedures or set tasks requiring multi-step solutions.
Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically. Students should be able to: make deductions, inferences and draw conclusions from mathematical information; construct chains of reasoning to achieve a given result; interpret and communicate information accurately; present arguments and proofs; assess the validity of an argument and critically evaluate a given way of presenting information.
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; make and use connections between different parts of mathematics; interpret results in the context of the given problem; evaluate methods used and results obtained; evaluate solutions to identify how they may have been affected by assumptions made.
Exam Structure
Paper 1: non-calculator (Foundation)
1h 30m
Duration
80
Marks
33.33%
Weighting
Paper 1: non-calculator (Higher)
1h 30m
Duration
80
Marks
33.33%
Weighting
Paper 2: calculator (Foundation)
1h 30m
Duration
80
Marks
33.33%
Weighting
Paper 2: calculator (Higher)
1h 30m
Duration
80
Marks
33.33%
Weighting
Paper 3: calculator (Foundation)
1h 30m
Duration
80
Marks
33.33%
Weighting
Paper 3: calculator (Higher)
1h 30m
Duration
80
Marks
33.33%
Weighting
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Thinking −7 > −2 because 7 > 2; correction: on a number line, −7 is further left, so −7 < −2.
- •Believing 0.3 < 0.25 because 3 < 25; correction: align decimal places, 0.30 > 0.25.
- •Writing 1/4 > 1/3 because 4 > 3 in the denominators; correction: convert to decimals, 0.25 < 0.333...
- •Using < when ≤ is required for equal values, e.g. writing 5 < 5 instead of 5 ≤ 5.
- •Misaligning decimal points when adding, e.g. adding the 4 in 3.4 to the 1 in 2.15; correction: align the decimal points so the tenths are added together, writing 3.4 as 3.40.
- •Forgetting to convert mixed numbers to improper fractions before multiplying, e.g. 1½ × 2/3; correction: convert 1½ to 3/2 first.
- •Applying the wrong sign rule, e.g. (−5) × (−2) = −10; correction: the product of two negatives is positive, so (−5) × (−2) = 10.
- •Misplacing the decimal point after multiplication, e.g. 0.3 × 0.4 = 1.2; correction: 0.3 × 0.4 = 0.12.
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Convert all numbers to decimals to two or three places before ordering a mixed list.
- •Check the inequality direction by reading it as 'less than' from left to right.
- •For fractions, cross-multiply to compare quickly: a/b < c/d if ad < bc (with positive denominators).
- •Estimate the answer first to check the position of the decimal point when calculating with decimals.
- •For fractions, always simplify your final answer and convert improper fractions to mixed numbers if asked.
- •When dividing decimals, multiply both numbers by a power of ten to make the divisor an integer.
- •Underline the operation that must be done first before starting a calculation, then rewrite the expression step by step.
- •When a question asks for a reciprocal, write it as a fraction such as 1/7 or invert a fraction such as 5/8 to 8/5, and check the value is not zero.
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