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    Edexcel GCSE Mathematics

    Explore your course, one topic at a time.

    Course overview

    The PEARSON-EDEXCEL GCSE Mathematics specification covers 13 study areas with 448 learning objectives (1MA1). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    • 13 study areas
    • 122 study pages
    • 448 learning objectives
    369
    verified practice questions
    122
    verified teaching notes
    13
    topics
    11
    explainer videos
    52
    audio lessons

    Your exams

    • Paper 1 (Non-Calculator) Foundation TierFriday, 14 May 2027, AM
    • Paper 1 (Non-Calculator) Higher TierFriday, 14 May 2027, AM
    • Paper 2 (Calculator) Foundation TierThursday, 27 May 2027, AM
    • Paper 2 (Calculator) Higher TierThursday, 27 May 2027, AM
    • Paper 3 (Calculator) Foundation TierMonday, 14 June 2027, AM
    • Paper 3 (Calculator) Higher TierMonday, 14 June 2027, AM

    Always confirm dates and times with your exam centre.

    Papers on this course
    PaperTimeMarksWeight
    Paper 1 (Non-Calculator) (Foundation)90 min8033.33%
    Paper 1 (Non-Calculator) (Higher)90 min8033.33%
    Paper 2 (Calculator) (Foundation)90 min8033.33%
    Paper 2 (Calculator) (Higher)90 min8033.33%
    Paper 3 (Calculator) (Foundation)90 min8033.33%
    Paper 3 (Calculator) (Higher)90 min8033.33%

    Explore your topics

    13 study areas

    Number3 subtopics
    Algebra4 subtopics
    Ratio, proportion and rates of change1 topic
    Geometry and measures3 subtopics
    Probability1 topic
    Statistics1 topic
    About this course

    About Pearson Edexcel GCSE Mathematics

    Pearson Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (9-1) is designed to develop fluent knowledge, skills, and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts. The course covers a broad range of topics including number, algebra, ratio, proportion, geometry, measures, statistics, and probability, with a strong emphasis on problem-solving and reasoning.

    The specification is structured into two tiers: Foundation (grades 1-5) and Higher (grades 4-9), allowing students to be entered at the level most appropriate to their ability. The course is linear, with all assessments taken at the end of the course, and it aims to prepare students for further study and the mathematical demands of everyday life and the workplace.

    Assessment Structure

    The Pearson Edexcel GCSE Mathematics qualification is assessed through three written papers, each worth 80 marks and contributing equally to the final grade (33.33% each). Paper 1 is a non-calculator paper, while Papers 2 and 3 allow the use of a calculator. Each paper is 1 hour and 30 minutes long, and the total assessment time is 4 hours and 30 minutes. There is no coursework or controlled assessment; all assessment is through external examinations taken at the end of the course.

    Why Choose Pearson Edexcel?

    • Pearson Edexcel offers a clear and accessible specification with a strong focus on problem-solving and reasoning, which helps students develop deep mathematical understanding. The exam papers are designed to be engaging and relevant, with a variety of question styles that reward both fluency and application.
    • The tiered entry system (Foundation and Higher) provides flexibility for students of all abilities, ensuring that each student is assessed at an appropriate level. Additionally, Edexcel provides extensive support resources, including past papers, mark schemes, and online tools, which are invaluable for revision and exam preparation.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between Foundation and Higher tier in Edexcel GCSE Maths?
    The Foundation tier is designed for students targeting grades 1 to 5, while the Higher tier is for those aiming for grades 4 to 9. The content is similar but the Higher tier includes more challenging topics such as advanced trigonometry, quadratic inequalities, and functions. Your teacher will advise you on which tier to enter based on your progress and target grade. It is important to choose the tier that best matches your ability to maximise your potential grade.
    How many exams are there in Edexcel GCSE Maths and are they all written?
    There are three written exam papers, each lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes. Paper 1 is a non-calculator paper, while Papers 2 and 3 allow the use of a calculator. All papers are equally weighted, each contributing 33.33% to your final grade. There is no coursework or practical assessment; your entire grade is based on these three exams.
    Can I use a calculator in all Edexcel GCSE Maths papers?
    No, you cannot use a calculator in Paper 1, which is specifically designed to test your mental arithmetic and non-calculator methods. However, you are allowed to use a calculator in Papers 2 and 3. It is essential to practice without a calculator to build confidence in arithmetic and algebraic manipulation, as well as with a calculator to handle more complex calculations efficiently.
    What is the pass mark for Edexcel GCSE Maths and how are grades awarded?
    A grade 4 is considered a 'standard pass' and a grade 5 is a 'strong pass', which are often the minimum requirements for many post-16 courses. The exact mark needed for each grade varies each year depending on exam difficulty, but typically around 50-60% of the total marks (out of 240) secures a grade 4, and 60-70% secures a grade 5. Grades are awarded based on your total marks across all three papers, and you do not need to pass each paper individually.
    Are there any formulae sheets provided in the Edexcel GCSE Maths exams?
    Yes, for the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Mathematics exams, a formulae sheet is provided in the exam room for both Foundation and Higher tiers. This sheet includes key formulas for areas, volumes, and trigonometric relationships. However, you are expected to memorise many other formulas, such as those for quadratic equations and compound interest, so it is important to revise thoroughly. The formulae sheet is also available on the Edexcel website for practice purposes.
    Assessment and exam guidance

    Assessment Objectives

    AO1
    40%-50%

    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.

    AO2
    25%-30%

    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. Where problems require students to use and apply standard techniques or independently solve problems, a proportion of those marks is attributed to the corresponding assessment objective.

    AO3
    25%-30%

    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. Where problems require students to use and apply standard techniques or to reason, interpret and communicate mathematically, a proportion of those marks is attributed to the corresponding assessment objective.

    Exam Structure

    Pearson Edexcel GCSE (1MA1)

    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

    • •Writing 0.375 as 375/100 instead of 375/1000. Correction: Count the decimal places carefully; three places means the denominator is 1000.
    • •Stopping at 375/1000 when the question asks for the simplest form. Correction: Always check if the numerator and denominator share common factors.
    • •Reading 3.5 as 3/5 rather than as three and a half (7/2). Correction: The number before the decimal point is a whole number.
    • •Dividing the denominator by the numerator, so turning 3/8 into 8 ÷ 3 = 2.666... instead of 3 ÷ 8 = 0.375. Correction: The fraction bar means divide the top by the bottom.
    • •multiplying by ten when the repeating block has two digits, so the tails do not line up and nothing cancels
    • •writing only the digits shown on the page rather than continuing the decimal, which hides the fact that the tails are identical
    • •leaving the answer as 45/99 when the question asks for the simplest form
    • •treating a decimal such as 0.375 as recurring and starting the algebra on it when short cancelling would finish the job

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •Learn common conversions by heart, such as 1/8 = 0.125, 1/4 = 0.25, and 3/4 = 0.75, to save time in non-calculator questions.
    • •Check a conversion by multiplying back: if you found 3/8 = 0.375, check that 0.375 × 8 = 3.
    • •When ordering a list of mixed decimals and fractions, it is usually easiest to convert everything to decimals first, order them, then write the answer using the original numbers.
    • •Write both lines one under the other with the decimal points aligned, so the subtraction is obviously exact.
    • •Test your fraction on the calculator when the paper allows one; it should reproduce the recurring digits.
    • •If the question says show that, finish with a line naming the fraction you were asked to reach rather than stopping at the algebra.
    • •Sketch a bar split into the parts and label one part; most ratio questions then read straight off the bar.
    • •Add your final shares together and compare with the total in the question as a check before moving on.

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