Introduction - GCSE Maths
GCSE Maths AQA Specification Overview
The AQA GCSE Mathematics (8300) specification is designed to develop students' mathematical capabilities, logical reasoning, and problem-solving confidence. It equips students with the functional skills required for everyday life, future education, and employment.
Our comprehensive revision hub breaks down the entire syllabus into bite-sized learning sections, interactive spec tables, and target objectives to give you a clear path to achieving your best grades.
Specification at a glance
GCSE Mathematics has a Foundation tier (grades 1–5) and a Higher tier (grades 4–9). Students must take three question papers at the same tier. All question papers must be taken in the same series.
The information in the table below is the same for both Foundation and Higher tiers.
The Subject content section shows the content that is assessed in each tier.
Subject content reference topics
- 1 Number
- 2 Algebra
- 3 Ratio, proportion and rates of change
- 4 Geometry and measures
- 5 Probability
- 6 Statistics
Paper 1: non-calculator
| What's assessed | How it's assessed | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Content from any part of the specification may be assessed | • written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes • 80 marks • non-calculator • 33⅓% of the GCSE Mathematics assessment | A mix of question styles, from short, single-mark questions to multi-step problems. The mathematical demand increases as a student progresses through the paper. |
Paper 2: calculator
| What's assessed | How it's assessed | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Content from any part of the specification may be assessed | • written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes • 80 marks • calculator allowed • 33⅓% of the GCSE Mathematics assessment | A mix of question styles, from short, single-mark questions to multi-step problems. The mathematical demand increases as a student progresses through the paper. |
Paper 3: calculator
| What's assessed | How it's assessed | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Content from any part of the specification may be assessed | • written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes • 80 marks • calculator allowed • 33⅓% of the GCSE Mathematics assessment | A mix of question styles, from short, single-mark questions to multi-step problems. The mathematical demand increases as a student progresses through the paper. |
Previous learning and prerequisites
Students are not required to have taken any particular qualifications before taking this course. Any requirements for entry to a course based on this specification are at the discretion of schools and colleges.
However, as mathematics is taught in progressively greater depth over the course of Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, GCSE outcomes may reflect or build upon subject content that is typically taught at Key Stage 3. There is no expectation that teaching of such content should be repeated during the GCSE course where it has already been taught effectively at an earlier stage.
Materials for use in the examination
For all question papers, students are expected to have mathematical instruments available for use in the exam. These instruments are defined as:
A calculator is required for use in paper 2 and paper 3 of this specification. Details of the requirements for calculators can be found in the Joint Council for General Qualifications document Instructions for conducting examinations. For GCSE Mathematics exams, calculators should have the following as a minimum requirement:
For the purposes of this specification, a 'calculator' is any electronic or mechanical device which may be used for the performance of mathematical computations. However, only those permissible in the guidance in the Instructions for conducting examinations are allowed in GCSE mathematics examinations.
Required Mathematical Instruments
- pencil (for use in diagrams only)
- ruler
- pair of compasses
- protractor
Calculator Minimum Requirements
- four rules and square
- square root
- reciprocal and power function
- brackets
- a memory facility
- appropriate exponential, trigonometric and statistical functions