Assessment overview
Students are entered for either foundation tier (paper 01, paper 02 and paper 03) or higher tier (paper 04, paper 05 and paper 06).
Foundation tier (grades 5 to 1)
| Paper | Marks | Duration | Weighting | insert text |
Paper 01 - J560/01(Calculator permitted) | 100 | 1 hour 30 mins | 33⅓% | |
Paper 02 - J560/02(Calculator not permitted) | 100 | 1 hour 30 mins | 33⅓% | |
Paper 03 - J560/03(Calculator permitted) | 100 | 1 hour 30 mins | 33⅓% | |
Higher tier (grades 9 to 4)
| Paper | Marks | Duration | Weighting | insert text |
Paper 04 - J560/04(Calculator permitted) | 100 | 1 hour 30 mins | 33⅓% | |
Paper 05 - J560/05(Calculator not permitted) | 100 | 1 hour 30 mins | 33⅓% | |
Paper 06 - J560/06(Calculator permitted) | 100 | 1 hour 30 mins | 33⅓% | |
Key features of the specification
- 100 marks per paper, giving us a large scope for awarding more method marks within questions. This means candidates can be better rewarded for each correct step on the way towards an answer.
- A column of required content suitable for ‘initial learning’ is set out in the specification, ensuring that the basics can be established with students before moving on to more difficult areas.
- Mathematical formulae will be provided directly in each question when relevant.
Content overview
Content is arranged by topic area and applies to both tiers as detailed in the specification. Topics may be assessed on any paper.
Number operations and integers
- Calculations with integers
- Whole number theory
- Combining arithmetic operations
- Inverse operations
Fractions, decimals and percentages
- Fractions
- Decimal fractions
- Percentages
- Ordering fractions, decimals and percentages
Indices and surds
- Powers and roots
- Standard form
- Exact calculations
Approximation and estimation
- Approximation and estimation
Ratio, proportion and rates of change
- Calculations with ratio
- Direct and inverse proportion
- Discrete growth and decay
Algebra
- Algebraic expressions
- Algebraic formulae
- Algebraic equations
- Algebraic inequalities
- Language of functions
- Sequences
Graphs of equations and functions
- Graphs of equations and functions
- Straight line graphs
- Transformations of curves and their equations
- Interpreting graphs
Basic geometry
- Conventions, notation and terms
- Ruler and compass constructions
- Angles
- Properties of polygons
- Circles
- Three-dimensional shapes
Congruence and similarity
- Plane isometric transformations
- Congruence
- Plane vector geometry
- Similarity
Mensuration
- Units and measurement
- Perimeter calculations
- Area calculations
- Volume and surface area calculations
- Triangle mensuration
Probability
- Basic probability and experiments
- Combined events and probability diagrams
Statistics
- Sampling
- Interpreting and representing data
- Analysing data