GCSE Maths Test Paper 3 (calculator) Making up the remaining 33⅓% of the overall GCSE maths assessment, this paper is once again marked out of 80 and lasts 90 minutes. Students are allowed to use a calculator with this paper.

There are three separate exam boards that provide papers for both calculator and non-calculator papers for GCSE Maths….The topics that are broadly covered between the three exam boards include:

• Algebra.
• Geometry and Measures.
• Numbers.
• Probability.
• Ratio, proportions, rates of change.
• Statistics.

How do I access all the Edexcel past papers? Simply click on the view resource button for the subject and level you want and you will be able to visit the dedicated landing page for those types of Edexcel past papers.

For the Mathematics exam, a score of 206 gets you a 9, 171 an 8, 136 a 7, 105 a 6, 74 a high pass 5, and 43 a standard pass 4. Mathematics foundation tier is marked out of a total 130 marks.

This grade is important since it forms the official “pass” of the GCSE qualification. This will most likely be attributable to a 68 – 85% in the Foundation Tier examinations or 23%+ in the Higher Tier examinations.

Is it easier to get a 5 in foundation or higher maths? The higher paper gives grades from 3 – 9, and includes difficult questions. The foundation paper only has easier questions, but the max grade awarded is a 5, and you’d need a much higher proportion of correct answers for that 5 than if you sat higher.

Previously the highest grade on the foundation tier was a C. In the new GCSEs, the highest grade on the foundation tier is a 5, a grade which spans the top of a C and the bottom of a B. The overlap grades –those available on both tiers – are 5, 4 and 3.

However, a 4 is being classified as a standard pass, which can be broadly compared to a grade C, while a 5 is a strong pass. Grades 9-7 are roughly equivalent to the old top grades of A* and A.

Foundation tier papers will see a greater focus on the Number topic compared to the Higher, while the Higher tier will see a greater focus on Algebra. With harder maths to learn. You won’t be able to get the top grades (9, 8, 7, 6) with foundation maths.

Even where Foundation Level Maths is acceptable as a matriculation requirement, points are not awarded for it. Foundation Level Maths is acceptable as a subject for entry for a broad range of third-level courses, particularly in the institute of technology sector, subject to certain specifications.

Foundation tier papers will see a greater focus on the number topic compared to the higher, while the higher tier will see a greater focus on algebra.

For those less familiar with the detail of GCSE maths, there are two tiers: foundation and higher. Each tier is targeted at a range of the new numerical grades: 9 to 4 on the higher tier (with a ‘safety net’ grade 3 for students scoring a small number of marks below grade 4), and 5 to 1 on the foundation tier.

Getting a 9 in GCSE Maths is a higher grade than an A* was, as it is meant to differentiate the very top achieving pupils. If you’re aiming for a Grade 9 then you may need to look further afield for resources to help you excel in your ‘weak’ areas, as you’ll still be doing better in these areas than most pupils.

Under sweeping reforms in England, traditional A* to G grades have been replaced with a 9 to 1 system, with 9 the highest mark. In general, a grade 7-9 is roughly equivalent to A-A* under the old system, while a grade 4 and above is roughly equivalent to a C and above.

Entry level qualifications are equivalent to studying at Foundation Diploma level. A Level 1 qualification is equivalent to GCSE grade D-G level. A Level 2 qualification is equivalent to GCSE grade A*-C level. A Level 3 qualification is equivalent to A Level. A Level 8 qualification is equivalent to Doctorate level.