AQA GCSE Mathematics (8300): complete guide to Number, Algebra, Ratio, Geometry, Probability and Statistics and the exams

AQA GCSE Mathematics (specification 8300) is a linear course assessed by three written papers sat at the end of the course. There is no coursework. This page is the index: below is a map of the six content areas, the tier structure, the exam papers, the formulae you must learn, and how to study each area.

The six content areas

The specification is organised into six areas. Number and Algebra are the foundation that everything else builds on.

Number

Place value and standard form, the four operations, fractions, decimals and percentages, ratio and proportion, indices and surds, rounding, estimation and bounds, and factors, multiples and primes.

Algebra

Algebraic manipulation, solving linear and simultaneous equations, quadratic equations, sequences, straight line graphs, other graphs and functions, and inequalities.

Ratio, proportion and rates of change

Ratio and scale, direct and inverse proportion, percentage change and interest, and rates of change from graphs.

Geometry and measures

Angles and polygons, Pythagoras and trigonometry, area and volume, circles and arcs, transformations, vectors, and constructions and loci.

Probability

The probability scale and combined events, tree diagrams and Venn diagrams, and relative frequency and expected outcomes.

Statistics

Sampling and types of data, averages and spread, charts and graphs, and scatter graphs and correlation.

Foundation and Higher tiers

The qualification is tiered. You sit all three papers at one tier.

• Foundation tier targets grades 1 to 5 and covers core number, algebra, ratio, geometry, probability and statistics.
• Higher tier targets grades 4 to 9 and adds harder material such as surds, algebraic fractions, the quadratic formula, completing the square, the sine and cosine rules, vectors and more demanding proof.

Exam structure

AQA GCSE Mathematics is assessed by three written papers, all sat at the end of the course.

• Paper 1 - non-calculator. 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks, one third.
• Paper 2 - calculator allowed. 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks, one third.
• Paper 3 - calculator allowed. 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks, one third.

Any paper may assess content from across the whole specification, so you cannot revise paper by paper.

Formulae to memorise

AQA gives a few formulae on the paper, but most must be learned by heart, including the area and circumference of a circle, the area of a trapezium, Pythagoras theorem, the volume of a prism, speed distance and time, density mass and volume, and compound interest. Learn these early because they appear constantly.

How to study AQA Mathematics

Mathematics rewards fluent technique, clear working and accurate arithmetic.

1. Work from the specification statements. Each numbered point is a checklist; questions are written from them.
2. Master number and algebra first. They underpin every area, so weak algebra leaks marks everywhere.
3. Show full working. Method marks are secure even when a final answer slips, so set out every step.
4. Practise non-calculator skills. Paper 1 has no calculator, so drill mental and written methods separately.
5. Finish with timed past papers. Sit full papers across all three to build speed and exam stamina.

The six areas, topic by topic

Each area has specification-statement-level answer pages with worked exam questions and cross-links. Start with the area overviews: the Number overview, the Algebra overview, the Ratio, proportion and rates of change overview, the Geometry and measures overview, the Probability overview and the Statistics overview.

For the official specification

AQA publishes the full specification (8300), past papers and mark schemes at aqa.org.uk. Always revise from the current specification and AQA's own past papers, because question style is board-specific.