WJEC GCSE Mathematics (3300): complete guide to Number, Algebra, Geometry and Measures, Statistics, Probability and the exams

WJEC GCSE Mathematics (specification 3300) is a linear course assessed by two written components sat at the end of the course, available to schools and colleges in Wales. There is no coursework. This page is the index: below is a map of the five content areas, the tier structure, the exam components, the formulae list, the assessment objectives, and how to study each area, with a direct link to every dot point.

The five content areas

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

Number

The structure of the number system and calculation, factors, multiples and primes, fractions, decimals and percentages, ratio and proportion, percentages and financial mathematics, indices and standard form, surds at Higher tier, and rounding, estimation and bounds.

Algebra

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

Geometry and measures

Angles and polygons, area and volume, circles and circle theorems, Pythagoras and trigonometry, transformations, constructions and loci, similarity and congruence, and vectors.

Statistics

Sampling and data, averages and spread, statistical charts and graphs, scatter graphs and correlation, and cumulative frequency and box plots.

Probability

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

The tiers

The qualification is tiered. You sit both components at one tier.

• Foundation tier targets the lower grades and covers core number, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability.
• Intermediate tier covers the middle of the grade range, extending the Foundation content.
• Higher tier targets the top grades and adds harder material such as surds, algebraic fractions, the quadratic formula, the sine and cosine rules, vectors, circle theorems, cumulative frequency, box plots and histograms.

The tier you enter caps the maximum grade available, so the choice of tier is a real decision: a lower tier secures the core grades, while Higher reaches the top grades but starts its grade range higher up.

Exam structure

WJEC GCSE Mathematics is assessed by two written components, both sat at the end of the course. Each component is 120 marks and 2 hours 15 minutes, and each is worth 50 percent of the grade, for a total of 240 marks.

• Unit 1 - non-calculator. 2 hours 15 minutes, 120 marks, 50 percent.
• Unit 2 - calculator allowed. 2 hours 15 minutes, 120 marks, 50 percent.

Each component mixes short, structured and unstructured questions, and either component can assess content from across the whole specification, so you cannot revise component by component. Many questions assess more than one topic area at once.

Assessment objectives

The same three assessment objectives apply across the full qualification.

A large share of the marks rewards AO2 and AO3, so WJEC rewards clear method, worded justification and multi-step problem solving heavily, and AO1 still depends on fluent, accurate technique.

The formulae list

WJEC prints a formulae list at the front of each component. Several entries are only needed at Higher tier, such as the sine rule, the cosine rule and the area of a triangle as $\frac{1}{2}ab\sin C$. Some formulae are still expected to be recalled, including the area of a circle $A = \pi r^2$, Pythagoras' theorem $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$ and the trigonometric ratios. You still need to know when to use each formula, so practise selecting the right tool rather than relying on the list alone.

How to study WJEC Mathematics

Mathematics rewards fluent technique, clear working and accurate arithmetic.

1. Work from the specification statements. Each statement 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, and remember AO2 and AO3 reward reasoning.
4. Practise non-calculator skills. Unit 1 has no calculator, so drill mental and written methods separately.
5. Finish with timed past papers. Sit full papers across both components to build speed and exam stamina.

Syllabus, dot point by dot point

Each area has specification-statement-level answer pages with worked exam questions and cross-links, plus an overview guide and quiz. Browse the full set at /wjec-gcse/mathematics/syllabus.

Number

• The structure of the number system and calculation
• Factors, multiples and primes
• Fractions, decimals and percentages
• Ratio and proportion
• Percentages and financial mathematics
• Indices and standard form
• Surds
• Rounding, estimation and bounds

Algebra

• Algebraic manipulation
• Solving linear equations
• Sequences
• Straight line graphs
• Inequalities
• Simultaneous equations
• Quadratic equations and graphs

Geometry and measures

• Angles and polygons
• Area and volume
• Circles and circle theorems
• Pythagoras and trigonometry
• Transformations
• Constructions and loci
• Similarity and congruence
• Vectors

Statistics

• Sampling and data
• Averages and spread
• Statistical charts and graphs
• Scatter graphs and correlation
• Cumulative frequency and box plots

Probability

• Probability basics
• Tree diagrams
• Venn diagrams and set notation
• Relative frequency and expected outcomes

For the official specification

WJEC publishes the full specification (3300), past papers and mark schemes at wjec.co.uk. Always revise from the current specification and WJEC's own past papers, because question style is board-specific.