OCR GCSE maths 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).

Key features of the OCR GCSE maths specification

There are 100 marks per paper, giving OCR a large scope for awarding method marks within questions which is why it is always so important for students to show working out, especially in longer mark questions.

The OCR spec is designed to cover the core concepts of the GCSE first before more difficult topics and complex areas are then introduced further into the specification.

Mathematical formulae are provided directly in each question when relevant.

Foundation tier (grades 5 to 1)

Paper 01 – J560/01 (Calculator permitted)

 ·         100 marks

·          1 hour 30 mins

·         33⅓% of the GCSE mark

Paper 02 – J560/02 (Calculator not permitted)

 ·         100 marks

·         1 hour 30 mins

·         33⅓% of the GCSE mark

Paper 03 – J560/03 (Calculator permitted)

·         100 marks

·         1 hour 30 mins

·         33⅓% of the GCSE mark

Higher tier (grades 9 to 4)

Paper 04 – J560/04 (Calculator permitted)

 ·         100 marks

·         1 hour 30 mins

·         33⅓% of the GCSE mark

Paper 05 – J560/05 (Calculator not permitted)

 ·         100

·         1 hour 30 mins

·         33⅓% of the GCSE mark

Paper 06 – J560/06 (Calculator permitted)

·         100 marks

·         1 hour 30 mins

·         33⅓% of the GCSE mark

GCSE maths topics covered in the GCSE maths Edexcel 9-1 specification