Aiming for the top grades in GCSE maths
Make the core topics automatic first, then spend your time on the hardest topics and long problems.
1. Make the core automatic
Number, algebra and geometry basics should take you no thought at all, so your time goes on the hard questions. Use topic tests to check, and fix any gaps first.
- Number
- Algebra
- Geometry
2. Practise the hardest topics
Spend extra time on the topics that only appear on Higher papers and on the last questions of each paper.
| Topic | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Surds | Higher papers only |
| Proof | Often in the last questions |
| Functions | Joins algebra and graphs |
3. Work on long problems
The last marks on a paper often come from problems that join two or three topics. Plan the steps before you start, and write each one down so method marks are easy to give.
- Plan the steps
- Write each one down
- Check the answer makes sense
4. Review every mistake
Keep a list of the questions you got wrong and why. Redo them a week later without looking at the answer.
| Question | Why I got it wrong | Redo on |
|---|---|---|
| Q7, paper 2 | Misread the ratio | Next Friday |
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Helps with GCSE maths (AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR). AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR are trade marks of their owners. Brainlag is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any exam board.