Introduction
Are you feeling a little nervous about your upcoming GCSE Maths exams in 2023? It's totally normal to feel that way, but don't worry! With the right preparation and understanding of the formulas, you'll be able to confidently impress the examiners. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide on all the formulas you need to know for higher-tier GCSE Maths and what formula will be provided for you.
Our goal is to help you understand and remember all the formulas so you can excel in your exams. In this post, we will tell you which formulas will be provided and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about GCSE formula Sheets for Maths for the 2023 exams. So, let's get started!
Do You Get a Formula Sheet in GCSE Maths 2023?
The latest news from DFE is that students will be provided with a formula sheet for GCSE Maths both Higher and Foundation. Exactly which formulae are provided will be explained in the section below.
Edexcel have been the first exam board to upload formula sheets and they can be found here. Other exam board usually include the same formulae.
The GCSE Higher Maths Formula Sheet will be provided for exams in Summer 2023, these can be downloaded below:
It's important to note that while having a formula sheet can be helpful, it is not a substitute for a deep understanding of the concepts and principles behind the formulas. It's crucial for you to practice using the formulas in a variety of problem-solving situations so that they are prepared to use them correctly during the exam.
Ultimately, you should aim to have a thorough understanding of all the formulas you will need to use for the 2023 GCSE Maths exams, even if the formula is provided for you.
What equations are provided for GCSE Maths Higher?
In this section we outline the formulae that will be provided in the GCSE Maths Higher exams for 2023. Ideally you want to fully understand how to use them and try to memorise if you can.
GCSE Higher Maths Formula for Perimeter, Area and Volume:
- Area of a Trapezium
- Volume of a Prism
- Circumference of a Circle
- Area of a Circle
GCSE Higher Maths Formula for Pythagoras and Trigonometry:
- Pythagoras’ Theorem
- Basic Trigonometric Formula for sinx, cosx and tanx with right angled triangles SOH CAH TOA
- The Sine Rule
- The Cosine Rule
- Area of a Triangle
Other Formula for GCSE Higher Maths Formula provided:
- Quadratic Formula
- Compound Interest
- Probability P(A and B)
- Probability P(A or B)
It is important to memorise these formulas and practice using them to solve problems. This will help you to become more comfortable with using them in the exam.
Below you will find the formula sheet for the Higher Tier GCSE
How to Get a 9 in GCSE Maths Higher
Achieving a 9 in GCSE Maths higher is the ultimate goal for many students. However, it requires a significant amount of dedication and hard work. Here are some tips and strategies that can help you achieve the highest possible grade in GCSE Maths higher:
- Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice solving math problems, the better you will become at answering the worded style of exam questions. Use past papers to familiarise yourself with the types of questions that are likely to come up in the exam.
- Understand the exam format: Knowing how the exam is structured, how long you have to complete it, and what types of questions will be asked can help you manage your time more effectively during the exam. You typically get 1 minute per mark in GCSE Maths. If you are aiming for a Grade 9, you should be aiming to complete two marks per minute. So aim to complete a four mark question in two minutes. This way you will have time to spare at the end of your exam to check answers.
- Stay organised: Keep your notes organised in a folder so its easy to find any notes you need. Use revision cards to help you with remembering key points in topics.
- Understand your Errors: Everybody makes mistakes in questions, those who succeed learn from their mistakes and avoid making the same error twice.
- Stay positive: Believe in yourself and your ability to succeed. Stay positive and motivated, and don't be discouraged if you don't get the grade you want on a practice test.
- Make a Revision Plan: Plan out exactly how you aim to revise for the months before your exams, don’t just try to cram it all at the end. If you fail to plan, plan to fail!!!
- Take regular breaks: Taking breaks will help you stay focused and refreshed. Give yourself time to relax and recharge so that you can come back to your studies with renewed energy. A good way is to do 50 minutes of work and then have a 10 minute rest. During that rest aim to go for a walk and get some fresh air.
- Seek help: If you are struggling with a particular topic or concept, don't hesitate to ask for help. Talk to your teacher, a tutor, or a friend who is good at math. They can provide you with the guidance and support you need to succeed. Maybe even set up a revision group amongst your friends where you all help each other.
By following these tips and strategies, you can give yourself the best possible chance of getting a 9 in GCSE Maths higher. Remember to stay focused, stay positive, and never give up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on GCSE Maths Formula
What are the Grade Boundaries for GCSE Maths Higher?
The grade boundaries will vary from year to year. Since the plan is for Summer 2023 exams to be marked in line with pre pandemic exams. We have used the 2019 grade boundaries as a guide.
For AQA the grade boundaries for the whole exam (three papers) are as follows:
Total score: 209/240 - Grade 9, 171/240 - Grade 8, 136/240 - Grade 7
On average for each paper the grading would be:
70/80 = Grade 9, 57/80 = Grade 8, 46/80 = Grade 7
For Edexcel the grade boundaries for the whole exam (three papers) are:
Total Score: 198/240 - Grade 9, 167/240 - Grade 8, 137/240 - Grade 7
On average for each paper the grading would be:
66/80 = Grade 9, 56/80 = Grade 8, 46/80 = Grade 7
The Grade boundaries are generally similar, the only a difference on the marks needed to get a Grade 9
To find out more about grade boundary check out the guide on AQA GCSE Maths Grade Boundaries
What percentage of students achieve a Grade 9 in GCSE Maths?
Approximately 4% of students will achieve a Grade 9 in GCSE Maths, the actual number will vary from year to year but in the last six years this percentage has ranged from 2.9 to 4.8%.
Over the last six years the mean average for the percentage of students achieving each grade can be found below:
- 3.8% of students have achieved a Grade 9
- 6.3% of students have achieved a Grade 8
- 8.3% of students have achieved a Grade 7
- 10.0% of students have achieved a Grade 6
- 16.6% of students have achieved a Grade 5
- 19.8% of students have achieved a Grade 4
- 15.8% of students have achieved a Grade 3
- 11.2% of students have achieved a Grade 2
- 6.3% of students have achieved a Grade 1
- 1.9% of students have achieved a Grade U
Source: http://www.bstubbs.co.uk/gcse.htm
Will a Higher Maths Formula Sheet be provided for GCSE Maths in Summer 2023?
Yes, a Maths formula sheet for Higher and Foundation will be provided for GCSE Maths in 2023. A sample of what formula are provided can be found here for the Maths GCSE Formula Sheet Edexcel. This contains all formulas needed for Maths GCSE Edexcel.
What is the best way to revise for GCSE Maths?
Initially you need to understand the concepts of GCSE Maths, learn techniques and formulae and practice these using the exercises in GCSE Text Books. As you get closer to the exams, the best way to revise is to use past papers
Will the Summer 2023 GCSE Maths exam be easier?
Exams for Summer 2023 will return to pre pandemic grading but students will have some assistance by receiving Formula sheets to assist them. It is unlikely that exams will be easier than 2022.
If you need to practice exam papers why not check out our AQA GCSE Maths Past Papers section
Which papers can I use a calculator in?
A calculator can be used in Papers 2 and 3. Paper 1 is a non calculator paper.
What is the best Calculator for GCSE Maths?
The best calculator for the GCSE Higher Tier Maths is the Casio FX991EX.
We have provided an in-depth review of the Best Calculators for GCSE Maths
When do the GCSE Exams Start?
The GCSE Maths Exams begin on Friday 19th May 2023, the first paper will take place in the morning. Foundation and Higher Tier Exams will take place on the same day/times.
- GCSE Maths Paper 1 - Friday 19th May 2023 - Morning - AQA/Edexcel/OCR
- GCSE Maths Paper 2 - Wednesday 7th June 2023 - Morning - AQA/Edexcel/OCR
- GCSE Maths Paper 3 - Wednesday 14th June 2023 - Morning - AQA/Edexcel/OCR
This year all Maths exams will be taking place during the morning exam sittings. To find out more, here is a guide to GCSE Maths Exam Dates for 2023
When should begin revising for GCSE Maths?
Revision for GCSE Maths should start several months before your exams. Between 3 and 6 months gives you enough time to cover the whole course in detail. You can start off small by doing a few hours a week and build this up as you approach the exam.
How much revision should you do for GCSE Maths?
You should be revising several months before the exam. About four hours per week between six months and 3 months out from your exam is a good amount of time. Then building this up to 8 hours per week when you are 1-2 months from the exam. In the final month, one to two hours per day is a good amount. Remember if you do one exam paper each day, that will be 90 minutes of revision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting a good grade in GCSE Maths higher can seem daunting, but it's all about preparation and understanding the formulas you need to know. We've covered the most important formulas you need to know, as well as some tips for getting a Grade 9. We have also addressed a number of frequently asked questions.
Remember, practicing with past papers, working with a tutor, and understanding the exam format can all help you achieve the highest possible grade. Don't forget, there are also loads of great resources out there to help you, like online tutorials and practice materials. So, make sure to make the most of them as you work towards your goal. Good luck!
