Past Exam Paper Practice

Exam paper practice is a good way to get used to the format, structure and timing of a GCSE Mathematics exam, and can also indicate to you what GCSE grade you are currently working at.

Here is a guide to effectively planning past paper revision:

1) Have you got the correct paper and mark scheme?

• The paper must be for Edexcel GCSE Linear Mathematics
• You will know if you are sitting a higher or foundation exam paper, so make sure that the paper you have is the correct tier for you.
• Is it calculator or non-calculator?
• Do you have access to the mark scheme?

It is important you can mark your work and see where you gained and lost marks. Without marking your answers, this highly effective revision strategy will be time misspent.

2) How much of the paper do I have time to sit?

• You are given 1 hour 45 minutes in the exam to complete 1 paper.
• There are 100 marks per paper.
• You should allow at least 30 minutes to mark and annotate your answers.

It is important you have time to mark your work after sitting it. If you do not have 2 hours and 15 minutes available, can you sit part of the paper instead?

In the exam you have just over 1 minute per mark, and so if you have 1 hour allocated to revision, that's 30 minutes of examination time and 30 minutes of marking and revising solutions.

3) Where can I find past papers and mark schemes?

• You teacher - You will have been given a free pack of past papers and mark schemes earlier in the year. If you need a replacement paper copy, these are available at a cost of £3 from your teacher.
• Website (higher or foundation): Hegarty Maths - Question papers are available in video format and solutions are discussed for each question.
• Website (higher only): Achieve Maths - Links to their youtube channel for papers and video solutions.
• Website (higher or foundation): eMaths - Paper copies of past exams and their mark schemes.
• Android Mobile Apps -  GCSE Maths provides access to past papers and their mark schemes on your mobile or tablet

4) Make sure it is effective

• Do it in timed conditions - whether a full or partial paper, remember: 1 minute per mark!
• Do it in silence - It is best to get used to the feel of exam conditions
• Allow time to mark your work at the end
• Identify the topics you have lost marks on and revise them

5) Remember your maths teachers are there to support you, if you are stuck then come and see us!

Good luck!