AQA GCSE Maths — Foundation
Grades 1–5 route. Three papers, two with calculator. Covers number, algebra, geometry, ratio, probability and statistics.
Course overview
The AQA GCSE Mathematics Foundation tier (8300F) is designed for students aiming for grades 1 to 5. Assessment is via three written papers, each worth 80 marks and contributing 33.3% of the final grade. Paper 1 is non-calculator; Papers 2 and 3 allow a calculator. Foundation papers focus on fluency with core procedures, applying maths to familiar contexts, and basic problem-solving.
Paper-by-paper breakdown
Paper 1Non-calculator
- •Structure and calculation
- •Fractions, decimals and percentages
- •Measures and accuracy
- •Notation, vocabulary and manipulation
- •Graphs
- •Solving equations and inequalities
- •Sequences
- •Ratio, proportion and rates of change
- •Properties and constructions
- •Mensuration and calculation
- •Vectors
- •Probability
- •Statistics
Paper 2Calculator
- •Structure and calculation
- •Fractions, decimals and percentages
- •Measures and accuracy
- •Notation, vocabulary and manipulation
- •Graphs
- •Solving equations and inequalities
- •Sequences
- •Ratio, proportion and rates of change
- •Properties and constructions
- •Mensuration and calculation
- •Vectors
- •Probability
- •Statistics
Paper 3Calculator
- •Structure and calculation
- •Fractions, decimals and percentages
- •Measures and accuracy
- •Notation, vocabulary and manipulation
- •Graphs
- •Solving equations and inequalities
- •Sequences
- •Ratio, proportion and rates of change
- •Properties and constructions
- •Mensuration and calculation
- •Vectors
- •Probability
- •Statistics
Assessment objectives
Use and apply standard techniques
Weighting: F 50% / H 40%
Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically
Weighting: F 25% / H 30%
Solve problems within mathematics and in other contexts
Weighting: F 25% / H 30%
Tier differences
Foundation covers grades 1–5. Higher-only topics (e.g. quadratic sequences, vectors proofs, surds with rationalisation, function notation, iterative methods) are NOT examined.
Grade boundaries
June 2024: grade 4 typically required ~140/240, grade 5 ~165/240. Boundaries vary slightly each series.
Revision resources for this course
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