How to Revise for GCSE Maths
GCSE Maths rewards consistent practice more than re-reading. The fastest improvements come from drilling weak topics, learning the mark scheme language, and timing yourself on past papers for AQA, Edexcel or OCR.
A realistic weekly plan
- 2× 45-minute topic sessions (revision notes + 10 practice questions).
- 1× 60-minute mixed-topic problem set from a past paper.
- 1× 30-minute review of mistakes — re-do every question you got wrong.
- 1× 20-minute formula recall test (write every formula from memory).
Techniques that actually work
Drill by topic, not by paper
Pick one weak topic (e.g. simultaneous equations) and do 15–20 questions in a row. Repetition cements the method far faster than mixed practice early on.
Always show working
Method marks are awarded even when the final answer is wrong. Write every line — substitution, rearrangement, units.
Learn the command words
‘Show that…’ needs full algebraic proof. ‘Estimate…’ expects rounding to 1 s.f. ‘Give your answer in the form…’ means the format is part of the mark.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Skipping non-calculator practice — Paper 1 catches students out.
- Memorising answers instead of methods.
- Ignoring units and rounding instructions.
Resources to use right now
Frequently asked questions
How much Maths revision should I do per day?
30–60 minutes of focused practice, 5 days a week, is more effective than 3-hour weekend cram sessions. Quality and consistency beat volume.
Foundation or Higher — which should I aim for?
If you're confidently scoring grade 5 on Foundation past papers, move up to Higher. Otherwise, a strong 5 on Foundation is worth more than a struggling 4 on Higher.
Which topics give the most marks?
Number, algebra, and ratio/proportion make up roughly half of every paper. Master these before tackling advanced geometry or statistics.