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I’ve started using biology paper 1 course for my year 9 son as the school has started some of the gcse content already. We will go on to buy the full version in year 10. The notes and quizzes are very good. Some pictures/diagrammes alongside the notes will really help.
OCR GCSE Maths Revision Guide
OCR GCSE Maths (J560)
📑 Paper 1: Calculator
⏰Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
🏆Marks: 100 marks (33.3% of total grade)
📌Content:
📘 FOUNDATION TIER (Grades 1-5)
Focus: real-life maths, applied problems, larger numbers and multi-step calculations.
Content you can expect:
Number:
Operations with big numbers
Percentages (increase/decrease, simple compound interest)
Ratio & proportion in real-life contexts
Rounding & estimation
Algebra:
Simplifying, substitution
Solving simple equations
Linear sequences
Graphs:
Plotting and interpreting straight-line graphs
Tables of values
Distance–time graphs
Geometry and Measures
Perimeter, area, volume
Basic transformations
Angle rules
Scale drawings
Statistics:
Bar charts, line graphs, pie charts
Mean, median, mode, range
Probability:
Single-event probability
Simple tree diagrams & two-way tables
📌 Paper 1 uses the calculator to make harder numbers and longer problems accessible.
📙 HIGHER TIER (Grades 4–9)
Focus: multi-step reasoning and advanced numerical work.
Content you can expect:
Advanced number:
Surds, indices
Standard form
Bounds
Algebra:
Quadratics (factorising, solving)
- Simultaneous equations
- Inequalities (including on graphs)
- Algebraic fractions (simplifying)
Graphs:
Quadratic, cubic, reciprocal graphs
Using graphs to solve equations
Geometry:
Trigonometry (SOHCAHTOA + sine/cosine rule)
- Circle theorems
- Similarity & congruence
Statistics:
Histograms
Cumulative frequency & box plots
Comparing distributions
Probability with tree diagrams and Venn diagrams
📌 You’ll see lots of multi-step real-world problems that rely on calculator fluency
❓Question Types:
📘 FOUNDATION TIER
Common question types:
Basic number work using a calculator
Percentages
Increase/decrease
Reverse percentages
Ratio & proportion
Scaling recipes
Sharing in a ratio
Fractions/decimals/percentages conversions
Standard form (simple conversions)
Basic algebra
Substitution
Solving simple linear equations
Graphs
Plotting and interpreting linear graphs
Coordinates
Shape & measures
Area/circumference of circles
Volume of cuboids/prisms
2D shapes, perimeter, area
Pythagoras (straightforward)
Statistics
Bar charts, pie charts, tables
Mean/median/mode/range
Probability
Frequency trees
Listing outcomes
Real-life problems (money, bills, scales, maps)
📙 HIGHER TIER
Common question types:
Harder number work
Surds
Simplifying
Rationalising
Bounds and error intervals
Algebra
Quadratic equations (factorising/solving)
Completing the square
Simultaneous equations
Algebraic fractions
Functions
Composite and inverse
Graphs
Quadratics, cubics, reciprocals
Tangents, gradient estimates
Trigonometry
Sine/cosine rule
Area rule
3D trigonometry
Geometry
Circle theorems
Congruence & similarity
Probability
Tree diagrams
Conditional probability
Statistics
Box plots
Cumulative frequency
Histograms
👉How to revise for OCR GCSE Maths
✨Here are some top tips to make your revision more effective:
1. Master the basics first🔄
You can’t answer a 5-mark problem if you get stuck on the first 1-mark step.
Make sure you’re confident with:
fractions
percentages
ratio
basic algebra
units and conversions
These come up in every single paper.
2. Practise non-calculator skills✏️
Paper 2 is a big chunk of your grade!
Make sure you can:
do long division & multiplication
work with decimals and fractions
simplify expressions with care
⏱️ Try some timed practice so the pressure feels familiar.
3. Make your calculator your teammate🧮
For Papers 1 and 3, you need to know your calculator well:
square roots
indices
fractions mode
memory function
navigating menus quickly
Your calculator can save you minutes - but only if you know what you’re doing.
4. Practise problem-solving, not just routines📈
OCR papers contain lots of real-life and multi-step questions.
Practise:
identifying what the question is actually asking
deciding which topic/skills to use
setting out calculations clearly
checking your final answer makes sense
Think of these as “puzzles” rather than maths questions 🧩.
5. Use past papers and mark schemes📄
This is the best way to revise.
Do this cycle:
Attempt a past paper
Mark it (strictly!)
Note why marks were lost
Redo errors the next day
Your grades will climb quickly when you fix mistakes immediately. You will find links to past papers and mark schemes on this page!
6. Memorise key formulas🧠
OCR gives you a formula sheet - but some are still worth memorising so you recognise when to use them.
Make sure you know:
area formulas
quadratic formula
trigonometric ratios
volume of shapes
speed = distance ÷ time
Flashcards work brilliantly here 📇.
7. Use colour-coded notes or mind maps🎨
Maths is visual! Using highlighters or diagrams can help you remember:
methods
formulas
common mistakes
typical exam structures
8. Practise explaining steps🤓
Write answers as if teaching someone else.
This helps you:
avoid silly mistakes
slow down and think
earn method marks even when answers aren’t perfect
9. Look after yourself😌
Your brain works better when:
you sleep well
you take breaks
you’re hydrated
you revise little and often
Short, focused sessions beat long, stressed ones every time.
⭐ Final Thoughts
OCR GCSE Maths can feel challenging, but with the right strategy - past papers, strong basics, calculator fluency and good problem-solving habits - you’ll improve your confidence and your grade.
You’ve got this! 💪
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