Revision Tools
Flashcards, past papers, apps, and how to use MathsGuide itself for revision. Get the right tools and use them properly.
Having the right revision tools matters — but knowing how to use them matters more. This guide covers the essential tools for GCSE maths revision and how to get the most out of each one.
Flashcards
Flashcards are one of the best tools for learning formulas and key facts. But most students use them wrong.
Physical vs Digital
| Physical Cards | Digital Apps |
|---|---|
| ✅ Making them is revision itself | ✅ Built-in spaced repetition |
| ✅ No phone distractions | ✅ Can include images easily |
| ✅ Tactile, easy to sort | ✅ Progress tracking |
| ❌ Can get lost/damaged | ❌ Screen fatigue |
| ❌ Manual spacing system | ❌ Easy to cheat (flip too fast) |
Recommendation: Make physical cards for the process of creating them, but use a digital app for the actual review sessions (the spaced repetition algorithms are hard to beat).
Best Flashcard Apps
Anki (Free on desktop/Android, paid on iOS)
- Most powerful spaced repetition algorithm
- Highly customisable
- Steeper learning curve
- Great for serious revision
Quizlet (Free with premium option)
- Easier to use
- Pre-made decks available (search "GCSE Maths")
- Games and different study modes
- Good for getting started quickly
Brainscape (Free with premium option)
- Confidence-based repetition
- Clean interface
- Good for maths formulas
What to Put on Maths Flashcards
Don't just write "Quadratic Formula" → formula. Make your cards work harder:
Type 1: Formula + When to Use
| Front | Back |
|---|---|
| How do I solve a quadratic that won't factorise? | Quadratic formula: $x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$ |
Type 2: Method Steps
| Front | Back |
|---|---|
| Steps to complete the square for $x^2 + bx + c$ | 1. Halve the coefficient of $x$: $\frac{b}{2}$ 2. Square it: $(\frac{b}{2})^2$ 3. Write as $(x + \frac{b}{2})^2 - (\frac{b}{2})^2 + c$ |
Type 3: Problem Recognition
| Front | Back |
|---|---|
| I see a right-angled triangle with an angle and one side. What do I use? | SOHCAHTOA (trigonometry). Identify which sides you have (O, A, H) relative to the angle. |
Type 4: Common Mistakes
| Front | Back |
|---|---|
| $(a + b)^2 = ?$ (NOT $a^2 + b^2$!) | $(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2$ |
Type 5: Mini Problems
| Front | Back |
|---|---|
| Find the gradient: line through $(2, 5)$ and $(6, 13)$ | $m = \frac{13-5}{6-2} = \frac{8}{4} = 2$ |
Flashcard Rules
- One fact per card — Keep them simple
- Test yourself properly — Say/write the answer before flipping
- Be honest — If you hesitated, mark it wrong
- Review regularly — Daily is ideal
- Retire mastered cards — But bring them back occasionally
Past Papers
Past papers are essential. But "doing past papers" isn't revision — it's how you use them that matters.
Where to Find Past Papers
Official sources (free):
- AQA: aqa.org.uk/find-past-papers-and-mark-schemes
- Edexcel: qualifications.pearson.com/en/support/support-topics/exams/past-papers.html
- OCR: ocr.org.uk/qualifications/past-paper-finder
Other resources:
- Maths Genie (free, sorted by topic)
- Physics & Maths Tutor (free, comprehensive)
- Save My Exams (some free, some premium)
How to Use Past Papers Properly
Stage 1: Topic Practice (Early revision)
- Do questions by topic, not whole papers
- Use mark schemes to understand what examiners want
- Focus on weak areas
Stage 2: Timed Sections (Mid revision)
- Do half-papers or paper sections under time pressure
- Practice Paper 1 (non-calculator) separately from Papers 2/3
- Build up to full papers
Stage 3: Full Papers (Late revision)
- Complete papers under exam conditions
- Exact time limits
- No notes, no calculator for Paper 1
- Mark against the mark scheme
The Past Paper Review Process
After every past paper:
1. Mark it properly
- Use the official mark scheme
- Be strict — half marks don't exist
- Note where you lost marks
2. Categorise your mistakes
| Type | Example | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Didn't know method | Couldn't start the question | Learn the topic |
| Careless error | Arithmetic mistake | Practice more carefully |
| Misread question | Found area instead of perimeter | Read questions twice |
| Ran out of time | Didn't attempt last questions | Practice speed |
3. Target weak spots
- Topics where you lost marks go on tomorrow's revision list
- Don't just move on — fix the problem
4. Track your scores
- Keep a record of your scores over time
- Are you improving? Plateauing? Getting worse?
- Adjust your revision accordingly
How Many Past Papers?
Aim for:
- Minimum: 4-5 full papers before exams
- Ideal: 8-10 full papers
- Maximum: Don't do so many that you memorise answers
Mix different years and (if applicable) different exam boards for variety.
Using MathsGuide for Revision
This site is built specifically to support your revision. Here's how to use it effectively:
Topic Pages
Each topic page includes:
- The Skill — Core knowledge and methods
- Examiner's View — What examiners look for
- Worked Examples — Three levels (full solution → scaffolded → independent)
- Board Notes — Specific guidance for your exam board
How to use them:
- Start with the Skill section — do you understand this?
- Try the worked examples without looking at the solution first
- Use the scaffolded examples to check your understanding
- Read the Examiner's View for mark-winning tips
Misconception Museum
The Misconception Museum covers the most common mistakes students make.
How to use it:
- Before revising a topic, check for related misconceptions
- Learn why students make these mistakes
- Use "Spot the Mistake" to test yourself
- Add common mistakes to your flashcards
Worked Example Technique
Our worked examples use a "fading" approach:
| Level | What You See | What You Do |
|---|---|---|
| Full Solution | Complete working shown | Study the method |
| Scaffolded | Structure provided, gaps to fill | Fill in the gaps |
| Independent | Just the question | Solve it yourself |
The right way:
- Try the Independent version first
- If stuck, look at the Scaffolded version
- Only look at the Full Solution after attempting it yourself
The wrong way:
- Reading all three levels without attempting anything
- This is passive — you're not learning
Calculator Skills
Your calculator is a powerful tool — if you know how to use it. Most students only use a fraction of its features.
Essential Calculator Functions
For Casio Classwiz (fx-83GT CW / fx-85GT CW) — the most common GCSE calculators:
Fractions: Use the fraction button (a b/c) — the calculator keeps exact values
Powers and roots:
- Square root: √ or shift + x²
- Cube root: shift + x³
- Any root: shift + xⁿ
Trigonometry:
- Make sure you're in DEGREES mode (not radians)
- sin, cos, tan for finding sides
- sin⁻¹, cos⁻¹, tan⁻¹ for finding angles (shift + sin/cos/tan)
Standard form:
- Use the ×10ⁿ button
- Calculator displays answers in standard form when appropriate
Table mode:
- Set up a function and generate a table of values
- Useful for plotting graphs
Storing values:
- Store intermediate answers: [number] → STO → A
- Recall: ALPHA → A
- Useful for multi-step calculations
Calculator Practice
Don't wait until the exam to learn your calculator. Practice:
- Entering complex fractions
- Using the ANS button for chain calculations
- Converting between fractions, decimals, percentages
- Finding inverse trig functions
Other Useful Resources
Video Explanations
Sometimes you need someone to explain a concept. Good free options:
Corbett Maths
- Covers every GCSE topic
- Clear explanations
- Matching practice questions and answers
- corbettmaths.com
Maths Genie
- Video for every topic
- Past paper solutions
- Grade-sorted questions
- mathsgenie.co.uk
BBC Bitesize
- Good for basics
- Interactive elements
- Exam board specific content
- bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z8sg6fr
Practice Question Banks
Dr Frost Maths
- Huge question bank
- Searchable by topic
- Worked solutions
- drfrostmaths.com
Maths Genie
- Questions sorted by grade
- Topic-specific worksheets
- Free and comprehensive
Revision Guides
If you want a physical book:
- CGP Revision Guides — Clear, covers everything, a bit dry
- Collins Revision
Setting Up Your Revision Space
The right environment helps:
Physical Setup
- Clear desk with space to work
- Good lighting
- Calculator, ruler, protractor, compasses within reach
- Paper and pens ready
- Water bottle (hydration helps concentration)
Digital Setup
- Phone in another room (or use app blockers)
- Close unnecessary browser tabs
- Use website blockers if needed (Cold Turkey, Freedom)
- Have MathsGuide bookmarked
Time Management
Pomodoro Technique:
- Set timer for 25 minutes
- Focus completely on revision
- Take 5-minute break
- Repeat
- After 4 sessions, take longer break (15-20 mins)
This works because:
- 25 minutes is manageable
- Breaks prevent burnout
- The timer creates urgency
Tool Checklist
Before your exams, make sure you have:
Equipment ✅
- [ ] Scientific calculator (with fresh batteries)
- [ ] Black pens (at least 2)
- [ ] Pencil and eraser
- [ ] Ruler (cm and mm)
- [ ] Protractor
- [ ] Compasses
- [ ] Clear pencil case
Resources ✅
- [ ] Flashcard deck (formulas and methods)
- [ ] Past papers from your exam board
- [ ] Mark schemes
- [ ] Formula sheet (if not provided by your board)
- [ ] List of weak topics to review
Key message: Tools are only useful if you use them actively. Flashcards you never review, past papers you never mark properly, videos you watch passively — these don't help. Engage with your resources and you'll see results.
Next: Make sure you're not falling into common traps:
- ❌ Common Revision Mistakes — What to avoid