AQA GCSE Mathematics: Exam Overview

Understanding the AQA Exam Structure

AQA is one of the UK's largest exam boards for GCSE Mathematics. Here's everything you need to know about their exam format.

Paper Structure

Total: 240 marks across 3 papers

Assessment Objectives

AQA tests three main skills:

AO1: Use and Apply (40%)

• Standard procedures and techniques
• Recall of facts, terminology, and definitions
• Accurate calculations

AO2: Reason, Interpret, Communicate (30%)

• Construct chains of reasoning
• Interpret and communicate information accurately
• Make deductions and inferences

AO3: Problem Solve (30%)

• Translate problems into mathematical processes
• Make connections between different areas
• Evaluate methods and results

AQA-Specific Features

Formula Sheet: AQA provides a formula sheet at the start of each paper containing:

• Quadratic formula
• Sine rule, Cosine rule
• Area of triangle (trigonometry)
• Cone, sphere volume and surface area
• Compound interest formula

Question Style:

• Questions generally increase in difficulty through each paper
• Context-based questions are common
• "Quality of written communication" assessed in longer questions

Grading:

• Foundation tier: Grades 1-5 available
• Higher tier: Grades 4-9 available

Common AQA Topics

Based on examiner reports, AQA frequently tests:

• Ratio and proportion problems
• Percentage calculations in context
• Algebraic proof (Higher)
• Probability with two-way tables and tree diagrams
• Transformations with coordinates

Past Paper Tips

• AQA papers follow a consistent format
• Similar question styles appear year on year
• Practice papers from 2017 onwards (current specification)
• Mark schemes show exactly what earns each mark