WJEC GCSE Maths specification (3300)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC GCSE Maths exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official WJEC GCSE Maths specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official WJEC GCSE Maths (3300) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official WJEC specification PDF.
Specification overview
GCSE Mathematics develops knowledge and understanding of the subject beyond everyday application, with a focus on progression to further study in mathematics and related disciplines. It aims to inspire and challenge learners by offering a coherent and worthwhile course, encouraging logical reasoning, mathematical communication, and an appreciation of the elegance and power of mathematics.
This qualification enables learners to: • build confidence and positive attitudes towards mathematics • develop procedural fluency and problem-solving skills • reason, interpret results, and construct arguments • apply methods across mathematical and real-world contexts • prepare for progression to A level Mathematics or related fields
GCSE Mathematics is distinct from the separate GCSE Mathematics – Numeracy qualification, as it extends further into algebra, geometry and probability, focusing more on context-free procedural skills and mathematical rigour.
Subject content breakdown
2.1 Foundation Tier Number
- Understanding place value, decimals, fractions, ratios and percentages
- Operations with whole numbers, decimals and negative numbers
- Estimation, standard form, and calculator use
- Solving numerical problems in everyday contexts
Algebra
- Recognising and describing sequences
- Graphing linear functions and interpreting graphs
- Forming and solving linear equations and simple expressions
Geometry and Measure
- Properties and constructions of 2D/3D shapes
- Angle properties and symmetry
- Transformations and coordinates
- Perimeter, area, volume, metric/imperial conversions
Statistics
- Specifying hypotheses and collecting data
- Representing data with charts and diagrams
- Measures of central tendency and spread
- Interpreting results, correlation, and probability
2.2 Intermediate Tier (Includes Foundation content plus:) Number
- HCF/LCM from prime factorisation
- Zero and fractional indices, standard form rules
- Compound interest, direct/inverse proportion
- Upper/lower bounds and significant figures
Algebra
- nth-term of linear/quadratic sequences
- Simultaneous equations (algebraic and graphical)
- Inequalities and quadratic expressions
- Straight line graph properties and sketches
Geometry and Measure
- Circle theorems (basic), trigonometry in right triangles
- Loci, 2D similarity, 3D shapes and plans
- Surface area and volume of cylinders and prisms
Statistics
- Cumulative frequency, box plots, histograms
- Mean/median/mode for grouped data
- Probability including tree diagrams, independent/mutually exclusive events
2.3 Higher Tier (Includes Intermediate content plus:) Number
- Rational vs irrational numbers
- Surds and exact values
- Bounds in multiplication/division
Algebra
- Function notation and transformations
- Graphs of quadratics, cubics, reciprocals, exponentials
- Algebraic fractions and quadratic formula
- Linear inequalities in two variables
Geometry and Measure
- Advanced trigonometry, sine/cosine rules
- Circle theorems with proofs
- Similarity involving area and volume
- Volumes and surface areas of cones, spheres, pyramids
Statistics
- Histograms with unequal class widths
- Stratified sampling, conditional probability
- Dependent events, AER calculations
- Interpretation of correlation and causation
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Non-calculator
- Written exam: 1h 45m (Higher & Intermediate), 1h 30m (Foundation)
- 50% of qualification
- Structured and unstructured questions
- No calculators allowed
- May include multiple choice
- Content can draw from Mathematics – Numeracy
Unit 2: Calculator-allowed
- Written exam: 1h 45m (Higher & Intermediate), 1h 30m (Foundation)
- 50% of qualification
- Calculator permitted
- Structured and unstructured questions
- Some questions from Mathematics – Numeracy
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Recall/use knowledge & methods (50–60%)
- AO2: Apply methods in problem-solving (10–20%)
- AO3: Interpret/analyse problems, devise strategies (25–35%)
Other Assessment Features
- 2 additional marks per paper for writing accuracy and organisation
- Marked for SPaG and mathematical communication
Tiers and Grades
- Foundation: Grades D–G
- Intermediate: Grades B–E
- Higher: Grades A*–C
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC GCSE Maths isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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