WJEC Eduqas GCSE Maths specification (C300)

Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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 Eduqas 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.

Disclaimer

This page includes a summary of the official WJEC Eduqas GCSE Maths (C300) 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 Eduqas specification PDF.

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Specification overview

The WJEC Eduqas GCSE in Mathematics provides a coherent, broad and satisfying course, designed to encourage learners to build confidence, develop mathematical fluency and appreciate the relevance of mathematics to real-world situations. It aims to prepare learners for progression to A level Mathematics and related study, while also ensuring those not continuing further gain functional competence.

It enables learners to: • develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods • select and apply techniques to solve problems • reason mathematically and draw conclusions • interpret and communicate mathematical information effectively

Problem solving is central to this qualification, encouraging learners to apply knowledge across topic areas. The specification supports teaching in varied styles and connects different areas such as algebra and graphical representation.

Subject content breakdown

2.1 Foundation tier

Number

  • Order integers, decimals, fractions; use comparison symbols
  • Apply four operations to various number types including negatives
  • Use place value, standard form, indices, roots, and surds
  • Understand prime factors, multiples, HCF/LCM
  • Perform systematic listings and work with π
  • Use standard units, estimation, rounding, error bounds

Algebra

  • Understand algebraic notation and vocabulary
  • Substitute, simplify, expand, factorise (including quadratics)
  • Rearranging formulae, interpreting expressions as functions
  • Plot graphs, identify gradients/intercepts, solve linear/quadratic equations
  • Use sequences and derive nth terms

Ratio, proportion and rates of change

  • Use and convert between units and compound units
  • Apply ratios, fractions, percentages in various contexts
  • Solve proportion problems, interpret graphs, work with growth/decay

Geometry and measures

  • Use geometrical terms, constructions, angle rules, polygon properties
  • Understand triangle congruence and similarity
  • Work with circles, coordinates, 2D and 3D shapes, plans/elevations
  • Calculate perimeter, area, volume, apply Pythagoras and trigonometry
  • Understand vectors

Probability

  • Record and analyse outcomes, use probability scale and Venn/tree diagrams
  • Apply theoretical and empirical probability
  • Solve problems involving dependent/independent events

Statistics

  • Design questionnaires, use and interpret data charts
  • Apply statistical measures (mean, median, mode, range)
  • Interpret correlation from scatter graphs and make predictions

2.2 Higher tier

Number

  • As Foundation, plus: product rule, fractional indices, surds, rationalisation

Algebra

  • As Foundation, plus: factorising ax²+bx+c, completing the square
  • Use of composite and inverse functions
  • Solve quadratic and simultaneous equations (linear/quadratic)
  • Use iteration for numerical solutions

Ratio, proportion and rates of change

  • As Foundation, plus: interpret rates of change graphically and numerically
  • Work with iterative processes

Geometry and measures

  • As Foundation, plus: transformations with negative scale factors
  • Prove circle theorems and use in reasoning
  • Apply sine and cosine rules, triangle area formulae
  • Work in 2D and 3D contexts, apply advanced trigonometry

Probability

  • As Foundation, plus: conditional probability using Venn/tree/two-way tables

Statistics

  • As Foundation, plus: histograms, cumulative frequency
  • Use quartiles, IQR, outliers, and evaluate trends

Assessment structure

Component 1: Non-calculator Mathematics

  • Written exam: 2h 15m
  • 50% of total
  • Includes structured and unstructured questions
  • No calculator allowed
  • Content from any topic

Component 2: Calculator-allowed Mathematics

  • Written exam: 2h 15m
  • 50% of total
  • Structured and unstructured questions
  • Calculator allowed
  • Content from any topic

Assessment Objectives

  • AO1: Use/apply standard techniques – 50% (F), 40% (H)
  • AO2: Reason, interpret, communicate – 25% (F), 30% (H)
  • AO3: Solve problems in and beyond mathematics – 25% (F), 30% (H)

Grading and Tiers

  • Foundation tier: Grades 1–5
  • Higher tier: Grades 4–9 (with possible grade 3 for near misses)

Other Notes

  • Formulae provided selectively; some must be memorised
  • Calculators must comply with standard exam regulations

Key tips for success

Doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You can download the official specification directly from the WJEC Eduqas website, or right here on this page using the PDF Specification Download button. Alongside the specification, we've made it easy to access all the essential revision resources you'll need, including topic summaries, past papers, and exam-style practice questions, all matched to the current specification.
Treat the specification like a checklist. Use it to track your progress, identify areas that need more work, and ensure you're covering everything that might appear in the exam. Our linked resources for each topic will help you revise more effectively.
Always refer to the Exam Code and First Teaching Year shown at the top of this page. These details confirm which version of the specification you're studying. If your course or materials refer to a different code, double-check with your teacher or exam centre.