WJEC GCSE Maths Numeracy specification (3310)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC GCSE Maths Numeracy 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 Numeracy 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 Numeracy (3310) 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
The WJEC GCSE in Mathematics – Numeracy is designed to assess the practical mathematical skills needed for everyday life, the workplace, and wider society. The course promotes problem solving and real-world applications of number, geometry, algebra, statistics and probability. It builds on Key Stage 3 numeracy skills and helps learners make informed decisions, manage money, analyse data, and understand modern technology. The qualification prepares learners for further study and employment by fostering mathematical thinking, communication and interpretation of results in real-life contexts:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Foundation Tier
- Number: place value, rounding, fraction/percentage conversions, ratio, calculator methods, estimation, personal finance, simple interest, interpreting problems
- Algebra: sequences, real-life graphs, substitution, linear equations
- Geometry & Measure: properties of shapes, 2D/3D drawing, angles, symmetry, construction, scale, metric/imperial conversion, perimeter, area, volume
- Statistics: data collection, interpreting charts (bar, pie), mean/median/mode/range, scatter diagrams, basic probability
Intermediate Tier
- Builds on Foundation with added skills like:
- Index laws (including zero and negative), standard form
- Ratio, direct/inverse proportion, compound interest
- Pythagoras and trigonometry (2D), transformations, loci
- Frequency polygons, cumulative frequency, box plots
- Interquartile range, basic bounds, upper/lower bounds
Higher Tier
- Further extends Intermediate tier with:
- Surds, rational/irrational numbers
- Quadratic formula, compound measure, 3D trigonometry
- Sine/cosine rules, sector/segment area, similarity ratios
- Histograms, stratified sampling, interpreting complex data
- AER formula, interpreting velocity-time graphs, area under curves
Mathematical focus areas
- Number and Measure
- Statistics with selected elements of Algebra and Geometry
- Emphasis on real-world context, critical evaluation, communication of results
- Foundation content appears in Intermediate and Higher tiers; content expands progressively across tiers:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Non-calculator (Written Exam)
- Foundation: 1 hr 30 mins (65 marks)
- Intermediate: 1 hr 45 mins (80 marks)
- Higher: 1 hr 45 mins (80 marks)
- 50% of qualification
- Structured and unstructured questions from full content range
- Some multiple-choice items; calculator not permitted
Unit 2: Calculator-allowed (Written Exam)
- Same timings and mark scheme as Unit 1 per tier
- 50% of qualification
- Real-world application tasks; calculator permitted
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Recall and use knowledge – 15–25%
- AO2: Apply methods in context – 50–60%
- AO3: Analyse and solve problems – 20–30%
Other features
- Tiers: Foundation (Grades D–G), Intermediate (B–E), Higher (A*–C)
- Communicating, organising and writing accuracy (2 marks per paper)
- Available in summer and November series
- Formulae provided in exams; calculators restricted in Unit 1:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC GCSE Maths Numeracy 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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