Essential Tips for Acing Your GCSE Maths Foundation Paper 2
- May 29
- 2 min read
Updated: May 30
Here are ten last-minute tips, specifically focused on getting you ready for your GCSE Maths Foundation Paper 2 (the first of the two calculator papers).
Know Your Calculator: Make sure your calculator is the one you're used to, works perfectly, and is in degree mode (DEG). If your calculator is in degree mode, you will be able to see a "D" or "DEG" on the calculator display.
Use the calculator for any calculation, even simple ones, to avoid silly mistakes under pressure. Make sure you know how to reset your calculator should you need to in the exam. Watch the video below.
How To Reset Your Calculator
Know Your Key Formulas: Briefly glance over the key formulas you must know (area of a triangle, circle formulas, Pythagoras, basic trigonometry SOHCAHTOA, speed/density/pressure). Remember, some formulas might be given at the front of the paper - know what's provided!
Read Every Question TWICE: Before you even pick up your calculator, read the question thoroughly. Then read it again. Underline key numbers, units, and what the question is actually asking you to do (e.g., "calculate", "explain", "round to...").
Show ALL your workings: This is crucial for Paper 2. Even if your final answer is wrong, clear workings can get you method marks. Write down what you type into your calculator. For multi-mark questions, assume they want to see your steps.
"One Minute Per Mark" Rule: Use this as a rough guide. If a question is worth 4 marks, aim to spend about 4 minutes on it. If you're stuck for too long on a question, mark it and move on. You can come back if you have time.
Don't round too soon: Keep full calculator display values for intermediate steps in multi-step problems. Only round your final answer to the required degree of accuracy (e.g., 2 decimal places, 3 significant figures).
Use the corrects units in your answer: Always check if your answer needs units (cm, kg, £, etc) and write them clearly. Sometimes a mark is specifically for the correct units.
Does Your Answer Make Sense?: Once you have an answer, quickly check if it's reasonable in the context of the question. For example, if you calculate the height of a person as 50 metres, you likely made a mistake! This is easier to spot on calculator papers where large calculations are common.
Attempt Every Question: Even if you're not sure how to do the whole thing, write down something. Can you do the first step? Can you write down a relevant formula? Any attempt is better than a blank space.
Final Flick Through, if you have time: If you have time at the end, quickly flick back through your answers. Check for obvious errors, missed questions, or answers that don't look right. Most importantly, stay calm. You've done the preparation. Take a few deep breaths if you feel overwhelmed.
Follow these essential tips for acing your GCSE Maths Foundation Paper 2!
Good Luck - you can do this!
Alison Bolsover,
JCT Learning Hub.
Comments