GCSE Mathematics and Numeracy
This double award is assessed by three written papers, one of them non-calculator, covering number, algebra, geometry and measures, statistics and probability, with Unit 1 given over to financial mathematics in real-world contexts. Literacy matters more than many expect: every paper sets questions in written context and awards two marks for communicating, organising and writing accurately, so learners must read problems closely and explain their working in words. The biggest thing Key Stage 3 should build is solving multi-step worded problems from real contexts, with every step explained and a written conclusion.
- Awarding body
- WJEC
- Level
- Level 1 and Level 2
- First taught
- September 2025
- Amount of literacy work
- Medium
- Amount of numeracy work
- High
- Specification
- Open the specification
How this qualification is assessed
- Unit 1: Financial Mathematics and Other Applications of Numeracy: Written examination, Higher Tier 1 hour 45 minutes (80 marks), Foundation Tier 1 hour 30 minutes (65 marks), 30%, calculator allowed
- Unit 2: Non-calculator: Written examination, Higher Tier 1 hour 45 minutes (80 marks), Foundation Tier 1 hour 30 minutes (65 marks), 30%, calculator not allowed
- Unit 3: Calculator-allowed: Written examination, Higher Tier 2 hours (90 marks), Foundation Tier 1 hour 45 minutes (75 marks), 40%, calculator allowed
Skills that use Position
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Scale drawings, maps and bearings
Units 1 and 3 require learners to read scales, use maps, produce scale drawings with scales such as 1:500 and use three-figure bearings, and Unit 3 adds constructions and loci with ruler, protractor and compasses.
Numeracy: Angle, Position, Measurement, Calculation, Shape and space
Getting pupils ready
- Year 7
- Pupils measure the classroom with trundle wheels and tape measures and draw an accurate floor plan on squared paper at a scale of 1 cm to 1 m.
- Year 8
- Pupils use an Ordnance Survey map of the Cynon Valley to measure real distances with the map scale and give three-figure bearings between landmarks.
- Year 9
- Pupils construct a scale drawing of the school field with ruler and compasses and shade the region within 20 m of a sprinkler using loci.
Show the specification wording and the LNF statements
Where it is in the specification: Units 1 and 3, Section 3.3, page 31, and Section 3.2, page 30
“interpret and produce scale drawings; scales may be written in the form 1 cm represents 5 m, or 1:500”
Progression step 3
I can use angle as a measure of rotation.
I can use grid references to specify location.
I can read and interpret scales or divisions on a range of measuring instruments.
Progression step 4
I can measure and draw angles.
I can apply understanding of bearings and scale to interpret maps and plans, and to create plans and drawings to scale.
I can use ratio and proportion including map scales.
Progression step 5
I can measure and draw angles.
I can apply proportional change to two-dimensional designs.
Good to know
- Unit 1 allows a calculator: 'A calculator will be allowed in this paper.' (page 5).
- Unit 2 is non-calculator: 'A calculator will not be allowed in this paper.' It holds all probability and much of the geometry (pages 5 and 10).
- Unit 3 allows a calculator and holds most of the data handling and measures content (pages 5 and 10).
- Two marks on each paper, at each tier, are for 'communicating, organising and writing accurately', six marks across the qualification, 'in addition to the marks allocated to the mathematics'. One mark is for communicating and organising, one for writing accurately, and the questions are clearly indicated on the paper (page 51).
- Writing accurately means learners 'show all their working', 'use correct mathematical form in their working' and 'use appropriate terminology, units, etc.' (page 51).
- Calculators must not offer language translators or hold stored dictionaries, formulas or text, and must not be borrowed from another candidate during the examination (page 52).
- Units 1 and 3 have a formula list at the start of the paper; Unit 2 has none. The Foundation Tier lists give only the area of a trapezium and the volume of a prism, so all other formulae must be recalled (pages 52 to 55).
- Metric to imperial equivalences 'will be given to learners' (Section 3.5.7, page 35), and compasses 'will be required' for some constructions and loci in Unit 3 (Section 3.2.2, page 30).
- There is no NEA. All assessment is by written examination, tiered Higher (grades A* to D) and Foundation (grades C to G), and learners may be entered at different tiers across units (pages 6 and 59).
Links with other qualifications
The finance, percentage, compound measure and statistics content overlaps heavily with Business, Geography, Social Studies and The Sciences, so agreeing shared methods for percentages, graphs and units with those departments will reinforce Key Stage 3 teaching.
Source: WJEC GCSE Mathematics and Numeracy (Double Award) Specification, for teaching from September 2025, Version 5, September 2025.