specification overview
OCR GCSE Mathematics (J560) is a two-tier linear qualification (Foundation and Higher) with three 1h 30m written papers. Paper 1 and Paper 3 are calculator papers; Paper 2 is non-calculator. Each paper is 100 marks and worth 33.3%, sat at the end of Year 11.
subject content
1. Number
Papers 1, 2, 3- Structure and calculation, fractions, decimals, percentages
- Measures, accuracy, bounds, standard form
- Ratio, proportion, rates of change
2. Algebra
Papers 1, 2, 3- Notation, manipulation, factorising
- Graphs, solving equations and inequalities
- Sequences (Higher: quadratic, geometric)
OCR5. Ratio, proportion and rates of change
Papers 1, 2, 3- Ratio notation, dividing in a ratio, scale factors and scale drawings
- Direct and inverse proportion, compound units (speed, density, pressure)
- Percentage change, simple and compound interest, growth and decay
- Higher: gradient as a rate of change, area under a graph
3. Geometry and measures
Papers 1, 2, 3- Properties, constructions, mensuration
- Vectors, transformations, similar shapes
- Higher: trigonometry (sine/cosine rules), circle theorems
4. Probability
Papers 1, 2, 3- Experimental and theoretical probability, tree diagrams
- Higher: conditional probability, Venn diagrams
5. Statistics
Papers 1, 2, 3- Data collection, presentation, interpretation
- Averages and spread
- Higher: histograms with unequal class widths
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Calculator) | All 12 content sections (OCR1-OCR12) | 1h 30m | 100 | 33.3% | Mix of short-answer, structured and problem-solving questions. Scientific calculator permitted |
| Paper 2 (Non-calculator) | All 5 content areas | 1h 30m | 100 | 33.3% | Mix of short-answer, structured and problem-solving questions. No calculator permitted |
| Paper 3 (Calculator) | All 5 content areas | 1h 30m | 100 | 33.3% | Mix of short-answer, structured and problem-solving questions. Scientific calculator permitted |
All three papers must be sat at the same tier. Foundation grades 5-1, Higher grades 9-4 with safety net grade 3. Papers are 100 marks each (OCR distinctive, AQA and Edexcel use 80). No formula sheet is provided; the formulae students are expected to know are listed in section 6.02d of the specification.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Use and apply standard techniques. | 50% F / 40% H |
| AO2 | Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically. | 25% F / 30% H |
| AO3 | Solve problems within mathematics and in other contexts. | 25% F / 30% H |
higher vs foundation
| Aspect | Foundation tier | Higher tier |
|---|---|---|
| Grades available | 5-1 | 9-4 (with safety net grade 3) |
| Additional Higher content | Standard content | Adds: quadratic sequences, sine/cosine rules, circle theorems, histograms with unequal classes, conditional probability, iteration |
| Question style | More structured, easier arithmetic | Multi-step problem-solving, harder algebra, tougher application |
key tips for success
Master non-calculator arithmetic
Paper 2 (33.3%) is non-calculator. Drill: long multiplication, long division, fractions, decimals, percentages, standard form. Speed matters.
Learn key formulas cold
OCR does not provide a formula sheet in the exam. You must memorise: quadratic formula, sine rule, cosine rule (Higher), area/volume formulas, trigonometric ratios. The formulae you are expected to know are listed in section 6.02d of the spec.
Practise problem-solving under time
AO3 (25-30%) rewards problem-solving. Multi-step questions need: read carefully, plan, work step-by-step, check units, check reasonableness.
Watch the 100-mark paper
OCR papers are 100 marks in 90 minutes (0.9 min per mark), tighter pace than AQA/Edexcel (80 marks). Practise pace on past papers.
Master circle theorems (Higher)
Higher tier tests 8 named circle theorems. Learn all and practise applying with clear reasoning statements.
Practise past papers
OCR past papers are widely available. Do timed practice for all 3 papers, especially attention to pacing given the higher mark total.
Where to next
Start your learning journey today...
Work through every point on this spec in Cognito – notes, questions, flashcards and exam practice – or browse grade boundaries and related specifications.
