Pearson Edexcel GCSE Maths tutors

The target grade matters, but it should sit alongside recent work and the learner’s understanding. Pearson advises considering wider evidence when using tier diagnostics. Discuss the final tier with the school or exam centre. GCSE Maths provides a foundation for further academic and vocational study, including A-level Mathematics. If the learner has a particular next course in mind, check that school or college’s entry requirements too.

Percentage problems occur on both tiers. In this original example, a coat costs £80. Its price falls by 25%, then the sale price rises by 25%. Has it returned to £80?

Adding −25% and +25% gives zero, but that overlooks the amount each percentage refers to. The first change is based on £80; the second is based on the lower price.

• 25% is one quarter. One quarter of £80 is £20, so the reduced price is £60.
• One quarter of £60 is £15. Adding that increase gives £75, not £80.
• To recover the original price from the sale price, £60 represents 75% of the original. Divide by 0.75: £60 ÷ 0.75 = £80.

A clear explanation names the base: “The increase is £15 because it is 25% of £60.” Writing that sentence is a useful check that the learner understands the calculation.

For a follow-up, start at £100 and apply the same reduction and increase. The prices are £75 and then £93.75. Ask the learner to explain why the changes still do not cancel before checking their arithmetic.

Knowing the quadratic formula is only part of this task. The learner must first turn the geometry into an equation. Here is an original Higher-tier example: a rectangle has width x cm, length (x + 3) cm and area 30 cm². Find its dimensions to two decimal places.

Area is length multiplied by width. Adding the two side lengths would miss the relationship the question gives. Start with x(x + 3) = 30, then expand and rearrange:

x² + 3x − 30 = 0

For an equation ax² + bx + c = 0, the quadratic formula is x = (−b ± √(b² − 4ac)) ÷ (2a). Here a = 1, b = 3 and c = −30. In particular, c includes the minus sign.

Substitution gives x = (−3 ± √129) ÷ 2. The ± sign means calculate both possibilities: x is approximately 4.178908 or −7.178908.

A negative width cannot describe this rectangle, so retain the positive solution. The width is 4.18 cm and the length is 7.18 cm, to two decimal places. Check the area with the unrounded values; multiplying the rounded dimensions will only approximate 30 cm².

A better answer therefore contains the equation, substitution and reason for rejecting one root. To check understanding afterwards, ask the learner to set up the equation for a rectangle whose length is 4 cm greater than its width and whose area is 30 cm². The first target is x(x + 4) = 30, before solving anything.

“Revise geometry” is a broad instruction. Bring a question that shows which decision or step is difficult, then agree a smaller starting task. These examples of lesson priorities sit alongside the percentage and algebra work above.

Edexcel assesses standard techniques (AO1), reasoning (AO2) and problem solving (AO3). Their weightings are 50%, 25%, 25% at Foundation and 40%, 30%, 30% at Higher, respectively. Practising a familiar method is useful, but the learner also needs to choose and explain methods in less familiar questions.

Pearson provides past papers and mark schemes; some recent materials are restricted to registered centres. Select 1MA1 and the correct tier. The November 2024 Higher Paper 1 examiner report highlights arithmetic checks and clear working, including opportunities for method credit on that paper. Use the relevant mark scheme to see how a particular answer earns credit.