Master the core skills: expanding brackets, factorising quadratics, solving linear and quadratic equations, and working with inequalities. For graphs, practise plotting linear and quadratic functions, finding gradients and intercepts, and interpreting real-world graphs. Cambridge examiners reward clear, logical working — show every step, even when you can do it mentally.

Number, algebra and graphs, and geometry carry the highest weighting across both papers. Mensuration (area, volume, surface area), trigonometry (Pythagoras, sine and cosine rules), and probability and statistics also appear regularly. Transformations and vectors are tested but carry fewer marks. Your Diagnostic Report will highlight which high-weight topics need revision.

Paper 2 (non-calculator) tests short-answer questions covering number, algebra, and basic geometry. Paper 4 (calculator allowed) includes longer structured questions requiring multi-step reasoning, data interpretation, and problem-solving. The mock papers mirror this split exactly, so you practise the skills needed for each paper format.

Method marks are awarded even when the final answer is incorrect, provided the working is shown clearly. A student who sets up the correct equation but makes an arithmetic slip still earns most of the marks. A student who writes only the final answer and gets it wrong scores nothing. Show every step — it is your insurance policy.

Your Diagnostic Report helps you identify patterns in your performance across different topics, making it easier to understand where your conceptual gaps lie. Instead of simply showing which questions were right or wrong, it provides insights into the areas where your understanding needs improvement and guides you towards achieving complete mastery. For example, if you consistently struggle with worded problems or specific concepts, the report will identify those weak areas and recommend the most relevant video lessons and learning resources to help you strengthen your understanding.

Read the question twice. Underline the key numbers and what you are being asked to find. Break the problem into smaller steps and label each part (a), (b), (c) in your working. Cambridge examiners report that students who write down what they know before starting to calculate make fewer errors and score higher method marks.

Students round intermediate answers, which causes errors in the final result. Another frequent mistake is answering to three significant figures when the question specifies one decimal place. Cambridge mark schemes are strict on accuracy instructions. Always check: did the question ask for three significant figures or two decimal places?

The difficulty is translating English into algebra. Students see a real-world scenario but cannot identify the mathematical structure underneath. Practise by covering the numbers and asking: what kind of maths is this? Ratio? Percentage change? Linear equation? Once you identify the structure, the numbers simply fill in the gaps.

Revision notes give you the methods. Mock exams test whether you can recall and apply them without help. Your Diagnostic Report identifies the specific topics and question types causing the most trouble. Past papers then build your speed and exam stamina. This cycle- learn, test, diagnose, practise, is proven to raise grades.

Learn your calculator's shortcuts: storing values, using the fraction button, checking trigonometric ratios, and solving equations. Practise entering multi-step calculations in one sequence rather than writing intermediate results. Time yourself on past Paper 4 questions. Your target is to finish with ten minutes spare for checking.