GCSE Maths has two very different papers: Non-Calculator and Calculator. The best prep mixes fluency (quick, accurate methods) with strategy (choosing efficient approaches and using the calculator well). Use the plan below to balance both in under an hour a day.
Weekly flow
- Mon (Non-calc): Fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio sharing, estimation.
- Tue (Calc): Compound interest, growth/decay, standard form, trig with decimals.
- Wed (Non-calc): Algebra manipulation—expanding, factorising, solving linear equations.
- Thu (Calc): Quadratics (formula), cumulative frequency, box plots, line of best fit.
- Fri (Non-calc): Geometry fluency—angles, polygons, circle theorems (reasoning).
- Sat (Mixed): Short exam set pulling both styles.
- Sun: Light review of your error log + rest.
Non-calculator essentials
- Number sense: rounding, bounds, estimation (show checks!).
- Mental methods: fraction operations, ratio/proportion, percentage change.
- Manipulation speed: tidy algebra, index laws, rearranging.
Calculator essentials
- Set up correctly: brackets, fraction button, storing values (Ans/Mem).
- Precision: choose sensible rounding; keep exact forms when asked.
- Applications: trig, standard form, cumulative frequency, iterative methods.
Sample 45–60 min session
- 10 min warm-up: quick non-calc drills (FDPR, times tables, simple algebra).
- 25–35 min focus: one topic set with worked solutions.
- 10–15 min reflect: update your error log (mistake → fix → one new example).
Quick links
- Start a quick practice set
- Watch a tutorial, then practise
- Try mixed exam questions
- Book a free intro session for a personalised plan
Consistency wins. Keep sessions short, track mistakes, and alternate calc/non-calc days to cover the full skill set.