Question 1Paper 1
Which is in the form ?
Ordinary Maths Paper 1 and Paper 2
Two papers of 2 hours 30 minutes and 300 marks each. Each has Section A on concepts and skills and Section B on longer context questions.
| Each paper | 2 hours 30 minutes, 300 marks |
|---|---|
| Section A | 150 marks: core topics, concepts and skills |
| Section B | 150 marks: context-based applications |
| Choice | In 2025: any five of six A questions, any three of four B questions |
Section A and Section B
Section A questions test the core topics directly. Section B questions are longer, set in a real situation, and often join several topics together.
Question choice in 2027
The Department of Education has said the additional choice given in exam papers in recent years continues for students sitting in 2027, including in Maths. Check each paper's instructions on the day.
What each paper usually covers
In recent years Paper 1 has mainly covered number, algebra, complex numbers, sequences, financial maths, functions and differentiation, and Paper 2 statistics, probability, co-ordinate geometry, trigonometry and geometry. The syllabus does not fix this split, and topics can cross over.
Try 2 questions
Question 2Paper 2
What is the radius of the circle ?
Next step
Questions people ask
How long is each Ordinary Level Maths paper?
2 hours 30 minutes, and each is worth 300 marks.
Can I bring a calculator?
Yes, a calculator is allowed on both papers, and you are given the Formulae and Tables booklet.
Do I lose marks for leaving out my working?
The 2025 papers warned that solutions without relevant supporting work lose marks, so write each step.