Question 1Paper 1
Which is in polar form?
Higher 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 usually 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 and series, financial maths, functions and calculus, 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
Find the centre and radius of the circle .
Next step
Questions people ask
How long is each Higher Level Maths paper?
2 hours 30 minutes, and each is worth 300 marks.
Can I bring a calculator?
Yes, an approved calculator is allowed on both papers, along with the Formulae and Tables booklet.
Is the time per question the same in both sections?
The marks suggest roughly how to split it: a Section B question is worth 50 marks against 30 for a Section A question, so it deserves more time.