Become a Mentor Donate

Here’s a GCSE Maths Revision Checklist: Avoiding Common Mistakes – ideal for printing or using as part of a revision plan:

🧠 Exam Technique

  • I always show my working clearly (even if I use a calculator).
  • I understand which questions require units and always include them (e.g. cm, £, m²).
  • I check my answers, especially for high-mark questions.
  • I manage my time during practice papers (no more than 1 minute per mark).
  • I attempt every question – even if unsure – to try for method marks.

📏 Calculator Use

  • I know how to use brackets correctly on my calculator.
  • I double-check signs and inputs when using a calculator.
  • I practice questions that don’t allow calculators to keep my mental maths sharp.

🔍 Reading the Question Carefully

  • I always underline or highlight key parts of the question.
  • I make sure I answer what’s being asked (e.g. not radius when it’s diameter).
  • I check whether the answer should be to a specific number of decimal places or significant figures.

➗ Number Work

  • I’m confident with fractions, decimals and percentages.
  • I can estimate answers to check if they’re reasonable.
  • I double-check calculations involving negative numbers and signs.

✏️ Algebra & Graphs

  • I practice rearranging formulas carefully.
  • I always expand and factorise fully.
  • I label axes and use correct scales when plotting graphs.

📐 Geometry & Measure

  • I remember to use correct formulas for area, volume, and perimeter.
  • I double-check angle rules (e.g. angles in a triangle = 180°).
  • I include units in all geometry and measure answers.

🎲 Statistics & Probability

  • I label charts and graphs properly.
  • I ensure probabilities add up to 1 where relevant.
  • I show all steps in frequency and probability problems.

🔄 Final Checks Before the Exam

  • I’ve done at least 2 past papers under timed conditions.
  • I’ve reviewed where I lost marks in past papers and learned from them.
  • I’ve practiced both calculator and non-calculator papers.

Tip: Print this checklist and tick off each item as you revise. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress and preparation.