Important information on the provision of formulae in GCSE Mathematics
Dear Colleagues,
Please find below some important information on the provision of formulae for GCSE Mathematics. Please ensure that this change is communicated to all teachers within your department and that students are made aware.
Within GCSE (9-1) Mathematics there have always been some formulae that are provided in the body of a question should they be needed. These formulae are the curved surface area of a cone, surface area of a sphere, volume of a sphere and volume of a cone. These are the formulae detailed in Appendix 3 of the specification and are the formulae that the DfE sets out that candidates can be provided with as detailed on page 16 of the DfE Subject Content for GCSE Mathematics.
Previously, in line with the DfE Subject Content, we didn't include the formula for the volume of a pyramid in this list and candidates had to memorise this formula.
However, given the recent decision from DfE that candidates should not need to memorise any formulae for exams in 2025, 2026 and 2027 and the continuing provision of an Exam Aid, we have brought the formula for the volume of a pyramid in line with the other specific formulae listed above and will provide it in the question should it be needed.
We can now confirm that students will no longer need to memorise the formula for the volume of a pyramid and this formula will be provided for relevant questions in future series.
Reference links:
GCSE Mathematics specification: Appendix 3
Best regards
Vicky Wood
Subject Advisor for Maths and Statistics (UK)
Subject advisor
Vicky Wood
Mathematics and Statistics - UK centres
