Exam Information

You're looking at the mark scheme for GCSE Mathematics Higher Tier Paper 6 from June 2018. This is the document that shows examiners exactly how to mark your answers and award points.

OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA) is one of the main exam boards in the UK that creates your GCSE qualifications. They're a not-for-profit organisation, which means any money they make goes back into improving qualifications and support for students like you.

Remember: Mark schemes help you understand what examiners are looking for, but they don't show you every possible correct answer - examiners are trained to give credit for alternative methods too!

Understanding Mark Scheme Annotations

Examiners use special symbols and codes to show how they've marked your work. The tick (✓) means you're correct, whilst the cross (×) shows an error.

Method marks (M1, M2) are awarded for using the right approach, even if your final answer is wrong due to a simple calculation error. Accuracy marks (A1) depend on getting the right answer after using a correct method.

Independent marks (B1, B2) are given for correct answers or key steps, regardless of your method. Special abbreviations like 'cao' (correct answer only) and 'nfww' (not from wrong working) tell examiners when to be strict about answers.

Top Tip: Show all your working clearly - you can still earn method marks even if your final answer is incorrect!

Key Marking Principles

Follow through marking means you can earn marks for correct working based on a previous wrong answer. If you make an error early on but use the wrong number correctly in later steps, you won't be penalised twice.

When you misread data consistently (like reading 37 instead of 73), examiners will follow your work and only deduct one mark. This is fairer than penalising you for every subsequent error.

If you give two different answers, examiners will mark the weaker one. Always cross out work you don't want marked, and make sure your final answer is clear on the answer line.

Exam Strategy: If you spot an error partway through, don't panic - you can still earn follow-through marks for the rest of your solution!

Sample Question Solutions

Looking at Question 1, you needed four numbers where at least two are 8, the range is 7, and the total is 44. The answer 8, 8, 13, 15 gets full marks, but partial credit is available for meeting some conditions.

Question 2 involves ratio calculations. You get marks for identifying the correct ratios (like 5:9:36) and then calculating percentages. The key is showing that 9 out of 50 total parts equals 18%.

For algebraic estimation in Question 4, you need to substitute values and show your calculation clearly. Getting 20 and explaining it's close to 19.5 earns full marks.

Working Smart: Even if you can't complete a question fully, you can still earn valuable partial marks by showing relevant working!

Advanced Problem Solutions

Coordinate geometry questions test multiple skills. For finding equations of lines, you need the correct gradient (like 0.75) and y-intercept. Show your gradient calculation clearly using the change in y over change in x.

Quadratic substitution problems require careful algebra. When substituting into y = -x² + kx + 8, make sure you handle negative signs correctly. The mark scheme shows common sign errors that lose marks.

Triangle proofs can be solved using different methods - symmetry, Pythagoras, or trigonometry. All approaches can earn full marks if properly executed. The key is showing that two sides are equal (making it isosceles).

Multiple Methods: Don't worry if your method differs from friends - there are often several correct approaches to geometry problems!

Final Tips from the Mark Scheme

Inverse proportion and algebraic manipulation appear in the final questions. For inverse proportion, set up the relationship correctly $like 80 × 0.04 = y × 32$ and solve systematically.

Substitution problems with sequences require you to find the correct value first, then substitute into given formulas. Show each step clearly - you can earn marks for finding intermediate values like u = 14.

The mark scheme shows that accuracy matters but isn't everything. Method marks mean you're rewarded for understanding the process, even when small errors creep in.

Confidence Builder: Remember that GCSE marking is designed to reward what you know - focus on showing your mathematical thinking clearly!