Edexcel GCSE Maths Higher Revision Checklist

Higher tier 1MA1 targets grades 4–9. Every spec statement from the Pearson Edexcel specification is broken down below into a tickable objective. RAG-rate each one and revisit reds before each paper.

This checklist is taken straight from the official Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Mathematics specification (1MA1). Every spec statement is listed as an "I can…" objective so you can plan revision sessions, see what's left and walk into the exam knowing nothing has slipped through the cracks.

Specification code 1MA1 (H) · 75 sub-topics across 6 sections.

1. Number

12 sub-topics · 1 Higher-only.

  • Place value, ordering and rounding
  • Decimal and place-value calculations
  • Factors, multiples, HCF, LCM and prime factorisation
  • Powers, roots and reciprocals
  • Index laws including negative and fractional indices
  • Standard form: converting and calculating
  • Surds — simplify, rationalise denominators
  • Fractions, decimals and percentages — equivalence and ordering
  • Four operations with fractions and mixed numbers
  • Recurring decimals to fractions (Higher)Higher
  • Estimation and bounds — upper/lower bounds in calculations
  • Error intervals and truncation

2. Algebra

23 sub-topics · 7 Higher-only.

  • Algebraic notation and substitution
  • Simplifying, expanding and factorising linear expressions
  • Expanding double and triple brackets
  • Factorising quadratics including ax² + bx + c
  • Difference of two squares
  • Solving linear equations and inequalities
  • Solving quadratic equations by factorising, formula and completing the square
  • Simultaneous equations (linear and one linear + one quadratic)
  • Rearranging formulae including subject on both sides
  • Algebraic fractions — simplify, add, multiply, divide, solve
  • IterationHigher — Use xₙ₊₁ = f(xₙ) to find a root to a given accuracy.
  • Sequences — arithmetic and geometric nth term
  • Quadratic and other special sequencesHigher
  • Coordinates and the equation y = mx + c
  • Parallel and perpendicular lines
  • Quadratic, cubic, reciprocal and exponential graphs
  • Trigonometric graphs: sin, cos, tan
  • Graph transformations: f(x)+a, f(x+a), -f(x), f(-x)Higher
  • Functions — function notation, composite and inverseHigher
  • Equation of a circle and tangent at a pointHigher
  • Real-life graphs — distance–time, velocity–time, conversion
  • Area under and gradient of a curveHigher
  • Algebraic proofHigher

3. Ratio, proportion and rates of change

10 sub-topics · 1 Higher-only.

  • Use units and convert between metric units
  • Ratio — share in a ratio, simplify, equivalent ratios
  • Ratio problems including combining ratios
  • Percentages — increase/decrease, reverse percentages, repeated change
  • Compound interest and depreciation
  • Direct proportion (including algebraic)
  • Inverse proportion (including algebraic)
  • Compound units — speed, density, pressure
  • Growth and decay including exponentialHigher
  • Conversion graphs and best-buy problems

4. Geometry and measures

15 sub-topics · 4 Higher-only.

  • Angles in parallel lines and polygons
  • Congruent and similar shapes
  • Similarity — length, area and volume scale factorsHigher
  • Pythagoras' theorem in 2D and 3D
  • Right-angled trigonometry (sin, cos, tan)
  • Sine rule, cosine rule and area = ½ab sinCHigher
  • Exact trigonometric values for 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°
  • Circle theoremsHigher
  • Area and perimeter of compound shapes
  • Arc length, sector area and segments
  • Volume and surface area of prisms, cylinders, cones and spheres
  • Constructions and loci
  • Bearings and scale drawings
  • Transformations — translation, reflection, rotation, enlargement (incl. negative scale factor)
  • Vectors — addition, scalar multiplication, geometric proofHigher

5. Probability

7 sub-topics · 1 Higher-only.

  • Probability scale and theoretical probability
  • Relative frequency and experimental probability
  • Sample space diagrams and listing outcomes
  • Mutually exclusive and exhaustive events
  • Tree diagrams — independent and dependent events
  • Conditional probabilityHigher
  • Set notation, Venn diagrams and notation (∩, ∪, ')

6. Statistics

8 sub-topics · 2 Higher-only.

  • Frequency tables and averages (mean, median, mode, range)
  • Estimated mean from grouped data
  • Pictograms, bar charts and pie charts
  • Scatter graphs, correlation and lines of best fit
  • Time series and two-way tables
  • Cumulative frequency and box plotsHigher
  • Histograms with unequal class widthsHigher
  • Sampling — random, stratified, capture-recapture

How to use this checklist

  • RAG-rate every sub-topic. Red = haven't studied; Amber = revised but shaky; Green = confident.
  • Revise reds first. Your marginal mark gains are biggest where you're weakest.
  • Re-rate after every past paper. The list updates with your actual performance, not your feelings.
  • Don't binge. 25-minute focus blocks (try the Pomodoro timer) beat 3-hour sessions.

Suggested revision order

  • Algebra and Number first — they appear on every paper and underpin everything.
  • Ratio & proportion: secure compound measures and proportional reasoning.
  • Geometry: drill circle theorems and trig — high-mark guaranteed questions.
  • Probability: master tree diagrams and conditional probability.
  • Statistics last — fewer marks but high return per minute revised.

Related resources

Frequently asked questions

What grades does Edexcel Maths Higher target?

Higher tier targets grades 4–9. If you're predicted a 4 or below, Foundation is usually a better choice (max grade 5).

How many papers do I sit?

Three: Paper 1 (non-calculator), Paper 2 (calculator), Paper 3 (calculator). Each is 1 hour 30 minutes and 80 marks.

What's only on Higher and not Foundation?

Circle theorems, sine/cosine rule, vectors proof, completing the square, iteration, surds beyond simplification, exponential growth/decay, histograms with unequal class widths, conditional probability.

Source: Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Mathematics specification (1MA1).

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