GCSE Mathematics Unit 6 Paper 1 - Non-Calculator Mark Scheme - Foundation Tier

Sep 5, 2026

GCSE Mathematics Unit 6 Paper 1 Non-Calculator mark scheme for the Foundation Tier (GMC61) provides the official guidance used to award marks for each question. It explains how M marks reward correct methods, A marks reward accurate working, and MA marks combine both. The document details follow-through marking, positive marking principles, handling of transcription and reading errors, and general advice for awarding partial credit when answers differ or rounding varies.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

General Marking Instructions

Introduction

Positive marking

General Marking Advice

General Certificate of Secondary Education November 2025 Mathematics Unit 6 Paper 1 Non-Calculator Paper Foundation Tier [GMC61] THURSDAY 20 NOVEMBER, MORNING MARK SCHEME GCSE MATHEMATICS General Marking Instructions Introduction The mark scheme normally provides the most popular solution to each question. Other solutions given by candidates are evaluated and credit given as appropriate; these alternative methods are not usually illustrated in the published mark scheme. The solution to a question gains marks for correct method and marks for accurate working based on this method. The marks awarded for each question are shown in the right hand column and they are prefixed by the letters M, A and MA as appropriate. The key to the mark scheme is given below: M indicates marks for correct method. A indicates marks for accurate working, whether in calculation, reading from tables, graphs or answers. Accuracy marks may depend on preceding M (method) marks, hence M0 A1 cannot be awarded, i.e. where the method is not correct no marks can be given. MA indicates marks for combined method and accurate working. A later part of a question may require a candidate to use an answer obtained from an earlier part of the same question. A candidate who gets the wrong answer to the earlier part and goes on to the later part is naturally unaware that the wrong data is being used and is actually undertaking the solution of a parallel problem from the point at which the error occurred. If a candidate continues to apply correct method, then the candidate’s individual working must be followed through from the error. If no further errors are made, then the candidate is penalised only for the initial error. Solutions containing two or more working or transcription errors are treated in the same way. This process is usually referred to as “follow-through marking” and allows a candidate to gain credit for that part of a solution which follows a working or transcription error. It should be noted that where an error trivialises a question, or changes the nature of the skills being tested, then as a general rule, it would be the case that not more than half the marks for that question or part of that question would be awarded; in some cases the error may be such that no marks would be awarded. Positive marking It is our intention to reward candidates for any demonstration of relevant knowledge, skills or understanding. For this reason we adopt a policy of following through their answers, that is, having penalised a candidate for an error, we mark the succeeding parts of the question using the candidate’s value or answers and award marks accordingly. Some common examples of this occur in the following cases: (a) a numerical error in one entry in a table of values might lead to several answers being incorrect, but these might not be essentially separate errors; (b) readings taken from a candidate’s inaccurate graphs may not agree with the answers expected but might be consistent with the graphs drawn. When the candidate misreads a question in such a way as to make the question easier, only a proportion of the marks will be available (based on the professional judgement of the examiner) . General Marking Advice (i) If the correct answer is seen in the body of the script and the answer given in the answer line is clearly a transcription error, full marks should be awarded. (ii) If the answer is missing, but the correct answer is seen in the body of the script, full marks should be awarded. (iii) If the correct answer is seen in working but a completely different answer is seen in the answer space, then some marks will be awarded depending on the severity of the error. (iv) Work crossed out but not replaced should be marked. (v) In general, if two or more methods are offered, mark only the method that leads to the answer on the answer line. If two (or more) answers are offered (with no solution offered on the

FAQs

What do M, A, and MA mean in the mark scheme?

M indicates marks for correct method, A indicates marks for accurate working, and MA indicates combined method and accurate working.

How does follow-through marking work after an error?

If a candidate makes an error in an earlier part, later parts are marked by following their working, so marks may still be awarded for correct method and subsequent accuracy unless the error makes the later question fundamentally different.

How are transcription errors or missing answers handled?

If the correct answer appears in the script but the answer line has a transcription error, full marks can be awarded. If the answer is missing from the answer line but present in working, full marks can also be awarded.

Sep 5, 2026

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