GCSE Specification Topic Matrix
Comprehensive subject units, subtopics, and Grade 1–9 difficulty mappings.
GCSE Mathematics
AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Eduqas, CIE (Cambridge) (8300 / 1MA1)Quadratic Equations & Factoring
Factoring quadratics $ax^2+bx+c=0$, completing the square, quadratic formula.
Simultaneous Equations (Linear & Non-Linear)
Solving linear and non-linear simultaneous equations algebraically.
Indices, Powers & Standard Form
Laws of indices $a^m \times a^n = a^{m+n}$, fractional/negative powers $x^{-n} = \frac{1}{x^n}$, $A \times 10^n$.
Sequences, Nth Term & Arithmetic Progressions
Finding the $n$-th term of linear and quadratic sequences $an^2+bn+c$, Fibonacci sequences.
Surds & Simplifying Irrational Expressions
Simplifying surds $\sqrt{ab} = \sqrt{a}\sqrt{b}$, rationalising the denominator $\frac{1}{\sqrt{a}+b}$.
Trigonometry in 3D & Non-Right Triangles
Sine rule, Cosine rule, Area of triangle $\frac{1}{2}ab\sin(C)$, 3D Pythagoras.
Vector Geometry & Geometric Proofs
Vector addition, scalar multiplication, proving collinear points and parallel line segments.
Probability Trees, Venn Diagrams & Conditional Probability
Independent and conditional events, probability tree diagrams, set notation $P(A \cap B)$.
Histograms, Cumulative Frequency & Box Plots
Frequency density = frequency / class width, cumulative frequency curves, interquartile range (IQR).
Ratio, Direct & Inverse Proportion
Sharing in a ratio, compound units (speed, density, pressure), proportional constants $y = k x^n$.
GCSE Physics
AQA, Edexcel, OCR, CIE (Cambridge) (8463 / 1PH0)Specific Heat Capacity & Energy Transfers
Calculating $\Delta E = m c \Delta \theta$, work done, conservation of energy.
Ohm’s Law, Resistance & Circuit Rules
Current $I = Q/t$, potential difference $V = IR$, series and parallel circuits.
Newton’s Laws, Velocity & Momentum
Resultant forces $F = ma$, velocity-time graphs, momentum $p = mv$ and conservation.
Wave Equation, Refraction & EM Spectrum
Wave speed $v = f \lambda$, transverse/longitudinal waves, electromagnetic spectrum applications.
GCSE Chemistry
AQA, Edexcel, OCR, CIE (Cambridge) (8462 / 1CH0)Isotopes, Relative Atomic Mass & Electronic Structure
Subatomic particles, mass numbers, calculating RAM from isotopic abundances.
Moles, Stoichiometry & Molar Concentration
Moles $n = \frac{m}{M_r}$, concentration $C = \frac{n}{V}$, Avogadro constant $6.02 \times 10^{23}$.
Electrolysis, Acids, Reactivity & Neutralisation
Reactivity series, electrolysis of molten/aqueous compounds, pH scale and titrations.
Alkanes, Alkenes & Fractional Distillation
Crude oil refining, general formula of alkanes $C_n H_{2n+2}$ and alkenes $C_n H_{2n}$, cracking.
GCSE Biology
AQA, Edexcel, OCR, CIE (Cambridge) (8461 / 1BI0)Mitosis, Stem Cells & Microscopy Calculations
Cell division cycle, stem cell differentiation, Magnification = Image / Actual.
Enzymes, Digestive System & Heart Circulation
Lock and key enzyme theory, denaturation, double circulatory system, blood vessels.
DNA, Inheritance, Punnett Squares & Natural Selection
Structure of DNA, dominant/recessive alleles, Punnett square crosses, Darwinian evolution.
Photosynthesis, Respiration & Ecosystems
Photosynthesis equation $6CO_2+6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6+6O_2$, aerobic/anaerobic respiration.
GCSE Computer Science
OCR, AQA, Edexcel, CIE (Cambridge) (J277 / 8525)CPU Architecture (Von Neumann & FDE Cycle)
Registers (MAR, MDR, PC, Accumulator), ALU, Control Unit, Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle.
Binary, Hexadecimal, Sound & Image Representation
Binary additions, Two’s complement, hexadecimal conversion, resolution, color depth, sampling rate.
Network Topologies, Security & Protocols
Star/mesh topologies, TCP/IP layer model, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, malware, phishing, SQL injection.
GCSE English Literature
AQA, Edexcel, Eduqas, OCR (8702)Macbeth: Ambition, Guilt & The Supernatural
Analyzing Lady Macbeth, dramatic irony, tragedy conventions, and Jacobean context.
Power & Conflict Poetry: Ozymandias & Bayonet Charge
Comparing poetic devices, structural shifts, imagery, and power dynamics.
An Inspector Calls: Social Responsibility & Class System
Priestley’s socialist critique, Birling family dynamics, Inspector Goole as dramatic device.
GCSE History
AQA, Edexcel, OCR (8145)Germany 1890–1945: Weimar Republic & Rise of the Nazi Party
Treaty of Versailles impact, 1923 Hyperinflation, Munich Putsch, and Wall Street Crash.
The Cold War 1945–1972: Cuban Missile Crisis & Berlin Wall
Yalta/Potsdam, Truman Doctrine, Cuban Missile Crisis brinkmanship, and Detente.
Elizabethan England c1568–1603: Religious Settlement & Spanish Armada
Queen Elizabeth I, Catholic plots, Mary Queen of Scots execution, defeat of the Armada 1588.
GCSE Geography
AQA, Edexcel, OCR (8035)Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes & Volcanic Hazards
Constructive, destructive, and conservative plate boundaries; tectonic management.
Urban Issues, Sustainable Cities & Megacities
Urban growth in LICs/NEEs, Freiburg sustainable urban living case study.
River Processes, Erosion & Flood Management
Upper/middle/lower river courses, meanders, oxbow lakes, hard & soft engineering.