Teachers reveal the trickiest Science & Maths exam questions and how to handle them

Francesca

Head of Science

Published

Read time

2 minutes

As many parents eagerly try to help their children prepare for their exams, it seems as though even with the best intentions, they’re still not fully equipped to sit the exams themselves. Our recent study provided a GCSE Maths question to parents for them to tackle, and a huge 92% of parents stated that they didn't know the answer, with only 8% even attempting an answer. 

Therefore, (for those that need it) our expert content teachers have researched the hardest A Level and GCSE exam questions from a range of subjects and exam boards, so that the next time your child asks you for help, you know what to do! 

 

Maths GCSE - Algebra

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Lucy Kirkham (Head of STEM) said: “Seeing questions with loads of Algebra can be scary but breaking them down into smaller chunks will help you work through them more easily. Our maths experts at Save My Exams create colour-coded model answers which break down each question into easier steps to carefully guide users to the correct answer.

“This question gives you the answer you’re working towards, which can sometimes be off-putting as you wonder ‘How am I ever going to get there?’. Don’t let it worry you, just try to start with the first step and you’ll surprise yourself with how far you can get!  Even if you don’t get all the way through, marks are awarded for different stages of your working so you can always try to pick up some marks and use our model answers to see how you’d pick up the rest.”

 

 Biology GCSE - Cell Division 

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Chemistry A Level - Equilibria (Kc)

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 Physics A Level - Magnetic Fields  

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Maths A Level - Pulleys (Mechanics)

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Answer

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Maths GCSE - Circle Theorems

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Maths GCSE - Trigonometry (Sin Cos Tan)

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Sin Cos Tan – GCSE Maths – Explained

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Written by Francesca

Head of Science1 article

Fran studied for a BSc in Chemistry with Forensic Science, and since graduating taught A level Chemistry in the UK for over 11 years. She studied for an MBA in Senior Leadership, and has held a number of roles during her time in Education, including Head of Chemistry, Head of Science and most recently as an Assistant Headteacher. In this role, she used her passion for education to drive improvement and success for staff and students across a number of subjects in addition to Science, supporting them to achieve their full potential. Fran has co-written Science textbooks, delivered CPD for teachers, and worked as an examiner for a number of UK exam boards.

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