2026-2027 Newest Mastering OCR GCSE (9-1) Mathematics:
Paper 5 (Higher Tier) Non-Calculator Success Study Guide
GradedA+
, ### Exam Metadata
Tier: Higher
Assessment Code: J560/05
Marks: 100
Weighting: 33.3% of the total GCSE
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Tools Allowed: Ruler, protractor, compasses. (Calculators are strictly forbidden.)
### Content Domains & Weightings
OCR weights its Higher Tier papers across five main areas. On Paper 5, you can expect a higher
density of "pure" math questions that don't require complex decimal division.
### High-Yield Non-Calculator Topics
Since you cannot use a calculator, the examiners focus on your understanding of mathematical
structures. You must be fluent in the following:
1. Surds and Indices
Expect to simplify expressions like $\sqrt{48}$ or rationalize denominators such as
$\frac{3}{\sqrt{5}}$. You will also face fractional indices, like evaluating $27^{2/3}$.
2. Exact Trigonometric Values
You are expected to know the exact values for $\sin, \cos,$ and $\tan$ for $0^\circ, 30^\circ,
45^\circ, 60^\circ,$ and $90^\circ$.
Tip: If a triangle question appears on Paper 5, it will almost certainly use these angles so you can
calculate the side lengths manually.
3. Algebraic Manipulation
This is the "Algebra Heavy" paper. Focus on:
Expanding triple brackets.
Completing the square (crucial for finding turning points of quadratics).
Algebraic fractions (adding, subtracting, and simplifying).
Rearranging complex formulae where the subject appears twice.
Paper 5 (Higher Tier) Non-Calculator Success Study Guide
GradedA+
, ### Exam Metadata
Tier: Higher
Assessment Code: J560/05
Marks: 100
Weighting: 33.3% of the total GCSE
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Tools Allowed: Ruler, protractor, compasses. (Calculators are strictly forbidden.)
### Content Domains & Weightings
OCR weights its Higher Tier papers across five main areas. On Paper 5, you can expect a higher
density of "pure" math questions that don't require complex decimal division.
### High-Yield Non-Calculator Topics
Since you cannot use a calculator, the examiners focus on your understanding of mathematical
structures. You must be fluent in the following:
1. Surds and Indices
Expect to simplify expressions like $\sqrt{48}$ or rationalize denominators such as
$\frac{3}{\sqrt{5}}$. You will also face fractional indices, like evaluating $27^{2/3}$.
2. Exact Trigonometric Values
You are expected to know the exact values for $\sin, \cos,$ and $\tan$ for $0^\circ, 30^\circ,
45^\circ, 60^\circ,$ and $90^\circ$.
Tip: If a triangle question appears on Paper 5, it will almost certainly use these angles so you can
calculate the side lengths manually.
3. Algebraic Manipulation
This is the "Algebra Heavy" paper. Focus on:
Expanding triple brackets.
Completing the square (crucial for finding turning points of quadratics).
Algebraic fractions (adding, subtracting, and simplifying).
Rearranging complex formulae where the subject appears twice.
