OCR GCSE · Analysis & Prediction
2022 OCR GCSE Mathematics - J560 Past Paper: Analysis & Answers
The June 2022 OCR GCSE Mathematics J560 examination offered a balanced yet demanding mix of questions across both Foundation and Higher tiers, testing algebraic fluency, geometric constructions, and multi-step ratio problems.
Updated: Jun 14, 2026
AnalysisSample paper
Difficulty 3.2/5
Total marks
300
Duration
270 mins
Most tested
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Paper breakdown
Paper 4 (J560/04) Higher Tier - Calculator: 100 marks · 90 minsPaper 5 (J560/05) Higher Tier - Non-Calculator: 100 marks · 90 minsPaper 6 (J560/06) Higher Tier - Calculator: 100 marks · 90 mins
Examiner insights
Official reportCommon pitfalls
- Confusing volume formulas: many candidates applied 2\pi r instead of \pi r^2 for area, or failed to compute the base area of a pyramid correctly.
- Under-estimating the need for systematic conversion: when converting units like km/min to cm/sec, candidates made frequent arithmetic slips, particularly with division.
- Venn Diagram mislabelling: in the Higher papers, candidates failed to subtract the intersection 'x' from the individual circle totals when working out ratios.
Misconceptions
- Assuming linear scaling for area and volume: many candidates divided or multiplied by the linear scale factor instead of squaring/cubing it in similar shapes.
- Confusing equations with identities: failing to understand that an identity is true for all values of x, whereas an equation is solved for a specific set of roots.
Where marks are lost
- Omission of units: losing the final accuracy mark by failing to state units or writing incorrect units like cm instead of cm^2 for surface area.
- Incomplete constructions: drawing lines of best fit or bisectors without visible compass arcs, which scored zero under strict criteria.
Estimated grade boundary
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
| Grade | Mark | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 242/300 | 81% |
| 8 | 200/300 | 67% |
| 7 | 158/300 | 53% |
| 6 | 120/300 | 40% |
| 5 | 82/300 | 27% |
| 4 | 45/300 | 15% |
| 3 | 26/300 | 9% |
Official grade boundaries published by OCR.
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