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AQA Level 3 Mathematical Studies Past Papers

Download AQA Level 3 Certificate Mathematical Studies (Core Maths) past papers. Statistical techniques, financial maths, Fermi estimation. 116 resources.

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June 2023

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt): Paper 1 – June 2023

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt): Paper 2C Graphical techniques – June 2023

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper: Paper 1 – June 2023

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper: Paper 2C Graphical techniques – June 2023

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June 2022

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper (Modified A3 36pt): Paper 2C Graphical techniques – June 2022

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt): Paper 2C Graphical techniques – June 2022

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt): Paper 1 – June 2022

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper: Paper 2C Graphical techniques – June 2022

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper: Paper 1 – June 2022

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November 2021

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper: Paper 2C Graphical techniques – November 2021

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper: Paper 1 – November 2021

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt): Paper 1 – November 2021

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June 2019

5 files

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt): Paper 2C Graphical techniques – June 2019

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt): Paper 1 – June 2019

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper (Modified A3 36pt): Paper 2C Graphical techniques – June 2019

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper: Paper 2C Graphical techniques – June 2019

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper: Paper 1 – June 2019

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June 2018

4 files

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt): Paper 1 – June 2018

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper: Paper 1 – June 2018

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper: Paper 2C Graphical techniques – June 2018

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt): Paper 2C Graphical techniques – June 2018

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June 2017

2 files

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper: Paper 2C Graphical techniques – June 2017

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper: Paper 1 – June 2017

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June 2016

2 files

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper: Paper 1 – June 2016

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AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Question paper: Paper 2C Graphical techniques – June 2016

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Statistical Reasoning, Financial Mathematics, and Quantitative Problem-Solving for the Real World

AQA Level 3 Certificate in Mathematical Studies, commonly called Core Maths, is a qualification designed for Year 12–13 students who need mathematical skills in higher education or employment but are not studying A-Level Mathematics. It develops the ability to apply mathematical reasoning to real-world contexts — interpreting statistical data, managing personal finance, making informed estimates, and critically evaluating quantitative claims in the media and professional contexts. Paper 1 is compulsory and covers content common to all learners: analysis of data (calculating and interpreting mean, median, mode, range, interquartile range, standard deviation), representing data in charts and graphs, reading and interpreting tables, Fermi estimation (making order-of-magnitude estimates using logical reasoning and numerical common sense), financial mathematics (percentages, compound interest, VAT, loan repayments, exchange rates), and critical analysis of statistical information presented in news articles or infographics. Paper 2 offers three options, of which students sit one. Paper 2A (Statistical Techniques) extends statistical analysis to include correlation coefficients, regression lines, normal distribution, confidence intervals, and the use of the data booklet to interpret statistical tables. Paper 2B (Statistical Techniques from AS) covers similar ground. Paper 2C (Graphical Techniques) emphasises the use of graphs, charts, and diagrams to model and solve problems, including reading graphs in context and constructing representations of real-world data. A data booklet containing statistical tables and formulae is provided in all examinations. Questions are always contextualised — you will be given a news article, financial scenario, or dataset and asked to work with the real numbers rather than abstract exercises.

Exam Paper Structure

Paper 1Calculator ✓

Compulsory Paper

⏱ Timed examination🎯 marks📊 50% of grade

Statistical analysis and data representationFermi estimationFinancial mathematics (interest, loans, percentages)Critical evaluation of statistical claims

Paper 2Calculator ✓

Optional Paper (2A Statistical Techniques / 2C Graphical)

⏱ Timed examination🎯 marks📊 50% of grade

Correlation and regressionNormal distribution and confidence intervalsGraphical modelling of real-world dataStatistical tables from the data booklet

Key Information

Exam Board	AQA
Qualification	Level 3 Certificate
Common Name	Core Maths
Assessment	2 papers (Paper 1 compulsory + one Paper 2 option)
Paper 1	Compulsory — data, estimation, financial maths
Paper 2 Options	2A/2B Statistical Techniques, 2C Graphical Techniques
Data Booklet	Provided in all papers
Progression	University readiness; A-Level support qualification
Total Resources	116

Key Topics in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)

Topics you need to know

Descriptive statistics (mean, median, standard deviation, IQR)Fermi estimation and order-of-magnitude reasoningCompound interest, VAT, and personal financeCorrelation and linear regressionNormal distribution and standard tablesCritical evaluation of statistical claims in media

Exam Command Words

Command word	What the examiner expects
Estimate	Produce a reasonable approximation using logical reasoning and stated assumptions — show every step of your thinking
Interpret	Explain what a statistical value, graph, or diagram tells us about the real-world context
Calculate	Apply the correct formula to produce a numerical result, showing all working
Critique	Identify flaws, limitations, or misleading features in a statistical presentation or argument
Justify	Give quantitative reasoning to support a decision or recommendation

Typical Grade Boundaries

Grade	Approximate mark needed
A	70-80%
B	58-69%
C	46-57%
D	35-45%
E	24-34%

⚠️ AQA Level 3 Mathematical Studies is graded A–E. Grade boundaries depend on the paper option chosen. Check AQA's published thresholds for each session.

Reading Data Booklets Efficiently, Contextual Interpretation, and Estimation Technique

Core Maths rewards practical mathematical intelligence rather than abstract technique. For Paper 1, the most important skill is reading the question before looking at any data: understand what you are being asked, then identify which numbers from the table or chart are needed. A common mistake is copying down all the data and hoping a calculation will emerge — disciplined question-reading prevents this. Fermi estimation questions require you to show your reasoning, not just an answer. "Estimate the number of piano tuners in London" is not about knowing the answer — it is about demonstrating a systematic approach: estimate London's population (9 million), estimate the proportion who own pianos (perhaps 3%, or 270,000 pianos), estimate how often pianos are tuned per year (perhaps once), estimate how many pianos one tuner can service per year (260 working days × 3 pianos per day = 780 pianos/year), and divide to get approximately 346 tuners. The marker rewards the reasoning chain, so write every assumption explicitly. For statistical content in Paper 2A/2B, the data booklet tells you the z-values and critical values — but you need to know how to use them. The standard normal distribution table gives P(Z < z); to find probabilities for other regions, draw a sketch and use symmetry. Correlation coefficient questions often ask you to interpret r — remember that r = 0.85 means a strong positive linear correlation, not that one variable causes the other. Financial mathematics questions can be solved more quickly if you memorise the compound interest formula: A = P(1 + r/100)^n. Practise applying it to mortgage scenarios, ISA calculations, and inflation-adjusted values — all common exam contexts.

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