GCSE
MATHEMATICS
8300/3F
Foundation Tier Paper 3 Calculator
Mark scheme
June 2025
Version: 1.0 Final
*256g8300/3F/MS*
, MARK SCHEME – GCSE MATHEMATICS – 8300/3F – JUNE 2025
Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant
questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the
standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was used by them in
this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’
responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same correct way.
As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts. Alternative
answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated for. If, after the
standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been raised they are
required to refer these to the Lead Examiner.
It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and
expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark
schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of
assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular examination
paper.
No student should be disadvantaged on the basis of their gender identity and/or how they refer to the
gender identity of others in their exam responses.
A consistent use of ‘they/them’ as a singular and pronouns beyond ‘she/her’ or ‘he/him’ will be credited in
exam responses in line with existing mark scheme criteria.
Further copies of this mark scheme are available from aqa.org.uk
Copyright information
AQA retains the copyright on all its publications. However, registered schools/colleges for AQA are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own
internal use, with the following important exception: AQA cannot give permission to schools/colleges to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third
party even for internal use within the centre.
Copyright © 2025 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved.
2
, MARK SCHEME – GCSE MATHEMATICS – 8300/3F – JUNE 2025
Glossary for Mark Schemes
GCSE examinations are marked in such a way as to award positive achievement wherever possible.
Thus, for GCSE Mathematics papers, marks are awarded under various categories.
If a student uses a method which is not explicitly covered by the mark scheme the same principles of
marking should be applied. Credit should be given to any valid methods. Examiners should seek advice
from their senior examiner if in any doubt.
M Method marks are awarded for a correct method which could lead
to a correct answer.
A Accuracy marks are awarded when following on from a correct
method. It is not necessary to always see the method. This can be
implied.
B Marks awarded independent of method.
ft Follow through marks. Marks awarded for correct working
following a mistake in an earlier step.
SC Special case. Marks awarded for a common misinterpretation
which has some mathematical worth.
M dep A method mark dependent on a previous method mark being
awarded.
B dep A mark that can only be awarded if a previous independent mark
has been awarded.
oe Or equivalent. Accept answers that are equivalent.
1
eg accept 0.5 as well as
2
[a, b] Accept values between a and b inclusive.
[a, b) Accept values a ⩽ value < b
3.14 … Accept answers which begin 3.14 eg 3.14, 3.142, 3.1416
Use of brackets It is not necessary to see the bracketed work to award the marks.
3
MATHEMATICS
8300/3F
Foundation Tier Paper 3 Calculator
Mark scheme
June 2025
Version: 1.0 Final
*256g8300/3F/MS*
, MARK SCHEME – GCSE MATHEMATICS – 8300/3F – JUNE 2025
Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant
questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the
standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was used by them in
this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’
responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same correct way.
As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts. Alternative
answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated for. If, after the
standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been raised they are
required to refer these to the Lead Examiner.
It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and
expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark
schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of
assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular examination
paper.
No student should be disadvantaged on the basis of their gender identity and/or how they refer to the
gender identity of others in their exam responses.
A consistent use of ‘they/them’ as a singular and pronouns beyond ‘she/her’ or ‘he/him’ will be credited in
exam responses in line with existing mark scheme criteria.
Further copies of this mark scheme are available from aqa.org.uk
Copyright information
AQA retains the copyright on all its publications. However, registered schools/colleges for AQA are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own
internal use, with the following important exception: AQA cannot give permission to schools/colleges to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third
party even for internal use within the centre.
Copyright © 2025 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved.
2
, MARK SCHEME – GCSE MATHEMATICS – 8300/3F – JUNE 2025
Glossary for Mark Schemes
GCSE examinations are marked in such a way as to award positive achievement wherever possible.
Thus, for GCSE Mathematics papers, marks are awarded under various categories.
If a student uses a method which is not explicitly covered by the mark scheme the same principles of
marking should be applied. Credit should be given to any valid methods. Examiners should seek advice
from their senior examiner if in any doubt.
M Method marks are awarded for a correct method which could lead
to a correct answer.
A Accuracy marks are awarded when following on from a correct
method. It is not necessary to always see the method. This can be
implied.
B Marks awarded independent of method.
ft Follow through marks. Marks awarded for correct working
following a mistake in an earlier step.
SC Special case. Marks awarded for a common misinterpretation
which has some mathematical worth.
M dep A method mark dependent on a previous method mark being
awarded.
B dep A mark that can only be awarded if a previous independent mark
has been awarded.
oe Or equivalent. Accept answers that are equivalent.
1
eg accept 0.5 as well as
2
[a, b] Accept values between a and b inclusive.
[a, b) Accept values a ⩽ value < b
3.14 … Accept answers which begin 3.14 eg 3.14, 3.142, 3.1416
Use of brackets It is not necessary to see the bracketed work to award the marks.
3
