Properties of 2D and 3D shapes. Area, perimeter, volume, surface area. Pythagoras’ theorem. Trigonometry (right-angled at Foundation; non-right-angled at Higher). Transformations (translation, reflection, rotation, enlargement). Vectors (Higher). Bearings and constructions.
Tested by
- Edexcel IGCSE 4MA1 AO2 (Shape, space and measures; 22–28% of grade) — covers content area 4 (Geometry and trigonometry) and content area 5 (Vectors and transformation geometry)
- AQA GCSE 8300 AO1 applied to the Geometry and measures content domain
- Pearson Edexcel FS Maths L2 — Measures, shape and space (Ofqual 2018 §4) — at the everyday-life level: area and perimeter for floor plans and gardens, volume for containers, basic 2D and 3D shapes
Foundation vs Higher
Foundation: Pythagoras and basic right-angled trigonometry, area and volume of standard shapes, simple transformations.
Higher: sine and cosine rules, 3D Pythagoras and trigonometry, areas and volumes of similar figures, vector geometry and proofs.
FS Level 2 covers practical measures, area, and volume but does not include trigonometry, Pythagoras, or formal vector work.
Mastery descriptors
- emerging — names and identifies common 2D shapes; calculates simple areas and perimeters
- developing — applies area and volume formulae for standard shapes; applies Pythagoras with support
- secure — uses Pythagoras and trigonometry confidently; works with composite shapes; applies transformations
- mastering — uses non-right-angled trigonometry; works with vectors and 3D geometry; reasons geometrically