DfE statement G15 · Geometry and measures
Measuring, scale drawings and bearings
Measuring, scale drawings and bearings is content statement G15 of the DfE GCSE mathematics subject content, in the geometry area. It is on both tiers, and it appears on both the calculator and the non-calculator papers. Below is what the specification actually requires, the 3 mistakes that cost marks on this topic most often, and practice questions written to the statement — original questions, not past papers.
What the specification says
The DfE subject content for GCSE mathematics states, verbatim: "Measure line segments and angles in geometric figures, including interpreting maps and scale drawings and use of bearings." (statement G15). Every awarding organisation — Pearson Edexcel, AQA and OCR — must cover it, so the wording is the same whichever specification your school follows.
Tier
Both tiers. This statement is Foundation content, which means Higher students are examined on it too — Higher is Foundation plus more, never instead of it.
Calculator
This turns up on both the non-calculator and the calculator papers, so practise it both ways — the written method for Paper 1 and the efficient calculator route for Papers 2 and 3.
Common mistakes
- Measuring a bearing anticlockwise, or from south. Bearings are measured clockwise from north.
- Writing a bearing with fewer than three figures: 045°, not 45°.
- Finding a back bearing without adding or subtracting 180°.
Sample questions (10 of 30)
Nearby statements
Questions people ask
Is measuring, scale drawings and bearings on Foundation or Higher?
Both. It is Foundation content, so it can be asked on either tier.
Can I use a calculator for measuring, scale drawings and bearings?
It depends on the paper. Paper 1 is non-calculator; Papers 2 and 3 allow one, and this topic is asked on both kinds.
What is the single most common mistake here?
Measuring a bearing anticlockwise, or from south. Bearings are measured clockwise from north.
Are these past paper questions?
No. Every question is original, written to this DfE content statement and checked before publication. We do not host past papers or mark schemes.
Back to Geometry and measures at Foundation or at Higher.