Constructions and loci (8300 - Higher - Geometry and measures)

Topic:Constructions and loci

Specification references (in recommended teaching order)

Specification content Specification notes
G2
  • Use the standard ruler and compass constructions:
    • perpendicular bisector of a line segment
    • constructing a perpendicular to a given line from / at a given point
    • bisecting a given angle
  • Know that the perpendicular distance from a point to a line is the shortest distance to the line
  • Use these to construct given figures and solve loci problems

  • including constructing an angle of 60°


The subject content (above) matches that set out in the Department for Education’s Mathematics GCSE subject content and assessment objectives document.

The expectation is that:

  • All students will develop confidence and competence with the content identified by standard type
  • All students will be assessed on the content identified by the standard and the underlined type; more highly attaining students will develop confidence and competence with all of this content
  • Only the more highly attaining students will be assessed on the content identified by bold type. The highest attaining students will develop confidence and competence with the bold content.

Teaching resources

Teaching resources - see below
Downloadable resource in format. 29/08/2014

Diagnostic Questions - constructions and LOCI 1
AQA have teamed up with Craig Barton's Diagnostic Questions website to share free diagnostic questions assessment for our new 2017 GCSE Maths specification.21/07/2017
Diagnostic Questions - constructions and LOCI 2
AQA have teamed up with Craig Barton's Diagnostic Questions website to share free diagnostic questions assessment for our new 2017 GCSE Maths specification.21/07/2017
Diagnostic Questions - constructions and LOCI 3
AQA have teamed up with Craig Barton's Diagnostic Questions website to share free diagnostic questions assessment for our new 2017 GCSE Maths specification.21/07/2017

Constructions
A fantastic, detailed powerpoint presentation detailing the steps in carrying out a range of constructions, including construction of triangles. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 23/07/2015
GCSE Bitesize: Loci
Overview of what is meant by a locus and some standard constructions.23/07/2015

Rolling Around
Loci investigation involving a ball rolling around the outside of a regular polygon.23/07/2015
Treasure Hunt Loci Constructions
Students receive clues to help identify the location of treasure. The clues involve constructions such as perpendicular bisectors. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 23/07/2015

Constructing Triangles
Useful handouts with written step by step instructions for how to construct various types of triangle, along with a worksheet of lots of triangles to practise constructions. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 23/07/2015
Teachit Maths: Desktop Revision - Loci and Construction
A useful worksheet and summary sheet on constructions (Note: grades relate to those in the legacy specifications).23/07/2015

Emaths Construction and Loci
Construction and Loci files, including some useful basic powerpoint demonstrations of constructions.23/07/2015

Topic Tests

8300 GCSE Higher Constructions and loci Mark Scheme
Downloadable resource in pdf format. 30/06/2023
8300 GCSE Higher Constructions and loci Topic Test
Downloadable resource in pdf format. 30/06/2023

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