GCSE Mathematics: Do I need to teach specific methods for topics?

For GCSE (9-1) mathematics assessment, marks will be awarded for any appropriate method used correctly. Topics may appear on either calculator and non-calculator question papers, so non-calculator methods will need to be known by candidates.

The only instances where a question will ask for and require a specific method will be when assessing topics where the GCSE (9-1) Mathematics Specification specifically states that a particular method should be known (an example would be 'completing the square' (statement 6.01f), which is a method required at Higher tier). In such circumstances, only the use of the requested method would be appropriate, however there are few such instances within the Specification and in all such questions the requirement would be made clearly and explicitly.