OCR A Level Further Maths A specification (H245)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR A Level Further Maths A exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
Examiner-written revision resources that improve your grades 2x
- Written by expert teachers and examiners
- Aligned to exam specifications
- Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official OCR A Level Further Maths A specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official OCR A Level Further Maths A (H245) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
OCR’s A Level in Further Mathematics A supports mathematically ambitious students in exploring sophisticated mathematical concepts and developing precise analytical thinking. The course strengthens core skills in algebra, calculus, and proof, while introducing new topics such as complex numbers, matrices, polar coordinates, hyperbolic functions, and advanced vectors. It enables learners to apply mathematical reasoning to abstract and contextual problems through pure and optional application content. The qualification is designed to support progression into degrees in mathematics, engineering, physics, computer science, and other disciplines requiring advanced mathematical fluency and logical rigour:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
2c. Pure Core (Y540 & Y541 – Mandatory)
- Proof: including induction, sums, divisibility, powers of matrices
- Complex Numbers: arithmetic, Argand diagrams, De Moivre’s theorem, roots of unity
- Matrices: operations, transformations (2D/3D), determinants, inverses, solving systems
- Further Vectors: lines, planes, angles/distances, scalar/vector products
- Further Algebra: symmetric functions of roots, partial fractions, transformations
- Series: standard sums, method of differences
- Hyperbolic Functions: definitions, graphs, identities, inverses, integration
- Further Calculus: Maclaurin series, improper integrals, volumes, partial fractions
- Polar Coordinates: conversion, sketching, area
- Differential Equations: 1st and 2nd order (including SHM, damping), systems
2d. Statistics (Optional – Y542)
- Probability: permutations/combinations, selection/arrangement
- Discrete Random Variables: binomial, Poisson, geometric, uniform
- Continuous Random Variables: pdfs, cdfs, expectation, transformations
- Hypothesis Tests: normal-based, t-tests, confidence intervals
- Chi-squared and Non-parametric Tests: contingency, goodness-of-fit, Wilcoxon, sign tests
- Correlation and Regression: Pearson, Spearman, linear models
2e. Mechanics (Optional – Y543)
- Dimensional Analysis: units, model derivation
- Work, Energy, Power: elastic energy, Hooke’s law, conservation principles
- Impulse and Momentum: 1D/2D collisions, restitution, Newton’s experimental law
- Centre of Mass: symmetry, integration, compound bodies
- Circular Motion: horizontal/vertical motion, SHM, variable speed
- Variable Force: motion under changing acceleration
2f. Discrete Mathematics (Optional – Y544)
- Combinatorics: pigeonhole, inclusion-exclusion, derangements
- Graphs: types, planarity, traversals (Eulerian/Hamiltonian), adjacency matrices
- Algorithms: sorting, packing, complexity, pseudo-code
- Network Algorithms: Dijkstra’s, Prim’s, Kruskal’s, travelling salesperson, route inspection
- Project Management: critical path, cascade charts
- Linear Programming: graphical solutions, integer/bound methods
- Game Theory: zero-sum games, strategies, simplex use
2g. Additional Pure Mathematics (Optional – Y545)
- Sequences and Series: recurrence, convergence, use of induction
- Number Theory: congruences, Fermat’s theorem
- Group Theory: axioms, Lagrange’s theorem, isomorphisms
- Further Vectors: scalar triple products, area/volume
- Surfaces and Partial Differentiation: stationary points, Hessian matrix
- Further Calculus: arc length, surface area, reduction formulae:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Pure Core 1 (Y540)
- Written exam: 90 minutes; 75 marks
- 25% of A Level
- Assesses full Pure Core content and Overarching Themes
Pure Core 2 (Y541)
- Written exam: 90 minutes; 75 marks
- 25% of A Level
- Assesses full Pure Core content and Overarching Themes
Optional Papers (two required)
- Statistics (Y542) / Mechanics (Y543) / Discrete Mathematics (Y544) / Additional Pure Mathematics (Y545)
- Each: 90 minutes; 75 marks
- 25% of A Level per paper
Covers chosen option content and Overarching Themes
- All four assessments taken in a single examination series
- All are written papers; calculators allowed throughout:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR A Level Further Maths A isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
Share this article