OCR A Level Maths A specification (H240)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR A Level 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.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official OCR A Level 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 Maths A (H240) 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 A Level Mathematics A aims to develop learners' confidence and fluency in mathematics through a broad course encompassing Pure Mathematics, Statistics, and Mechanics. The course emphasises the interconnected nature of mathematics and its applications, supporting logical reasoning, problem-solving, and mathematical modelling. It encourages students to explore mathematics both within the subject and in other disciplines, fostering skills in analysis, communication, and the use of technology. The course is designed to prepare learners for higher education and employment, building on GCSE content and introducing advanced mathematical concepts, with a focus on real-world application, mathematical thinking, and structured problem-solving:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
1 Pure Mathematics
- Proof – Deductive reasoning, exhaustion, contradiction, proof by counter-example.
- Algebra and Functions – Indices, surds, quadratic functions, inequalities, polynomials, modulus function, sketching graphs, transformations, functions and inverse functions, partial fractions, modelling.
- Coordinate Geometry in the x–y Plane – Straight lines, circles, parametric equations.
- Sequences and Series – Binomial expansion, sequences, arithmetic and geometric series, sigma notation, modelling.
- Trigonometry – Trigonometric functions, radians, identities, equations, small angle approximations, solving problems.
- Exponentials and Logarithms – Laws of logarithms, solving equations, modelling.
- Differentiation – First principles, rules, stationary points, parametric and implicit differentiation, constructing differential equations.
- Integration – Indefinite and definite integrals, areas under curves, numerical integration, substitution, integration by parts, solving differential equations.
- Numerical Methods – Root finding, iterative methods, Newton-Raphson, numerical integration.
- Vectors – Magnitude and direction, operations, applications in pure maths and mechanics.
2 Statistics
- Statistical Sampling – Techniques, critiques, context applications.
- Data Presentation and Interpretation – Diagrams, measures of central tendency and spread, cleaning data.
- Probability – Basic principles, diagrams, conditional probability, modelling.
- Statistical Distributions – Discrete distributions, binomial and normal distributions, selecting appropriate models.
- Statistical Hypothesis Testing – Binomial proportion tests, normal mean tests, Pearson’s correlation.
3 Mechanics
- Quantities and Units – SI units, derived units.
- Kinematics – Constant acceleration, equations of motion, projectiles, vectors.
- Forces and Newton’s Laws – Motion under forces, equilibrium, friction, Newton’s laws, vectors in force contexts.
- Moments – Calculation and use in equilibrium problems:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Pure Mathematics
- 2 hours, 100 marks.
- Pure Mathematics content only.
- Gradient of difficulty, compulsory questions.
Paper 2: Pure Mathematics and Statistics
- 2 hours, 100 marks.
- Split into Pure Mathematics and Statistics sections.
- Questions on Statistics assume familiarity with the pre-release large data set.
Paper 3: Pure Mathematics and Mechanics
- 2 hours, 100 marks.
- Split into Pure Mathematics and Mechanics sections.
Common Features for All Papers
- Calculators permitted with specified functions (iterative, statistical summaries).
- All questions compulsory with mix of short and long questions.
- Include synoptic assessment, extended response, and stretch and challenge questions.
- Linear assessment structure.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (50%): Use and apply standard techniques.
- AO2 (25%): Reason, interpret, and communicate mathematically.
- AO3 (25%): Solve problems in mathematics and other contexts.
Grading and Availability
- Total qualification time: 360 hours.
- Available for assessment once a year (May/June).
- Graded A*–E, all components taken in the same series.
- Qualification available in England only:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR A Level 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.
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