AQA AS Maths specification (7356)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA AS Maths 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 AQA AS Maths 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 AQA AS Maths (7356) 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 AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
This AS Mathematics qualification enables students to deepen their understanding of key mathematical concepts while building problem-solving and modelling skills. It promotes coherent learning by connecting different areas of mathematics, including algebra, trigonometry, statistics and mechanics. It develops fluency in mathematical argument and reasoning, and prepares students for further study or practical application across academic and vocational domains.
Subject content breakdown
3.1 Overarching themes
- Mathematical argument, language and proof
- Mathematical problem solving
- Mathematical modelling
3.2 A: Proof
- Structure of proof, including deduction, exhaustion, and disproof by counter example
3.3 B: Algebra and functions
- Laws of indices, surds, quadratics and inequalities
- Graphs of functions and transformations
- Simultaneous equations and factor theorem
3.4 C: Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane
- Equations of straight lines and circles, geometric properties
3.5 D: Sequences and series
- Binomial expansion, factorial notation
3.6 E: Trigonometry
- Definitions and rules, graphs, identities, solving equations
3.7 F: Exponentials and logarithms
- Graphs and laws of logarithms, equations, modelling and growth/decay
3.8 G: Differentiation
- Derivatives, rates of change, first/second principles, stationary points
3.9 H: Integration
- Indefinite and definite integrals, areas under curves
3.10 J: Vectors
- 2D vectors, magnitudes, directions, operations, applications
3.11 K: Statistical sampling
- Populations vs samples, random/opportunity sampling, techniques
3.12 L: Data presentation and interpretation
- Histograms, scatter diagrams, central tendency, variation, outliers
3.13 M: Probability
- Mutually exclusive/independent events, links to distributions
3.14 N: Statistical distributions
- Discrete probability distributions, binomial model
3.15 O: Statistical hypothesis testing
- Language and conduct of binomial tests, significance, inference
3.16 P: Quantities and units in mechanics
- SI units, velocity, acceleration, force, weight
3.17 Q: Kinematics
- Motion in straight line, graphs, equations, calculus applications
3.18 R: Forces and Newton’s laws
- Newton’s laws, motion under gravity, connected particles
3.19 Use of data in statistics
- Familiarity with large data sets, use of technology, interpretation tasks
Assessment structure
Paper 1
- Assesses: Proof, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Sequences, Trigonometry, Exponentials & Logarithms, Differentiation, Integration, Vectors, Mechanics (Quantities and Units, Kinematics, Forces)
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 80 marks
- 50% of AS
- Mixture of question styles from short to multi-step problems
Paper 2
- Assesses: Proof, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Sequences, Trigonometry, Exponentials & Logarithms, Differentiation, Integration, Statistics (Sampling, Data Presentation, Probability, Distributions, Hypothesis Testing)
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 80 marks
- 50% of AS
- Mixture of question styles from short to multi-step problems
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA AS Maths 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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