OCR AS Maths A specification (H230)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR AS 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 AS 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 AS Maths A (H230) 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 AS Level Mathematics A is designed to deepen learners' mathematical understanding, foster confidence, and develop skills applicable across disciplines and in real-world contexts. The course encourages the application of mathematical techniques in problem-solving, modelling, and logical reasoning. It supports learners in making connections between mathematical topics and using mathematics effectively in other subjects and societal applications. The specification promotes critical thinking, mathematical communication, and proof construction, helping learners become independent thinkers equipped for further study or employment. Emphasis is placed on interpreting mathematical arguments, representing situations mathematically, and evaluating models and solutions in a variety of contexts:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Pure Mathematics
- Proof by deduction, exhaustion, counter-example.
- Indices, surds, simultaneous equations, quadratic functions and inequalities.
- Algebraic manipulation, factor theorem, sketching graphs, transformations, coordinate geometry of lines and circles.
- Binomial expansion, trigonometric functions, sine and cosine rules, trigonometric identities and equations.
- Exponentials and logarithms, laws of logarithms, solving equations, modelling with exponentials.
- Differentiation from first principles, rules of differentiation, applications to tangents, normals, stationary points.
- Integration as reverse differentiation, definite integrals, finding areas.
- Vectors in two dimensions: notation, magnitude, direction, addition, scalar multiplication, problem-solving.
Statistics
- Sampling methods and techniques, informal inference.
- Data presentation: diagrams, statistical measures.
- Bivariate data: scatter diagrams, correlation, interpretation.
- Probability: notation, mutually exclusive and independent events, diagrams.
- Discrete probability distributions, binomial distribution and calculations.
- Hypothesis testing for binomial proportion, significance level interpretation.
Mechanics
- Quantities and SI units in mechanics.
- Kinematics: definitions, graphical interpretation, constant acceleration equations, variable acceleration.
- Newton’s laws of motion, equilibrium, force diagrams.
- Motion under gravity, weight, normal reaction, smooth contact models.
- Connected particles, frictional forces, two-dimensional equilibrium problems:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Pure Mathematics and Statistics (H230/01)
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 75 marks.
- Section A: Pure Mathematics (≈50 marks).
- Section B: Statistics (≈25 marks), including questions related to the pre-release large data set.
- All questions compulsory; mix of short and long questions with a gradient of difficulty.
- Calculator allowed with specified features.
Paper 2: Pure Mathematics and Mechanics (H230/02)
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 75 marks.
- Section A: Pure Mathematics (≈50 marks).
- Section B: Mechanics (≈25 marks).
- Structure and rules identical to Paper 1.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (58–62%): Use and apply standard techniques.
- AO2 (18–22%): Reason, interpret, and communicate mathematically.
AO3 (18–22%): Solve problems in mathematics and other contexts.
- Synoptic assessment and extended response questions integrated throughout both papers.
- Both components must be taken together.
- Qualification graded A–E; assessed in a single summer examination series.
- Total qualification time: 180 hours.
- Calculators allowed for all papers, with functions such as iteration and binomial probabilities.
- Formulae provided in exam papers; appropriate working must be shown for all answers:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR AS 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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