Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) Maths specification (9662)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) 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 Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) 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 Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) Maths (9662) 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 Oxford AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Mathematics develops mathematical knowledge and reasoning through a broad and balanced curriculum. It supports logical thinking, problem solving and modelling, preparing learners for progression to mathematics-rich degrees and careers. The qualification enables students to apply mathematical methods to real-world contexts and abstract concepts across pure mathematics, statistics and mechanics. Emphasis is placed on understanding mathematical structure and form, alongside accuracy, clarity of communication and analytical interpretation.
Subject content breakdown
1. Pure Mathematics 1 (P1)
- Algebra and functions
- Coordinate geometry
- Sequences and series
- Trigonometry
- Exponentials and logarithms
- Differentiation and integration
2. Pure Mathematics 2 (P2)
- Algebra and functions (advanced)
- Trigonometry and identities
- Binomial expansion and radians
- Parametric equations and vectors
- Further differentiation and integration
3. Pure Mathematics 3 (P3)
- Further trigonometry and identities
- Numerical methods
- Further integration techniques
- Differential equations
- Further parametric equations and vectors
4. Statistics 1 (S1)
- Representation of data
- Measures of location and spread
- Correlation and regression
- Probability and discrete distributions
- Hypothesis testing
5. Statistics 2 (S2)
- Continuous distributions
- Poisson and exponential distributions
- Hypothesis tests for means and variance
- Use of normal and t-distributions
6. Mechanics 1 (M1)
- Kinematics in one and two dimensions
- Dynamics and statics
- Newton’s laws and connected particles
- Moments
7. Mechanics 2 (M2)
- Centres of mass
- Work, energy and power
- Collisions and impulse
- Circular motion and variable acceleration
Assessment structure
IAS Route 1: P1 + M1
- Pure Mathematics 1: 1 hour 30 mins, 100 marks
- Mechanics 1: 1 hour 30 mins, 100 marks
- Each paper: 50% of IAS, 25% of IAL
IAS Route 2: P1 + S1
- Pure Mathematics 1: 1 hour 30 mins, 100 marks
- Statistics 1: 1 hour 30 mins, 100 marks
- Each paper: 50% of IAS, 25% of IAL
IAL Route 1: P1 + P2 + P3 + M1
- Pure Mathematics 2: 1 hour 30 mins, 100 marks
- Pure Mathematics 3: 1 hour 30 mins, 100 marks
- Each unit: 25% of IAL
IAL Route 2: P1 + P2 + P3 + S1
- Pure Mathematics 2 and 3: as above
- Statistics 1: 1 hour 30 mins, 100 marks
- Each unit: 25% of IAL
IAL Route 3: P1 + P2 + S1 + S2
- As above; all units contribute equally
IAL Route 4: P1 + P2 + M1 + M2
As above; all units contribute equally
- Modular structure; IAS and IAL available in January and June
- Calculators permitted in all exams
- Grading: A–E (IAS), A*–E (IAL)
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) 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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