Oxford AQA International AS Further Maths specification (9666)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Oxford AQA International AS Further 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 AS Further 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 AS Further Maths (9666) 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
This qualification is designed for students who wish to explore mathematics in greater depth. It supports progression in a wide range of mathematical fields and encourages analytical thinking and problem-solving. The course fosters enjoyment and confidence in maths while building coherent, transferable skills in logic, modelling and abstract reasoning. Suitable for highly motivated learners, it aims to challenge and engage through diverse content in pure maths, statistics and mechanics. The modular structure supports flexibility and layered progression, making it ideal for students aiming for mathematically intensive higher education or careers.
Subject content breakdown
3.1 International AS Unit FP1 (Pure maths)
- Algebra and graphs: sketching rational and conic graphs; asymptotes; inequalities; transformations.
- Coordinate geometry: loci equidistant from points/lines.
- Complex numbers: arithmetic, polar form, loci in Argand diagram.
- Roots and coefficients: manipulation of quadratic roots and construction of new equations.
- Series: sums of squares and cubes; method of differences; infinite series convergence.
- Trigonometry: general solutions; exact values of sin, cos, tan.
- Calculus: definition of gradient; connected rates; improper integrals.
3.2 International AS Unit FPSM1 (Pure maths, statistics, mechanics)
- Matrices: up to 3x3; transformations; determinants; invariant points/lines; shears.
- Linear graphs: reducing to linear law; using logarithms.
- Numerical methods: root location; Newton-Raphson; Euler's method.
- Bayes’ Theorem: tree diagrams; at most three events.
- Uniform and geometric distributions: conditions, probabilities, mean and variance.
- Probability generating functions: definitions; derivations; sums of variables.
- Linear combinations: mean/variance including covariance and correlation.
- Constant velocity in 2D: displacement, relative motion, interception.
- Dimensional analysis: dimensions, consistency, predicting formulae.
- Collisions in 1D: momentum, impulse, Newton’s Law, coefficient of restitution.
3.3 International A-level Unit FP2 (Pure maths)
- Roots and polynomials: relations, conjugate roots.
- De Moivre’s Theorem: powers, roots of unity, exponential form.
- Polar coordinates: conversions, curve sketching, area formula.
- Proof by induction: sequences, trigonometric identities.
- Finite series: summation via various methods.
- Series and limits: Maclaurin expansions, limits, improper integrals.
- Inverse trig calculus: derivatives and integrals.
- Arc length and surface area: Cartesian/parametric forms.
- Hyperbolic functions: identities, derivatives, integration.
- Differential equations (1st/2nd order): solutions, complementary functions, integrals.
- Vectors and geometry: vector/scalar triple products; lines/planes; direction cosines.
- Matrix algebra: 3D transformations, determinants, inverses, eigenvalues/vectors.
- Linear equations: solving up to 3 unknowns; geometrical interpretation.
3.4 International A-level Unit FS2 (Statistics)
- Moment generating functions: definitions, properties, derivations, sums.
- Estimators: sampling, bias, consistency, efficiency.
- Estimation: confidence intervals, sample size.
- Hypothesis testing: power, two-sample tests, variance tests, contingency tables.
3.5 International A-level Unit FM2 (Mechanics)
- Vertical circular motion: complete vertical motion conditions.
- Projectiles: motion on inclined planes, max range, bounce height.
- Elastic strings/springs: Hooke’s Law, work, energy.
- Collisions in 2D: momentum, impulse, restitution, oblique impact.
- Differential equations: Newton’s law, separable forms, resistance.
- Simple harmonic motion: derivations, solutions, pendulum.
Assessment structure
Unit FP1
- 1 hr 30 min written exam
- 80 marks (Pure maths)
- 50% AS / 20% A-level
Unit FPSM1
- 1 hr 30 min written exam
- 80 marks (40 Pure, 20 Statistics, 20 Mechanics)
- 50% AS / 20% A-level
Unit FP2
- 2 hr 30 min written exam
- 120 marks (Pure maths)
- 37.5% A-level
Unit FS2
- 1 hr 30 min written exam
- 80 marks (Statistics)
- 22.5% A-level
Unit FM2
- 1 hr 30 min written exam
- 80 marks (Mechanics)
22.5% A-level
- Modular structure: AS contributes 40%, A2 contributes 60% of full A-level
- Calculator allowed in all units
- Assessments available in January and May/June
- No specific QWC marks but clarity impacts scoring
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Oxford AQA International AS Further 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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