OCR Level 3 Core Maths B (MEI) specification (H869)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR Level 3 Core Maths B (MEI) 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 Level 3 Core Maths B (MEI) 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 Level 3 Core Maths B (MEI) (H869) 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
The OCR Level 3 Core Maths B (MEI) qualification focuses on developing the mathematical thinking and quantitative skills necessary for real-life problem solving, especially in areas such as finance, risk, and modelling. It is suited for students not studying A Level Mathematics but who need to apply mathematics in other post-16 subjects like business, economics, biology or psychology. The course builds confidence and promotes decision-making through contextual and critical analysis tasks based on real data.
Subject content breakdown
1. Personal finance
- Income tax, National Insurance, pensions and benefits
- Budgeting and expenditure planning
- APR and AER: loans, credit cards, savings
- Compound interest and inflation
- Mortgages and annuities
2. Modelling
- Use of formulae to represent real situations
- Linear, quadratic and exponential models
- Curve fitting using regression
- Graphical representation of models
- Use of spreadsheets and technology in modelling
3. Rates of change
- Average and instantaneous rates
- Gradient from a graph; estimation using chords or tangents
- Applications to kinematics, economics, biology
4. Fermi estimation and problem-solving
- Making assumptions and simplifying real-life problems
- Structuring multistep solutions using logical reasoning
- Evaluating the reasonableness of answers
5. Graphical and tabular data
- Interpretation of data from tables, charts and graphs
- Use of real-life data: critical evaluation and consistency
- Line of best fit, correlation and outlier identification
6. Risk and probability
- Relative and expected frequency
- Expected value and decision making under uncertainty
- Tree diagrams, two-way tables and Venn diagrams
- Applications in finance, insurance, and everyday scenarios
7. Critical analysis
- Detecting misleading statistics
- Analysis of claims from the media
- Consideration of bias, sample size and methodology
Assessment structure
Paper H869/01: Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 72 marks
- Based on pre-release data (provided up to 6 weeks before exam)
- Focuses on statistical techniques, finance and interpreting real-life data
- 50% of total qualification
Paper H869/02: Statistical Problem Solving
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 72 marks
- Real-world contexts requiring analysis, evaluation and extended reasoning
- Topics include modelling, estimation and interpreting results
50% of total qualification
- Calculators are allowed for both papers
- No coursework; all assessment is exam-based
- Grading: A–E (Level 3 Certificate)
- Endorsed by universities and employers for supporting mathematical thinking across disciplines
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR Level 3 Core Maths B (MEI) 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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