specification overview
AQA A-Level Mathematics (7357) is a two-year linear qualification with three 2-hour papers, each worth 33.3%. Paper 1 covers Pure Mathematics only; Papers 2 and 3 combine Pure with Mechanics and Statistics respectively. All three papers are sat at the end of year 13.
subject content
A. Overarching themes
All papers- Mathematical argument, language and proof
- Mathematical problem solving
- Mathematical modelling
B. Pure Mathematics
All papers- Proof, algebra and functions
- Coordinate geometry, sequences and series, trigonometry
- Exponentials and logarithms, differentiation and integration
- Numerical methods; vectors (Paper 2 only)
C. Mechanics
Paper 2- Quantities and units in mechanics, kinematics
- Forces and Newton's laws, moments
D. Statistics
Paper 3- Statistical sampling; data presentation and interpretation
- Probability, statistical distributions, statistical hypothesis testing
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Pure Mathematics content only | 2h | 100 | 33.3% | Mix of short and long structured questions on pure mathematics |
| Paper 2 | Pure Mathematics + Mechanics | 2h | 100 | 33.3% | Section A: pure mathematics. Section B: mechanics |
| Paper 3 | Pure Mathematics + Statistics | 2h | 100 | 33.3% | Section A: pure mathematics. Section B: statistics (may use a large data set) |
AQA provides a large data set (Family Food was used for 2018-2019 exams only; a new AQA-published dataset applies from 2020 onwards) used to contextualise some Statistics questions on Paper 3. All papers permit graphical calculators.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Use and apply standard techniques. | 50% |
| AO2 | Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically. | 25% |
| AO3 | Solve problems within mathematics and in other contexts. | 25% |
key tips for success
Learn the large data set
Paper 3 uses the current AQA large data set (Family Food was used for the 2018-2019 exams only; check aqa.org.uk/7357 for the current dataset). Familiarise yourself with the data structure, variable names and typical patterns before the exam.
Practise proof techniques
Proof by contradiction, proof by exhaustion, disproof by counter-example. Standard on Paper 1 and worth easy marks with practice.
Master calculus fundamentals
Differentiation and integration thread through every paper. Practise standard techniques (substitution, parts, partial fractions) until automatic.
Learn kinematics of variable acceleration
Paper 2 Section B tests kinematics using calculus with variable acceleration. Practise SUVAT plus derivative/integral forms.
Master hypothesis testing
Statistics Section B on Paper 3 rewards clear hypothesis-testing structure: hypotheses, test statistic, distribution, critical value, conclusion in context.
Use your calculator strategically
AQA permits graphical calculators (see the AQA-approved list). Learn statistical functions, equation solvers and numerical integration to save time on calculation questions.
Where to next
Start your learning journey today...
Practise with Cognito's free past papers for this spec – or browse grade boundaries and related specifications.
