specification overview
OCR A-Level Mathematics A (H240) is a two-year linear qualification with three 2-hour papers, each worth 33.3%. Paper 01 is Pure Mathematics only; Paper 02 combines Pure with Statistics; Paper 03 combines Pure with Mechanics. All papers are sat at the end of year 13.
subject content
01. Pure Mathematics
All papers- Proof, algebra and functions, coordinate geometry
- Sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials, logarithms
- Differentiation, integration, numerical methods, vectors
02. Statistics
Paper 02- Statistical sampling, data presentation
- Probability, statistical distributions, hypothesis testing
03. Mechanics
Paper 03- Quantities and units, kinematics
- Forces and Newton's laws, moments (A2 only)
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 01 (Pure Mathematics) | Pure Mathematics content only | 2h | 100 | 33.3% | Short and long structured questions on pure mathematics |
| Paper 02 (Pure Mathematics and Statistics) | Pure Mathematics + Statistics | 2h | 100 | 33.3% | Section A: pure. Section B: statistics using the large data set |
| Paper 03 (Pure Mathematics and Mechanics) | Pure Mathematics + Mechanics | 2h | 100 | 33.3% | Section A: pure. Section B: mechanics |
OCR provides a large data set contextualising some Paper 02 Statistics questions. All papers permit a scientific or graphical calculator.
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 02 Section B uses OCR's large data set. Familiarise yourself with variable names and typical patterns before the exam.
Practise proof techniques
Proof by deduction, contradiction, exhaustion, and disproof by counter-example. Papers 01-03 all reward well-structured proofs.
Master calculus fundamentals
Differentiation and integration thread through every paper. Practise substitution, parts, partial fractions until automatic.
Learn variable-acceleration kinematics
Paper 03 Section B tests kinematics using calculus with variable acceleration. Practise SUVAT plus derivative/integral forms.
Master hypothesis testing
Paper 02 Section B rewards clear hypothesis-testing structure: hypotheses, test statistic, distribution, critical value, conclusion in context.
Use your calculator strategically
A scientific or graphical calculator is permitted. Learn statistical functions, equation solvers and numerical integration to save time.
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.
