AS and A Level Mathematics: Why does OCR offer two specifications and what is the difference between the OCR A and OCR B (MEI) specifications?

OCR offered two versions of the legacy specification, one designed entirely by OCR and the other developed in partnership with respected curriculum body Mathematics in Education and Industry (MEI). We are continuing this relationship following the reform. 

• Spec A (H230, H235, H240 and H245) is produced by OCR independently
• Spec B (H630, H635, H640 and H645) is produced in partnership with MEI.

No two students are identical, and having two specifications allows us to produce qualifications that offer choice to centres in order to deliver the course that suits the particular needs of their students. While much of the content is similar across the two specifications, the structure, emphasis and approaches to assessment differ.

A Level Maths

Spec A has three 2 hour exams:

Paper 1: Pure mathematics

Paper 2: Pure mathematics and statistics

Paper 3: Pure mathematics and mechanics

In paper 2 and paper 3, the mechanics and statistics questions are in their own sections, separate from the pure questions.

Any of the pure content can be assessed on any paper.

Spec B also has three 2 hour exams:

Paper 1: Pure mathematics and mechanics

Paper 2: Pure mathematics and statistics

Paper 3: Pure mathematics and comprehension

In papers 1 and 2, the mechanics and statistics questions are distributed throughout the respective papers. In paper 3, the comprehension questions are in their own section at the end of the paper.

A new pre-release large data set will be produced every year for spec B, for spec A the published data set will be used for the life of the specification.

AS Maths

Both specifications have two 1.5 hour papers:

Pure mathematics and statistics

Pure mathematics and mechanics

As with A Level Maths, applied maths questions are in a section for spec A and distributed through the paper in spec B.

Likewise, a new pre-release large data set will be produced every year for spec B, while for spec A the published data set will be used for the life of the specification.

For more detailed information about the two specifications go to the respective qualification pages for spec A and spec B.

Stay connected

If you have any queries or questions, email us via maths@ocr.org.uk, call us on 01223 553998 or Tweet us @OCR_Maths. You can also sign up to subject updates and receive up-to-date email information about resources and support.