A Level Maths Topics by Exam Board: Full List

There are several different exam boards that offer A level maths qualifications. This can make finding information about the content that is covered confusing for students and parents. This article details the A level maths topics that are covered for each of the main exam boards, so you can rest assured that you know what you need to know for success in your maths A level.

The most popular A level maths courses, which are covered in this article, are:

• Edexcel A Level Maths (9MA0)

• AQA A Level Maths (7357)

• OCR A Level Maths A (H240)

• OCR A Level Maths B (MEI) (H640)

The content of the different specifications is broadly similar, and each course is divided into Pure, Mechanics, and Statistics.

The lists below summarise the topics that are examined. The smaller differences between the exam boards are presented in the later sections.

A Level Maths Pure Topics

Pure maths is the foundation of A level maths, focusing on abstract concepts and logical reasoning. Key topics include algebra, calculus, trigonometry, and geometry. These concepts develop analytical skills and provide the groundwork for problem-solving in other areas of mathematics, as well as applications in science, engineering, and beyond.

Proof, Algebra & Functions

• Proof and Proof by Contradiction

• Indices & Surds

• Quadratics

• Simultaneous Equations

• Inequalities

• Polynomials

• Rational Expressions

• Graphs of Functions

• Functions

• Transformations of Functions

• Partial Fractions

• Modelling with Functions

Coordinate Geometry

• Equation of a Straight Line

• Midpoints & Lengths of Lines

• Parallel and Perpendicular Lines

• Equations of Circles

• Circle Theorems

Sequences & Series

• Binomial Expansion

• General Binomial Expansion

• Arithmetic Sequences

• Arithmetic Series

• Geometric Sequences

• Geometric Series

• Sigma Notation

• Recurrence Relations

• Modelling with Sequences

Trigonometry

• Right-Angled Triangle Trigonometry

• Sine & Cosine Rules and Areas of Triangles

• Graphs of Trigonometric Functions

• Solving Trigonometric Equations

• Radian Measure

• Sectors & Arcs

• Small Angle Approximations

• Reciprocal Trigonometric Functions

• Inverse Trigonometric Functions

• Compound & Double Angle Formulas

• R addition Formulas (Harmonic Form)

• Trigonometric Proof

• Modelling with Trigonometry

Exponentials & Logarithms

• Exponential Functions & e

• Logarithmic Functions

• Laws of Logarithms

• Derivatives of Exponentials

• Exponential Growth & Decay

• Modelling with Exponentials & Logarithms

Differentiation

• First Principles of Differentiation

• Differentiating Powers

• Gradients & Tangents

• Increasing & Decreasing Functions

• Second Order Derivatives

• Stationary Points

• Modelling with Derivatives

• Differentiating Trigonometric Functions

• Chain Rule

• Product Rule

• Quotient Rule

• Differentiating Reciprocals

• Points of Inflection

• Connected Rates of Change

• Implicit Differentiation

Integration

• Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

• Integrating Powers

• Definite Integration

• Area Under a Curve

• Integration as the Limit of a Sum

• Integrating Trigonometric Functions

• Reverse Chain Rule

• Integration by Substitution

• Integration by Parts

• Integration using Partial Fractions

• Differential Equations

• Separation of Variables for Differential Equations

• Modelling with Differential Equations

Parametric Equations

• Parametric Equations & Cartesian Equations

• Differentiating Parametric Equations

• Integrating Parametric Equations

• Modelling with Parametric Equations

Numerical Methods

• Change of Sign Method

• Iteration

• Newton-Raphson

• Trapezium Rule

Vectors

• Representing Vectors

• Magnitude & Direction of Vectors

• Combining Vectors

• Position Vectors

• Vectors in 3 Dimensions

A Level Maths Mechanics Topics

Mechanics is a crucial part of A level maths that focuses on the mathematical modelling of physical systems. Key topics include forces, motion, kinematics, and dynamics. This area develops problem-solving skills essential for understanding real-world applications in physics, engineering, and other sciences.

Quantities, Modelling & Vectors

• Scalars & Vectors

• Fundamental & Derived Units

• Types of Force

• Modelling Assumptions

• Working with Vectors

Kinematics

• Displacement, Velocity & Acceleration-Time Graphs

• Using Calculus for Kinematics in 1D

• Deriving & Using SUVAT Formulas

• Acceleration due to Gravity

• Using Calculus for Kinematics in 2D

• Using SUVAT Formulas in 2D

• Projectiles

Forces & Newton’s Laws

• Force Diagrams

• Equilibrium in 1D & 2D

• Forces with Vectors

• Using F=ma

• Connected Bodies - Ropes & Tow Bars

• Connected Bodies - Lifts & Pulleys

• Resolving Forces & Inclined Planes

• Coefficient of Friction

Moments

• Moments Diagrams

• Moments & Equilibrium

• Centres of Mass

• Rods & Laminas

• Tilting

• Using Moments - Ladder Problems

A Level Maths Statistics Topics

Statistics in A level maths focuses on collecting, analysing, and interpreting data. Key topics include probability, hypothesis testing, and statistical distributions. This area is essential for making informed decisions and understanding trends, with applications in fields such as science, economics, and social sciences.

Statistical Sampling

• Types of Data

• Sampling Techniques

Data Presentation & Interpretation

• Basic Statistical Measures

• Frequency Tables

• Standard Deviation & Variance

• Coding

• Box Plots & Cumulative Frequency

• Histograms

• Outliers

• Skewness

• Correlation & Regression

• PMCC & Non-linear Regression

• Hypothesis Testing for Correlation

Probability

• Calculating Probabilities & Events

• Venn Diagrams

• Tree Diagrams

• Set Notation & Conditional Probability

• Probability Formulae

Statistical Distributions

• Discrete Probability Distributions

• The Binomial Distribution

• The Normal Distribution

• Standard Normal Distribution

• Calculating Probabilities Using Distributions

• Modelling with Distributions

• Normal Approximation of Binomial

Hypothesis Testing

• Binomial Hypothesis Testing

• Sample Mean Distribution

• Normal Hypothesis Testing

Large Data Set

• Using a Large Data Set

• Understanding the Context of a Large Data Set

What are the Differences between A Level Maths Exam Boards?

Whilst the topics included in the different A level maths courses are broadly similar, there are a few minor differences in some topics.

Normal Approximation to the Binomial Distribution

• Edexcel includes this, and includes using continuity corrections.

• AQA does not include this at all.

• OCR A introduces the idea but does not expect students to perform continuity corrections or perform explicit calculations with it.

• OCR B does require you to understand how and why a continuity correction is used when modeling discrete data by a normal distribution.

Moments in Mechanics, 1D vs 2D and Ladder Problems

• Edexcel explicitly includes parallel and non-parallel coplanar forces, e.g. “ladder problems”. This includes resting on rough ground against a wall.

• AQA does not include explicit 2D “ladder against a wall” contexts with forces at an angle. The specification references moments, but no exam questions so far show angled forces or ladders on a wall.

• OCR A does include 2D moments problems. The specification explicitly illustrates that the body can be a horizontal beam or a ladder resting against a vertical wall, etc.

• OCR B covers rigid bodies, resultant forces, etc., but the official content tends to keep the typical exam-style questions to simpler contexts. Its specification does not showcase angled-ladder questions in the way OCR A or Edexcel do.

Discrete uniform distribution and linear combinations

• Edexcel includes the discrete uniform distribution explicitly.

• AQA and OCR A do not specifically highlight “discrete uniform” as a named subtopic.

  • They cover binomial, general discrete variables, etc., but do not single out the discrete uniform distribution as a point in the specification.

• OCR B also includes the discrete uniform distribution as a named point in the specification.

The other main difference between A level maths exam boards is how the exam papers are organised; this is detailed below.

What is Covered in A Level Maths Papers?

Each exam board assesses students using 3 exam papers. However, the way in which they arrange the content across these papers varies.

What is Covered in Edexcel A Level Maths Papers?

• Paper titles:

1. Pure Mathematics 1

2. Pure Mathematics 2

3. Statistics and Mechanics

• Length & marks: Each paper is 2 hours long and worth 100 marks

• Weighting: Each paper contributes 33⅓% of the A Level

What is Covered in AQA A Level Maths Papers?

• Paper titles:

1. Paper 1 (Pure)

2. Paper 2 (Pure and Mechanics)

3. Paper 3 (Pure and Statistics)

• Length & marks: Each paper is 2 hours long and worth 100 marks

• Weighting: Each paper contributes 33⅓% of the A Level

What is Covered in OCR A Level Maths A Papers?

• Paper titles:

1. Paper 1: Pure Mathematics (01)

2. Paper 2: Pure Mathematics and Statistics (02)

3. Paper 3: Pure Mathematics and Mechanics (03)

• Length & marks: Each is 2 hours long and worth 100 marks

• Weighting: Each accounts for 33⅓% of the A Level

What is Covered in OCR A Level Maths B (MEI) Papers?

• Paper titles:

1. Pure Mathematics and Mechanics (01)

2. Pure Mathematics and Statistics (02)

3. Pure Mathematics and Comprehension (03)

• Length & marks: 

  • Papers 01 and 02: 2 hours, 100 marks each

  • Paper 03: 2 hours, 75 marks

• Weighting: 01 = 36.4%, 02 = 36.4%, 03 = 27.2% of the A Level

• Papers 01 & 02 have a short‐answer section (Section A) and a problem‐focused section (Section B)

• Paper 03 assesses primarily pure mathematics but requires comprehension of longer mathematical passages

Revision Resources for A Level Maths

Although needing to have a sound knowledge of all content within the A level maths curriculum may sound daunting, we have you covered with our course specific revision resources! 

We’ve carefully combed through each specification to make sure that our Revision Notes, Exam Questions, Flashcards and Past Papers are all perfectly aligned with your particular board’s specification and style. Check out the links below.

Edexcel A Level Maths Exam Questions, Revision Notes & Past Papers

• Pure

• Mechanics

• Statistics

AQA A Level Maths Exam Questions, Revision Notes & Past Papers

• Pure

• Mechanics

• Statistics

OCR A Level Maths A Exam Questions, Revision Notes & Past Papers

• Pure

• Mechanics

• Statistics

OCR A Level Maths B (MEI)

• Past Papers

Improve Your Grades with Save My Exams

Save My Exams is here to help you achieve the best grade possible in A Level Maths by offering expert-written resources specifically made for your exam board. We’ve got everything you need:

• Detailed revision notes

• Exam-style questions with student friendly worked solutions

• Past papers with mark schemes

• Practice Papers

• Videos

Whether you want to improve your understanding of key topics, test your knowledge, or sharpen your exam techniques, Save My Exams makes it easier and more effective for you to revise.

Explore Our A Level Maths Resources

References

Edexcel A Level Maths Specification
AQA A Level Maths Specification
OCR A Level Maths A Specification
OCR A Level Maths B Specification