Maths is the most popular A Level taken in schools today so it’s vital that the new qualifications work for both teachers and students. We are developing two new distinct suites for AS and A Level Maths and Further Maths, OCR A and OCR B (MEI), so that teachers can choose the approach that suits them and their students.

In this blog, I will explain some of the overarching features of the new qualifications and outline the support on offer to help teachers move to and deliver them effectively.

The basics

In 2017, the spotlight of A Level reform in England is on Mathematics and Further Mathematics. There will be new specifications for AS and A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics, for first teaching from September 2017. 

The level of demand of the new reformed qualifications is the same as the existing Maths and Further Maths qualifications.

The first assessments for AS Level Mathematics, A Level Mathematics and AS Level Further Mathematics will be in June 2018. The first assessments for A Level Further Mathematics will be June 2019. 

How are Maths and Further Maths changing?

• Linear assessment: All assessments for Maths and Further Maths are linear, with 100% by examination, which means that all the exams are sat at the end of the course and there is no coursework.
  
  
• Statistics and Mechanics are compulsory: AS and A Level Maths have 100% prescribed content, containing both pure and applied mathematics, which means that there are no options available to choose. All AS and A Level Maths students will now learn both Statistics and Mechanics.
  
  
• Large Data Sets: AS and A Level Maths students should spend some of their time using large data sets, including a specific pre-released data set, to support their learning and assessment of Statistics.
  
  
• Use of technology and calculators: It is assumed that students will have access to appropriate technology with the use of scientific or graphical calculators available for all exams, and that they will be introduced to the wider use of technology in mathematics in their teaching and learning.
  
  
• Mathematical understanding: There is increased focus on problem solving, mathematical argument, reasoning and modelling.
  
  
• Choices at Further Maths: At AS and A Level Further Maths there is a compulsory core of pure mathematics content (33⅓% and 50% respectively). The rest of the content includes choices and options for the topics you teach. This means that you can choose topics that meet the needs and interests of your students.

Our approach at OCR

At OCR, our aim is to develop coherent mathematics specifications (subject content, assessment and support) that help to develop mathematically informed learners of all abilities.

We provide for learners with a wide range of destinations, requiring the development of logical and critical thinking as well as subject specific knowledge to support further study or application in the workplace.

And our approach is evidence-led and research-based.

Throughout the development of our new OCR specifications, we have involved the Maths community, working closely with practicing teachers and consulting with lecturers and students from Higher Education. 

Two suites of qualifications

OCR Mathematics A has been developed to provide students with a coherent course of study to develop mathematical understanding. Students are encouraged to think, act and communicate mathematically, providing them with the skills to analyse situations in mathematics and elsewhere. It is based on our experience of what works well in the classroom, providing clear subject progression and teacher support.

OCR Mathematics B (MEI) has been developed in collaboration with the education charity Mathematics in Education and Industry (MEI). MEI is a long-established, independent curriculum development body supporting mathematics teaching and learning and are specialists in AS and A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics. This qualification has been developed to allow students to develop a deep mathematical understanding that they can draw upon during their studies and throughout their lives.

For more details on the specifications and to look at our Sample Assessment Materials (SAMs) visit: ocr.org.uk/alevelmaths

Submit your comments below or if you have any questions then please contact us by email via maths@ocr.org.uk or tweet us via social media @OCR_Maths

About the author

Will Hornby - Subject Specialist - Mathematics

Will joined OCR in April 2014 as a Subject Specialist, having worked for OCR as a consultant on GCSE Maths reform and for many years before that as a senior examiner for A Level Mathematics. Will is the Subject Development Lead for AS and A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics, with overall responsibility for the development of OCR’s new specifications, and for oversight and quality assurance of the MEI specifications.

Will has worked as a mathematics teacher, then as a private tutor and Open University lecturer. In his spare time he likes to play the Chinese strategy game Go and entertain his young children.