OCR A Level Maths A past papers (H240)
OCR A Level Mathematics A is assessed by three written papers taken at the end of the course. Paper 1 is Pure Mathematics; Paper 2 pairs Pure with Statistics; Paper 3 pairs Pure with Mechanics. All three papers allow a calculator, and each is worth a third of the qualification.
Paper structure
Paper 1: Pure Mathematics
- 2 hours
- 100 marks
- Calculator
Pure Mathematics content from across the specification.
Paper 2: Pure Mathematics and Statistics
- 2 hours
- 100 marks
- Calculator
Pure Mathematics together with the Statistics content.
Paper 3: Pure Mathematics and Mechanics
- 2 hours
- 100 marks
- Calculator
Pure Mathematics together with the Mechanics content.
- Pure Mathematics is examined on every paper, so it carries the largest share of the marks overall.
- Statistics questions use a pre-release large data set; working with it during the course pays off in context questions.
- OCR question stems often build across parts — losing the first part can cost the marks that follow unless you carry a stated value forward.
Paper structure reflects the current specification. Grade boundaries and exam dates change every series — always check the board's published documents for your own series.
How to revise with past papers
1. Secure Pure before applied
Pure underpins all three papers, so weak calculus or algebra costs marks three times over.
2. Rehearse follow-through working
When one part goes wrong, state your value clearly and carry it into later parts to keep follow-through marks available.
3. Model with explicit assumptions
Mechanics questions award marks for stating modelling assumptions such as light, inextensible or smooth — write them down.
4. Review by question type
Group dropped marks by question type rather than by paper, then re-attempt that type before your next full paper.
Common questions
- How many papers are in OCR A Level Maths A?
- Three papers, each 2 hours long and worth 100 marks: Pure Mathematics; Pure Mathematics and Statistics; and Pure Mathematics and Mechanics.
- Which OCR paper covers Mechanics?
- Mechanics is examined alongside Pure Mathematics on Paper 3. Statistics is examined alongside Pure on Paper 2.
- What is the difference between OCR Maths A and MEI (Maths B)?
- They are separate specifications with different paper structures and assessment styles, so use papers from the specification you are actually entered for.
- Is a calculator allowed throughout?
- Yes, in all three papers, and the specification expects a calculator that can handle statistical distributions and summary statistics.
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