Here is a summary of the OCR A Level Further Mathematics B (MEI) Specification (H645, Version 1.7, February 2024).
Overview
- Qualification: A Level Further Mathematics B (MEI), accredited by Ofqual.
- First assessment: 2019.
- Structure: Linear qualification; all exams taken in the same series.
- Awarding body: OCR, developed in partnership with MEI (Mathematics in Education and Industry).
Key Features
- Designed for students with strong mathematical ability, often progressing to STEM degrees.
- Deeper and broader than A Level Mathematics.
- Encourages deep understanding, use of technology, and problem-solving.
- Co-teachable with A Level Mathematics B (MEI) and AS Level Further Mathematics.
Structure and Routes
Learners must choose one of three routes:
| Route | Mandatory Paper | Additional Papers |
|---|---|---|
| A | Core Pure (Y420) | Mechanics Major + 1 Minor (not Mechanics Minor) |
| B | Core Pure (Y420) | Statistics Major + 1 Minor (not Statistics Minor) |
| C | Core Pure (Y420) | Three Minor papers |
Excluded combinations:
- Cannot take both Mechanics Major and Minor.
- Cannot take both Statistics Major and Minor.
- Cannot take both Mechanics Major and Statistics Major.
Papers and Weightings
| Paper | Type | Duration | Raw Marks | % of A Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y420 Core Pure | Mandatory | 2h 40m | 144 | 50% |
| Y421 Mechanics Major | Major Option | 2h 15m | 120 | 33⅓% |
| Y422 Statistics Major | Major Option | 2h 15m | 120 | 33⅓% |
| Y431–Y436 Minor Options | Minor Option | 1h 15m (1h 45m for Y436) | 60 | 16⅔% each |
Core Pure Content (Y420)
Includes:
- Proof by induction
- Complex numbers
- Matrices and transformations
- Vectors in 3D
- Series, calculus (improper integrals, polar coordinates, hyperbolic functions)
- Differential equations (integrating factor, second order, SHM, damping)
Optional Papers
Major Options:
- Y421 Mechanics Major – forces, work-energy, momentum, circular motion, Hooke’s law, centres of mass, variable forces.
- Y422 Statistics Major – discrete/continuous random variables, bivariate data, chi-squared tests, inference, simulation.
Minor Options:
- Y431 Mechanics Minor – subset of Mechanics Major.
- Y432 Statistics Minor – subset of Statistics Major.
- Y433 Modelling with Algorithms – algorithms, networks, linear programming.
- Y434 Numerical Methods – equation solving, differentiation/integration, error analysis.
- Y435 Extra Pure – recurrence relations, groups, eigenvalues, multivariable calculus.
- Y436 Further Pure with Technology – use of CAS, spreadsheets, graph plotters, programming to explore curves, DEs, number theory.
Assessment Objectives (AOs)
- AO1: Use and apply standard techniques (50% weighting across qualification).
- AO2: Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically (~20–30%).
- AO3: Solve problems within mathematics and in context (~20–35%).
Use of Technology
- Calculators allowed in all papers (scientific/graphical with matrix, distribution functions).
- Y436 requires access to a computer with CAS, spreadsheet, graph plotter, and programming language during the exam.
- Emphasis on showing working, not just calculator answers.
Overarching Themes
- OT1: Mathematical argument, language, proof.
- OT2: Mathematical problem-solving.
- OT3: Mathematical modelling.
Progression
- Prepares for degrees in mathematics, engineering, sciences, economics.
- Can be taken alongside A Level Mathematics.
- AS Further Mathematics content overlaps with part of A Level content for co-teachability.