OCR AS & A-Level Maths

This scheme is for first teaching in September 2004. It provides a complete route of progression through the various strands of mathematics. The following qualifications are available as part of this specification:

• AS/Advanced GCE in Mathematics (3890/7890)
• AS/Advanced GCE in Pure Mathematics (3891/7891)
• AS/Advanced GCE in Further Mathematics (3892/7892)

Candidates who take one of the three suitable combinations of 3 AS units are eligible for certification in AS Mathematics. Candidates who take one of six suitable combinations of 6 units are eligible for certification in Advanced GCE Mathematics. For those candidates who wish to take 9 or 12 units additional qualifications of AS Further Mathematics or Advanced GCE Further Mathematics are available. Units are arranged in four different strands:

• Pure Mathematics
• Mechanics
• Statistics
• Decision Mathematics

The scheme is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of candidates and there are numerous combinations of the above units giving rise to a very flexible system indeed. It caters for candidates who may have quite limited aspirations and wish to take just 3 units in order to broaden the scope of their study or support other subjects. Equally, it is ideal for candidates who wish to focus on Mathematics and take 6 or 9 or 12 Mathematics units.

This specification will be accompanied by a revised edition of the Cambridge Advanced Mathematics textbooks, published by Cambridge University Press.

Key changes from current GCE Mathematics specifications:

• AS Mathematics to consist of two pure units (C1, C2) and one applied unit - all at AS Level.
• Advanced GCE Mathematics to consist of four pure units (C1-C4) and two applied units.
• Advanced GCE Mathematics to be either four AS and two A2 units or three AS and three A2 units.
• AS Further Mathematics to be possible with three AS units.
• The core unit in Further Mathematics (FP1) is an AS unit suitable for assessment after one year of study.
• Examination papers will last one and a half hours and carry 72 marks.
• No coursework.
• Re-sit rule disappears.
• Reduction in the number of allowed specification titles.