Mathematics

OCR offers two A-Level Mathematics specifications. OCR A (H240) is the conventional course, assessed by three papers: Pure Mathematics, Pure with Statistics, and Pure with Mechanics. OCR B (MEI, H640) covers the same prescribed content but is assessed differently, with a distinctive comprehension paper and a stronger emphasis on modelling and on the use of technology throughout.

MEI's comprehension paper is unlike anything on other boards: students read an unfamiliar mathematical article in the exam and answer questions on it, testing whether they can absorb new mathematics under time pressure rather than reproduce practised technique. Schools choose MEI deliberately for that reason, and students moving between schools should check which specification they are on, because the preparation differs.