A-level Maths B OCR MEI Revision List

The Maths A-Level Maths B OCR MEI Syllabus is structured to give students a solid grounding in essential mathematical concepts, preparing them for higher education and careers in STEM fields. A number of independent and state schools in the UK have adopted the A-Level Maths B OCR MEI syllabus for teaching Maths at A-level. Highgate School in North London, for example, follows OCR MEI in both A-level maths and A-level further maths.

This guide covers the key topics included in the syllabus, serving as a revision checklist to help students organise their studies and ensure thorough preparation for the A-Level Maths B OCR MEI exams. For students following the alternative exam boards for A-level maths head over to our A-level Maths Tutor page for more a summary of the topics covered by the standard OCR syllabus, AQA and Edexcel.

Core Content for A-level Maths B OCR MEI

The A-Level Maths B OCR MEI syllabus is divided into 1. Pure Mathematics, 2. Statistics, and 3. Mechanics.

Assessment Overview

This A-level maths course is assessed at the end of the two year course from 3 x 2 hour papers with the following breakdown by subject and weighting.

  • Paper 1: Pure Mathematics and Mechanics 100 marks
  • Paper 2: Pure Mathematics and Statistics 100 mark
  • Paper 3: Pure Mathematics and Comprehension 75 marks

1. Pure Mathematics (Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, and more)

Pure Mathematics forms the foundation of the OCR MEI syllabus, covering fundamental topics used in both real-life applications and more advanced areas of mathematics. The key areas within Pure Mathematics include:

Algebra:

  • Manipulating algebraic expressions
  • Solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities
  • Polynomial division, factor and remainder theorems
  • Exponential and logarithmic functions

Coordinate Geometry:

  • Equations of straight lines and circles
  • Distance between points and midpoints
  • Using coordinates to solve geometrical problems

Sequences and Series:

  • Arithmetic and geometric sequences
  • Sigma notation for summing series
  • Binomial theorem expansion for integer powers

Trigonometry:

  • Radians and degrees
  • Graphs of trigonometric functions
  • Identities (e.g., sin²θ + cos²θ = 1, tanθ = sinθ/cosθ)
  • Using the sine and cosine rules to solve problems

Differentiation and Integration (Calculus):

  • Differentiating and integrating polynomial, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions
  • Applications of differentiation (e.g., finding tangents, normals, and turning points)
  • Basic integration techniques, including definite integrals
  • Using calculus for area under curves and volumes of revolution
  • Differential Equations and applications such kinematics, population growth and modelling price vs demand.

Vectors:

  • Vector notation and operations
  • Dot products and applications in geometry

Functions and Transformations:

  • Understanding and manipulating different types of functions
  • Inverse and composite functions
  • Transformations such as translations, reflections, and stretches on graphs

2. Statistics (Data Analysis, Probability, and Statistical Tests)

Statistics covers data analysis, probability theory, and interpreting results—valuable skills in many fields. Topics include:

  • Data Presentation and Interpretation:
    • Histograms, cumulative frequency graphs, and box plots
    • Interpreting data and summary statistics (mean, median, standard deviation)
  • Probability:
    • Fundamental principles of probability
    • Tree diagrams, conditional probability, and independence
    • Venn diagrams and calculating probabilities using various methods
  • Statistical Distributions:
    • Discrete distributions like the binomial distribution
    • Continuous distributions such as the normal distribution
    • Calculating probabilities and understanding how distributions are used
  • Statistical Hypothesis Testing:
    • Understanding null and alternative hypotheses
    • Conducting binomial and normal distribution hypothesis tests
    • Interpreting p-values and significance levels

3. Mechanics (Forces, Motion, and Energy)

Mechanics is the study of forces, motion, and energy, and is key for students interested in fields like engineering and physics. The main topics include:

  • Kinematics:
    • Displacement, velocity, and acceleration in straight-line motion
    • Using equations of motion (SUVAT equations)
    • Graphical representations of motion
  • Forces and Newton’s Laws of Motion:
    • Calculating forces and resultant forces
    • Newton’s three laws of motion
    • Frictional forces and equilibrium problems
  • Moments:
    • Understanding and calculating moments of forces
    • Solving problems involving equilibrium of rigid bodies
  • Energy and Power:
    • Kinetic and potential energy
    • Work done by forces and power calculations
    • Conservation of energy in mechanical systems
  • Projectiles:
    • Motion in two dimensions under gravity
    • Breaking down projectile motion into horizontal and vertical components

Optional Units (Further Pure Mathematics and optional papers)

Students may wish to study an additional A-level or AS level Further maths. A-Level and AS level Further Maths B OCR MEI may offer optional units like Modelling with algorithms, Numerical methods, and additional units of pure, mechanics and statistics, which add depth to understanding. These topics could cover more advanced mathematical ideas such as complex numbers, differential equations, or linear programming and may vary based on the course structure chosen by the school or college.

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Useful resources:

  • The full syllabus for the A-level Maths B OCR MEI:  The full specification for this A-level maths syllabus and accompanying assessment material and past papers can be found on the OCR website here.
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