Think Maths, think different, think OCR

Think Maths, think different, think OCR

Why different?

No two students are the same, so why not take a different approach to the ‘traditional’ way of teaching maths to your students?

To give you a choice of courses, we offer two versions of our A Level Maths and Further Maths qualifications, one designed by us and the other in partnership with independent charity Mathematics in Education and Industry (MEI).

A Level Maths B (MEI) is designed with students in mind. Integrating problem solving, modelling and the use of technology in a real world context provides students with the maths skills they need to move into the world of work or progress onto Higher Education.

Our Core Maths qualifications, also developed with MEI, can be run alongside A Levels in other subjects and vocational qualifications to support their mathematical requirements. They are also recognised as worthwhile qualifications by higher education and employers.

Why A Level Maths B (MEI)?

  • Exam paper structure - Pure and applied questions are mixed throughout the papers so students can start with more straightforward questions, demonstrating skills in both the pure and the applied content, before moving on to more in-depth questions.
  • Mixing the pure and applied questions encourages a more synoptic approach to the teaching and learning of maths.
  • Providing multiple Large Data Sets(LDS) ensures students can see what they’ve learned is applicable across a range of contexts, and the LDS is regularly reviewed to ensure it remains relevant.
  • Supports students in understanding mathematical needs across a range of subjects, emphasising how mathematical ideas are interconnected, how they can be used to model situations and to understand data and solve problems in the physical world.
  • Incorporates technology and real-life contexts students will find familiar, such as using screen shots from software applications.
  • Students use pre-release data in statistics to develop an understanding of working with real data to solve real problems.

Why Core Maths?

  • Core Maths qualifications are the equivalent to AS Levels in terms of size and attracting up to 20 UCAS points in the new tariff.
  • Enhances students’ abilities with the mathematical skills and the quantitative reasoning crucial for other A Levels, Applied General (Cambridge Technical or BTEC) or Technical subjects such as business, sport, psychology, geography, health and social care, design and engineering.
  • Our qualifications are recognised as worthwhile qualifications by higher education; some universities offer reduced offers for students who have a Core Maths qualification.
  • Core maths students develop skills that are very attractive to employers. Understanding and working with statistics and mathematical information improves students’ ability to analyse ‘real world’ situations and make better informed decisions.
  • The approach to teaching Core Maths is student-centred, applying the maths learnt at GCSE and learning some additional techniques to address real-life problems in meaningful contexts, which students enjoy and recognise as worthwhile.
"I use the MEI A-level course in my Department for both Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Both courses focus on students developing their understanding of concepts and techniques and then applying these to solve problems which are usually set in real-life situations."

Jim Baldwin, Archbishop Tenison's CE High School
"Students really enjoy the ‘real-life’ element of the course, especially the finance section where they calculate income tax and national insurance as well as mortgages and loans; they can see the practical uses of the skills they are learning which motivates them to delve deeper into the topic areas."

Paul Matuszewskyj, Tuxford Academy

A Level Maths B (MEI) Blogs

Discover more about A Level Maths B (MEI) in blogs written by our Maths Subject Advisors:
Steven Walker, OCR Maths Subject Advisor

Core Maths Blogs

Discover more about Core Maths in blogs written by our Maths Subject Advisors:
Ruth Wroe, OCR Maths Subject Advisor

A Level Maths B (MEI) textbooks

Hodder Education has print and digital etextbooks, for our A Level Maths B (MEI) qualification.

The etextbooks are fully integrated with
MEI's online teaching and learning environment - Integral, so all the relevant resources are readily accessible when you need them by clicking on the Integral logo symbols.

Find out more

**These resources are optional, and are not required to deliver the qualification**
A Level Maths B (MEI) textbooks

Core Maths textbooks

The Core Maths A and B (MEI) textbook from illuminate publishing is a valuable resource for students and teachers.

A teacher companion to this textbook, providing additional questions and worked solutions, is available on the Core Maths Platform.

Find out more

**These resources are optional, and are not required to deliver the qualification**
Core maths Textbook

Download our FREE Sample Resources Pack

We have a wide range of free planning and teaching resources available for our A Level Maths B (MEI) and Core Maths qualifications, including many which are created by MEI.

To give you a taste of the resources available, we've created a free sample pack of resources for you to download. The pack includes:

  • Sample Assessment Materials
  • Check In test
  • Curriculum planner
  • Student guide
  • Revision guide
  • Posters
  • Delivery guides
  • Sample MEI activities

Download Sample Resources Pack
Student working with a calculator

Book onto Professional Development and training courses 

Whether you’re completely new to our A Level Maths B (MEI) and Core Maths qualifications, have just started teaching them, or are an experienced teacher wanting to make sure you’re getting the most of the qualifications, why not book onto one of our professional development courses such as:

  • Review of assessments
  • Understanding the assessments - Pure and Mechanics 
  • How to mark a mock paper
  • Ask the subject expert

Book Professional Development & Training
Teachers sat together at a table

MEI resources

Integral
Integral is MEI's online teaching and learning environment. It gives you a wide range of high-quality resources that support A Level Maths B (MEI). Integral is available for A Level Further Mathematics too.

Free resources
MEI have a number of free resources for teachers and students to download for both A Level Maths B (MEI) and Core Maths:

Advanced Mathematics Support Programme 
The Advanced Mathematics Support Programme (AMSP) is a government-funded initiative that aims to increase participation in Core Maths, AS/A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics, and improve the teaching of these level 3 maths qualifications. This includes the Core Maths Platform. 
MEI logo