A-Level OCR Further Maths: 2026 Exam Changes and Trends | A-Level OCR 进阶数学：2026年考试变化与趋势

📚 A-Level OCR Further Maths: 2026 Exam Changes and Trends | A-Level OCR 进阶数学：2026年考试变化与趋势

The OCR A-Level Further Mathematics qualification (H245) is undergoing an important refresh, with first teaching from September 2025 and the first new-style examinations taking place in summer 2026. These changes reflect updated subject criteria from Ofqual and feedback from the mathematics teaching community. For students and teachers preparing for the 2026 exam series, it is essential to understand the revised structure, new content emphases, and shifting assessment trends. This article provides a detailed overview of what is changing and why.

OCR A-Level 进阶数学资格考试（H245）正在经历一次重要更新，新大纲将于 2025 年 9 月首次授课，2026 年夏季举行首次新风格考试。这些变化反映了 Ofqual 更新的学科标准以及数学教学界的反馈。对于准备 2026 年考试系列的学生和教师来说，了解调整后的结构、新的内容侧重以及评估趋势的转变至关重要。本文详细解析了具体变化及其背后的原因。

1. Overview of the 2026 Specification | 2026年考试大纲概览

The 2026 OCR A-Level Further Mathematics specification retains the overall qualification size and grading structure (A*–E), but the internal organisation of content has been reworked. The main aims are to improve coherence between the A-Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics pathways, to introduce contemporary applications, and to ensure that all assessment objectives are tested more transparently. The new specification will be examined in three equally weighted papers, replacing the previous four-unit structure for some routes.

2026 年 OCR A-Level 进阶数学大纲保持了原有的资格规模和评分结构（A*–E），但内容的内部组织已重新编排。主要目标是改善 A-Level 数学与进阶数学路径之间的连贯性，引入现代应用，并确保所有评估目标得到更清晰的考查。新大纲将由三份等权重试卷构成，取代某些路径原有的四单元结构。

2. Assessment Structure Adjustments | 评估结构调整

All students will sit three papers, each of 2 hours duration, covering Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics, and a compulsory Discrete Mathematics component. Paper 1 (Pure Core 1) and Paper 2 (Pure Core 2) together account for 66.7% of the total mark, while Paper 3 (Applied) makes up 33.3%. A notable change is the integration of Discrete content directly into Paper 3, alongside Statistics and Mechanics – previously, some centres could avoid Discrete entirely through optional routes.

所有学生将参加三场考试，每场 2 小时，涵盖纯数学、统计与力学，以及必修的离散数学部分。试卷一（纯数学核心一）和试卷二（纯数学核心二）合计占总分的 66.7%，试卷三（应用数学）占 33.3%。一个显著变化是将离散数学内容直接整合到试卷三中，与统计和力学并行——此前，一些中心可以通过选修路径完全避开离散数学。

3. Pure Core Content Enhancements | 纯数学核心内容的增强

The pure mathematics core has been strengthened with an explicit requirement to use radian measure more fluently in trigonometric functions and calculus, and the inclusion of further methods for solving second‑order differential equations with constant coefficients, including cases where the auxiliary equation has complex roots. Hyperbolic functions (sinh, cosh, tanh) are now mandatory, along with their inverses and basic identities, linking directly to the treatment of complex numbers and integration techniques.

纯数学核心内容得到了加强，明确要求更熟练地在三角函数和微积分中使用弧度制，并纳入了更多求解常系数二阶微分方程的方法，包括辅助方程具有复根的情形。双曲函数（sinh, cosh, tanh）现已列为必修，连同其反函数及基本恒等式，直接与复数的处理和积分技巧相衔接。

In complex numbers, the use of de Moivre’s theorem is extended to finding nth roots explicitly in polar form and carrying out geometrical applications such as loci in the Argand diagram. Matrices now include the Cayley–Hamilton theorem and its use to find inverses and powers of 2×2 and 3×3 matrices, raising the algebraic demand. Proof by induction is expected across a wider range of contexts, including divisibility, inequalities, and series summation.

在复数部分，棣莫弗定理的应用已扩展到明确求出极坐标形式的 n 次方根，并进行阿干特图中的轨迹等几何应用。矩阵内容现在包括凯莱–哈密顿定理及其用于求 2×2 和 3×3 矩阵的逆和高次幂，提高了代数要求。数学归纳法证明现在要求在更广泛的语境中使用，包括整除性、不等式和级数求和。

4. Statistics and Mechanics Rebalancing | 统计与力学的再平衡

The applied component has been restructured so that both Statistics and Mechanics are compulsory topics within Paper 3, rather than being alternatives. A significant change is the incorporation of large data sets and the use of technology to explore data patterns. Students will be expected to critique sampling methods and interpret p-values and confidence intervals more deeply, linking statistical inference to real-world decision making.

应用部分已重新构建，统计和力学在试卷三中均成为必考主题，而非选做内容。一个重要变化是加入了大型数据集，并利用技术探索数据模式。学生需要更深入地评判抽样方法，并解读 p 值和置信区间，将统计推断与现实决策联系起来。

In mechanics, the introduction of vector descriptions for motion in two dimensions – using i, j notation – is now standard for Further Mathematics. There is also greater emphasis on energy methods, including the work–energy principle and conservative forces, and an expansion of the treatment of variable acceleration through direct integration of differential equations of motion. Dimensional analysis is reinforced to check the validity of derived formulae.

在力学中，用向量（i, j 符号）描述二维运动现已成为进阶数学的标准要求。同时更强调能量方法，包括功–能原理和保守力，并通过直接对运动微分方程积分来拓展变加速运动的处理。量纲分析被加强，用以检验所得公式的正确性。

5. Discrete Mathematics Emphasis | 离散数学的强调

Discrete mathematics is no longer an optional unit but a mandatory part of the Further Mathematics course. This reflects the growing importance of algorithmic thinking in mathematics and its applications. Topics include graph theory (Eulerian and Hamiltonian graphs, planarity, chromatic number), critical path analysis, allocation problems, and the simplex method in linear programming.

离散数学不再是可选单元，而是进阶数学课程中的必修部分。这反映了算法思维在数学及其应用中日益增长的重要性。主题包括图论（欧拉图和哈密顿图、平面性、色数）、关键路径分析、分配问题以及线性规划中的单纯形法。

Students will need to learn to apply standard algorithms manually and also to interpret the output of software tools. This change means that centres must now incorporate substantial discrete teaching time, and all students will face at least one substantial discrete problem on the Paper 3 examination, typically worth 25–30 marks.

学生需要学习手动应用标准算法，并能够解读软件工具的输出结果。这一变化意味着各中心现在必须安排足够的离散数学授课时间，所有学生在试卷三考试中都将面对至少一道分值在 25 至 30 分的离散数学大题。

6. Calculator Policy Updates | 计算器政策更新

OCR has aligned its calculator policy with the new specification demands. In the 2026 exams, calculators must have, as a minimum, the ability to handle complex numbers, matrix arithmetic up to 3×3, numerical integration, and statistical distribution functions (normal, binomial, Poisson). Models such as the Casio fx-991CW and TI-84 Plus CE are recommended. Symbolic manipulation (CAS) calculators remain prohibited, but the list of allowed functions is now explicitly published each year.

OCR 已根据新大纲要求调整了计算器政策。在 2026 年的考试中，计算器必须至少具备处理复数、最高 3×3 矩阵运算、数值积分和统计分布函数（正态、二项、泊松）的功能。推荐使用 Casio fx-991CW 和 TI-84 Plus CE 等机型。带有符号代数（CAS）功能的计算器仍被禁止，但允许的功能列表现已每年明确公布。

Candidates are expected to use their calculators efficiently to check algebraic results and to investigate the behaviour of functions, particularly when verifying graph shapes, solving equations numerically, and computing probabilities. The exam board may set questions that are designed to assess whether a student can work without a calculator when appropriate, so mental and algebraic fluency remains vital.

考生需要有效利用计算器来检验代数结果并探究函数行为，特别是在验证图形形状、数值求解方程和计算概率时。考试局可能会设置一些旨在考查学生能否在适当时候脱离计算器解题的题目，因此心算和代数熟练度仍然至关重要。

7. Formula Booklet and Data Sheet | 公式手册与数据表

A revised formula booklet will be provided for all 2026 Further Mathematics examinations. It now includes a dedicated section for discrete mathematics, covering sorting algorithms, standard graph notation, and key recursive formulas. The statistics section has been expanded to include probability density functions for the continuous uniform and exponential distributions, as well as critical values for correlation tests. Pure formulas now give both the standard and hyperbolic forms of trigonometric identities.

2026 年所有进阶数学考试将提供修订后的公式手册。手册现包含专门的离散数学部分，涵盖排序算法、标准图论符号和关键递归公式。统计部分已扩展，包括连续均匀分布和指数分布的概率密度函数，以及相关性检验的临界值。纯数学公式现在同时给出了三角函数恒等式的标准形式和双曲形式。

Teachers should note that while the booklet is extensive, it does not cover every formula. Derivations and some fundamental results (e.g. the sum of an arithmetic series) are still expected to be memorised. The exam board has stressed that the booklet is an aid, not a substitute for deep understanding, and questions will often require students to select and adapt a given formula appropriately.

教师应注意，尽管手册内容丰富，但并未涵盖所有公式。推导过程和一些基本结果（如等差数列求和）仍要求学生记住。考试局强调，手册是一个辅助工具，而非深入理解的替代品，试题常常要求学生正确选用并灵活调整给定公式。

8. Examination Techniques and Trends | 考试技巧与趋势

2026 mark schemes will place greater emphasis on the quality of written communication and rigorous justification. When proving a result or answering a multi-step problem, students should write clear logical steps, using precise mathematical language. Command words such as ‘prove’, ‘show that’, and ‘determine’ carry specific expectations in terms of evidence. Model solutions will require more than just a correct final answer; intermediate reasoning is heavily weighted.

2026 年的评分方案将更加强调书面表达的质量和严谨的论证。在证明一个结果或解答多步骤问题时，学生应写出清晰的逻辑步骤，并使用精确的数学语言。诸如“prove”、“show that”和“determine”等指令词在证据方面有特定的期望。标准答案要求的远不止是一个正确的最终结果；中间的推理过程被赋予了很高的权重。

There is also a trend towards problem-solving in novel contexts, where students may encounter a mathematical scenario not explicitly taught but which can be tackled using core principles. For example, a question on matrices might present a cryptography application, or a calculus problem might be set in a simple economic model. Practising with unfamiliar problems and learning to break them down into manageable parts will be essential exam preparation.

此外，在全新情境中解决问题的趋势越来越明显，学生可能会遇到一个未直接教授过的数学场景，但可以用核心原理来处理。例如，一道矩阵题可能涉及密码学应用，或者一道微积分题可能设置在一个简单的经济模型中。练习陌生问题并学会将其分解为可处理的各个部分，将是备考的关键。

9. Grade Boundaries and Performance Trends | 分数线与成绩趋势

With the first new-style assessment in 2026, grade boundaries will be set using a combination of statistical predictions and expert judgement, ensuring that the standard is comparable to previous years. Given the increased mandatory content in discrete mathematics and the more integrated applied paper, it is possible that raw mark boundaries for the highest grades may be slightly lower initially, as the cohort adapts to the full breadth of the specification.

随着 2026 年首次采用新风格评估，分数线将结合统计预测和专家判断来设定，以确保标准与往年可比。鉴于离散数学的必修内容有所增加，且应用试卷更为综合，最高等级的原卷分数线在最初可能会略低一些，因为整个考生群体需要适应大纲的完整广度。

Historical data from OCR shows that A* raw mark boundaries for Further Mathematics have typically ranged between 65% and 75% across three papers, depending on complexity. Students should aim to demonstrate consistent performance across all three papers, as weakness in the compulsory discrete section could disproportionately affect the overall grade if the paper proves challenging for many.

OCR 的历史数据显示，进阶数学的 A* 原卷分数线通常在三份试卷中处于 65% 到 75% 之间，具体取决于复杂程度。学生应力求在所有三份试卷上表现一致，因为如果离散数学必考部分对多数人来说具有挑战性，该部分的薄弱可能会不成比例地影响总成绩。

10. Implications for Students and Teachers | 对学生和教师的影响

For students starting the revised Further Mathematics course in 2025, the biggest shift is the need to develop a genuine understanding of discrete and algorithms alongside traditional strength in pure mathematics. Time management across three equally weighted papers demands a balanced revision strategy. Early exposure to past-paper questions in the new style, even if adapted from the previous specification, will build confidence and familiarity with the assessment objectives.

对于 2025 年开始学习修订后进阶数学课程的学生来说，最大的变化是需要在保持纯数学传统优势的同时，真正理解离散数学和算法。三份等权重试卷的时间管理，要求采用均衡的复习策略。尽早接触新风格的过往真题——即使是改编自旧版大纲的题目——也有助于建立信心并熟悉评估目标。

Teachers will need to review their schemes of work to accommodate the additional discrete mathematics content and to ensure that statistics and mechanics are taught in a more interconnected way. Professional development opportunities from OCR and subject associations will be valuable for sharing best practice. The changes, while substantial, ultimately aim to produce mathematicians who are better equipped for higher education and the quantitative demands of modern careers.

教师需要调整教学计划，以适应新增的离散数学内容，并确保统计与力学以更具关联性的方式教授。OCR 和学科协会提供的专业发展机会将对分享最佳实践很有价值。这些变化虽然相当大，但最终目标是培养出能为高等教育和现代职业的量化需求做好更充分准备的数学人才。

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Published by TutorHao | Further Mathematics Revision Series | aleveler.com

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