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About AQA AS Level Maths
AQA AS Level Maths is code 7356, the Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Mathematics. It is linear, which means students sit both papers at the end of the course, and there are only two papers. Each lasts 1 hour 30 minutes, carries 80 marks and is worth 50%, and both are scaled at one, giving a total scaled mark of 160. The content is set by the Department for Education and AQA states plainly that it is common across all exam boards, so what changes between boards is the style of the questions, not the maths.
The two papers are often described as pure and applied, and that is misleading. AQA puts sections A to H on both papers, so proof, algebra and functions, coordinate geometry, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation and integration are examined twice. Paper 1 then adds vectors and the three mechanics sections: quantities and units, kinematics, and forces and Newton's laws. Paper 2 adds the five statistics sections: statistical sampling, data presentation and interpretation, probability, statistical distributions, and statistical hypothesis testing. The real split is mechanics against statistics. Mechanics never appears on Paper 2, and statistics never appears on Paper 1.
The grading scale is where AS catches families out. AQA states that the qualification is graded on a five point scale of A, B, C, D and E, and that a student who does not reach grade E is recorded as U. There is no A star at AS Level. The specification contains no A star at all, and that is a fact worth knowing before a student treats AS as a dry run for A Level, because the ceiling is lower and the target has to be set accordingly.
The last thing to understand is memory. AQA requires students to understand the notation in Appendix A and to recall the formulae and identities in Appendix B, and it states that those formulae will not be provided on the paper except where they are the starting point for a proof. So AS Maths is not only a reasoning course, it is a recall course. The same specification also requires familiarity with one or more large data sets before the exam, and a calculator that can handle an inverse normal function. If you want to see how AS Level Maths compares across boards, that page sets them side by side.
Who AQA AS Level Maths Is For
This course suits Year 12 students sitting AQA AS Level Maths 7356 who need both papers prepared, the mechanics and statistics halves treated as separate skills, and the formula recall built early rather than in the final weeks.
- Year 12 students sitting AQA AS Level Maths 7356 at the end of the year
- Students who coped with GCSE Maths but have not yet met the demand to recall formulae
- Students who are confident in pure content but have never studied mechanics or statistics before
- Students planning to continue to A Level Maths and wanting a firm AS foundation
- Private candidates, who can enter this specification but must be based in the UK
AQA AS Level Maths: The Board We Cover
AQA is the board this page covers. Every fact here comes from AQA's own 7356 specification.
AQA
AQA's AS Level Maths is code 7356: linear, two papers of 1 hour 30 minutes and 80 marks each, worth 50% apiece. Both papers carry the pure sections A to H, then Paper 1 adds vectors and mechanics while Paper 2 adds statistics. It is graded A to E only, with no A star, and every formula in Appendix B has to be recalled.
How Centaurus Helps AQA AS Level Maths Students Excel
Formula Recall Built Weekly
AQA states that the formulae in Appendix B will not be provided on the paper, so recall is tested every week from the start of the course rather than crammed in the final month.
Mechanics and Statistics Kept Apart
Mechanics appears only on Paper 1 and statistics only on Paper 2, so each is taught as its own skill with its own exam technique instead of being bundled as applied maths.
Pure Content Examined Twice
Sections A to H sit on both papers, so pure technique is drilled until it is reliable under two different question styles, including multi-step problems.
Grades Set Against a Five Point Scale
AS Level stops at grade A, so targets and mocks are set against A to E boundaries rather than an A star that cannot be awarded at this level.
The Large Data Set Handled Early
AQA requires familiarity with a large data set before the exam, so the context, its main features and the spreadsheet work are covered well before Paper 2.
24/7 Progress Reporting
Families get access to the Centaurus Academy LMS, with attendance, progress and lesson notes available to parents, students and teachers at any time.
Why Centaurus Stands Out
Choosing the right AQA AS Level Maths support makes a real difference. Here is how Centaurus Academy compares with typical online providers.
Meet our Team Of Experts
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What Parents Say About Us
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We have an excellent long-term experience with the academy and Sir Awais. Our three children studied with them during different periods and succeeded well. We highly recommend the academy.
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Centaurus Academy is truly one of the best educational institutions I've come across. The environment is nurturing, the staff are incredibly dedicated, and the quality of education is outstanding. They focus not only on academic excellence but also on character building and personal growth. The teachers are supportive and go the extra mile to ensure every student feels confident and motivated.
My child has gained confidence
I'm very satisfied with the dedication and teaching approach. My child has gained confidence and improved significantly in understanding math concepts, thanks to the teacher's clear explanations and supportive guidance.
AQA AS Level Maths: Frequently Asked Questions
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