WJEC A-Level Mathematics: complete guide to the four units and the exams

WJEC A-Level Mathematics (Wales) is a two-year course with an AS year and an A2 year, assessed entirely by written unit papers with no coursework. This page is the index: below is a map of the four content units, the exam structure, and how to study each one.

The four WJEC Mathematics units

The specification organises the content into four compulsory units. Units 1 and 2 are the AS content and first year; Units 3 and 4 are the A2 content and second year. Pure mathematics is in Units 1 and 3; applied mathematics (statistics and mechanics) is in Units 2 and 4.

AS Unit 1 Pure Mathematics A

Proof, algebra and functions, coordinate geometry of lines and circles, the binomial expansion for positive integers, trigonometry (graphs, identities, equations and the sine and cosine rules), exponentials and logarithms, differentiation (from first principles, tangents and stationary points), integration (the reverse process and areas), and vectors in two dimensions.

AS Unit 2 Applied Mathematics A

Section A Statistics: sampling and data presentation, probability, the binomial distribution, and hypothesis testing with the binomial. Section B Mechanics: quantities and units, kinematics and the constant-acceleration equations, and forces and Newton's laws including friction and connected particles.

A2 Unit 3 Pure Mathematics B

Proof by contradiction, functions (modulus, composite, inverse and partial fractions), arithmetic and geometric series and the binomial for any index, advanced trigonometry (radians, reciprocal ratios, compound and double angles, and the R sin form), parametric equations, the chain, product, quotient and implicit rules, integration by parts, substitution and partial fractions, and numerical methods.

A2 Unit 4 Applied Mathematics B

Section A Statistics: conditional probability, the Normal distribution, and hypothesis testing for correlation and the Normal mean. Section B Differential Equations and Mechanics: forming and solving differential equations, calculus kinematics and projectiles, and forces on inclines, friction and moments.

Exam structure

WJEC A-Level Mathematics is assessed by four written unit papers. A calculator and a formula booklet are provided.

• AS Unit 1 Pure Mathematics A - 2 hours 30 minutes, 120 marks, 25 per cent of the A level.
• AS Unit 2 Applied Mathematics A - 1 hour 45 minutes, 75 marks, 15 per cent. Section A Statistics (40 marks), Section B Mechanics (35 marks).
• A2 Unit 3 Pure Mathematics B - 2 hours 30 minutes, 120 marks, 35 per cent.
• A2 Unit 4 Applied Mathematics B - 1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks, 25 per cent. Section A Statistics (40 marks), Section B Differential Equations and Mechanics (40 marks).

All four units are compulsory, papers integrate topics across the specification, and there is no coursework. Summer-only entries apply.

How to study WJEC Mathematics

Mathematics rewards confident technique, precise definitions, and clear setting-out.

1. Work from the specification statements. Each statement is a checklist; questions are written from them and often combine several.
2. Drill the methods. Algebra, calculus and the statistics and mechanics routines must be automatic so the exam tests thinking, not recall.
3. Learn definitions, identities and derivations. Mark schemes reward precise wording and standard results, such as the trig identities, the binomial conditions and the suvat equations.
4. Master the applied sections separately. Statistics and mechanics need different skills; practise each, then balance the flexible section split under timed conditions.
5. Practise multi-topic questions. The pure papers integrate topics, so rehearse questions that mix, for example, calculus with coordinate geometry or trigonometry.

The four units, topic by topic

Each unit has a topic-level overview with worked exam questions and cross-links, plus dot-point answer pages for each specification statement.

For the official specification

WJEC publishes the full specification, past papers and mark schemes at wjec.co.uk. Always revise from the current specification and WJEC's own past papers, because question style is board-specific.