If you’re starting A Level Maths with AQA, you might be wondering what “Pure”, “Statistics” and “Mechanics” actually mean.

Understanding these areas from the outset will help you plan your revision and focus on the right skills for each paper.

How the AQA A Level Maths Course is Structured

The AQA A Level Maths (7357) syllabus is divided into three main content areas:

• Pure Mathematics – algebra, trigonometry, calculus, coordinate geometry, proof and more.
• Statistics – probability, statistical distributions, hypothesis testing, data interpretation.
• Mechanics – forces, motion, kinematics, Newton’s laws, energy and momentum.

These are assessed across three exam papers at the end of the course.

Pure Mathematics

Pure Maths forms the core of your A Level. It builds on GCSE knowledge but goes much deeper, introducing new concepts like logarithms, differentiation, integration and vectors.

You’ll also develop skills in mathematical proof and problem solving, which underpin everything else in the course.

Statistics

Statistics is about making sense of data and using probability to make predictions.

You’ll learn how to analyse data sets, understand different statistical models, and carry out hypothesis testing. These skills are useful in careers like data analysis, business, science and engineering.

Mechanics

Mechanics applies maths to the physical world—modelling how and why objects move.

You’ll study forces, acceleration, energy and motion, which are particularly important if you’re interested in physics, engineering or technical careers.

Exam Breakdown (AQA)

• Paper 1 – Pure Mathematics (2 hours)
• Paper 2 – Pure Mathematics and Mechanics (2 hours)
• Paper 3 – Pure Mathematics and Statistics (2 hours)

All papers are equally weighted, and you’ll need a good balance of skills across all three areas to achieve top grades.

Why This Matters for Your Revision

Knowing how the content is split means you can structure your revision to cover all areas, rather than focusing only on the topics you find easiest.

For example, if you’re confident in Pure but weaker in Mechanics, you’ll need to dedicate more time to practising problem-solving in forces and motion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pure Maths harder than Statistics or Mechanics?

Pure Maths is often considered more abstract, but difficulty depends on your strengths and interests.

Do I need to pass all three areas to pass the course?

All areas are assessed together, so your overall grade depends on your total mark across all papers.

Can I choose to avoid Mechanics or Statistics?

No—AQA’s A Level Maths requires you to study and be assessed in all three areas.

Next Steps

Explore our full A Level Maths course to see the complete syllabus and start preparing for success.