CCEA A Level Maths Help: AS 1 to A2 2 Units Explained

At a glance

CCEA GCE Mathematics (subject code 2210) is the Northern Ireland A level in maths, first taught in September 2018. It has four externally examined units: AS 1 Pure Mathematics and AS 2 Applied Mathematics, together 40 per cent, and A2 1 Pure Mathematics and A2 2 Applied Mathematics, 60 per cent. Each applied unit is half mechanics, half statistics. Modern Age Coders teaches CCEA maths live online in the A Level Maths course, in a batch of 15 to 20 or 1-on-1, from a free first lesson.

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Courses a CCEA maths student usually needs

The A level course follows the four CCEA units. Statistics adds depth for the Section B halves of AS 2 and A2 2; Further Maths is for students taking CCEA Further Mathematics too.

CC / 01

A Level Maths

AS 1 to A2 2, taught across the full specification, not the recent papers.

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Statistics & Probability course thumbnail

CC / 02

Statistics and Probability

Half of each applied unit, including inference from data.

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CC / 03

A Level Further Maths

For students sitting CCEA Further Mathematics alongside.

Open the syllabus →

The four units

What are the four CCEA A level Maths units?

AS 1 and A2 1 are pure; AS 2 and A2 2 split evenly between mechanics and statistics. Students answer every question on every paper.

CCEA describes the structure simply: "We have divided this course into four units: two units at AS level and two units at A2." It adds that "The full Advanced GCE award is based on students' marks from the AS (40 percent) and the A2 (60 percent)." The specification "assumes knowledge of Higher Tier GCSE Mathematics", and sets guided learning at 180 hours for AS and 360 for the A level.

CCEA GCE Mathematics (2210): units, timings, questions and weights
Unit	Content	Time	Questions and raw marks	Weight
AS 1	Pure Mathematics	1 hour 45 minutes	6 to 10 questions, 100 raw marks	60% of AS, 24% of A level
AS 2	Applied: Section A mechanics, Section B statistics, half each	1 hour 15 minutes	5 to 10 questions, 70 raw marks	40% of AS, 16% of A level
A2 1	Pure Mathematics	2 hours 30 minutes	7 to 12 questions, 150 raw marks	36% of A level
A2 2	Applied: Section A mechanics, Section B statistics, half each	1 hour 30 minutes	6 to 10 questions, 100 raw marks	24% of A level

Source: CCEA GCE Specification in Mathematics (from September 2018), sections 2 and 6, from CCEA's published specification. Ranges are restated with "to".

What the applied units expect

The statistics in both applied units "should be taught through the use and interrogation of a large data set." CCEA does not name one in the specification; schools choose how to meet the requirement.

CCEA also says it "will not set questions that directly test students' ability to construct such tables and diagrams and calculate such measures", meaning box plots, stem-and-leaf and averages, but will expect students "to interpret and draw inferences from them."

What the A2 units add

A2 units include synoptic assessment, building on AS material and "bringing together and making connections" across the course.

CCEA also promises "more demanding unstructured questions" at A2. A2 1 is the longest paper, at 150 raw marks in two and a half hours.

2025 report

What did CCEA examiners say about A level Maths in 2025?

That students were well prepared in many ways, but leaned too heavily on recent past papers, under-showed working when using calculators, and missed topics not asked lately.

CCEA publishes a Chief Examiner's report after each summer series. The 2025 report for GCE Mathematics opens warmly, commending "diligent preparation", and then names its concerns. In the subject overview it says: "There was evidence of an over-reliance in using past examination papers for preparation for these examinations. This was particularly evident in questions requiring proofs and graphs." On A2 1 it is more specific still: many candidates "continue to heavily focus their revision on recent past papers", and "a significant number of candidates demonstrated little understanding in areas of the specification that have not been asked in recent years such as sketching reciprocal trigonometric functions and dealing with improper partial fractions."

Points from the CCEA GCE Mathematics Chief Examiner's Report, Summer 2025, and how we respond
Unit	What the examiners reported	What we do about it
All	Calculator use "continues to cause issues"; candidates must "show clearly the full development of their answers"	Every calculator result is written with the expression that produced it
AS 1	"many candidates failed to see the disguised quadratic"; "Large numbers tried to use logs and scored no marks."	Substitution spotting drilled with our own exponential equations
AS 1	Proofs in certain topics and calculator use for quadratics and definite integrals need attention	Short proof tasks each week; calculator use checked against written working
AS 2	The unfamiliar lift question proved most problematic	Mechanics taught from free-body diagrams, so new settings feel familiar
A2 1	Reciprocal trigonometric graphs and improper partial fractions poorly understood	Every specification line is taught, recent paper or not
A2 2	Some candidates did not attempt the last part of the last question	Timed A2 2 practice with a rule for moving on

Source: CCEA GCE Chief Examiner's Report, Mathematics, Summer Series 2025, from CCEA's report library. The right-hand column is ours.

Read together, these comments describe one habit and its cost. Past papers show what was asked; they do not show what can be asked. The specification is the list of what can be asked, so our scheme of work is built from its learning outcomes, and past papers are used for timing and style once the content is secure.

Resits and A*

Can you resit CCEA A level Maths units, and how is A* awarded?

Each AS and A2 unit can be resat once, with the better result counting. An A* needs an overall A and 90 per cent of the A2 uniform marks.

The specification says: "It is possible to resit individual AS and A2 assessment units once and count the better result for each unit towards an AS or A level qualification." Every unit is available "in summer each year", and unit results "can count towards a qualification until we withdraw the specification." Results are reported on a uniform mark scale reflecting each unit's weighting, and grades come from adding the uniform marks.

On the top grade CCEA states: "To be awarded an A*, candidates need to achieve a grade A on their full A level qualification and at least 90 percent of the maximum uniform marks available for the A2 units." AS is graded A to E; A level is graded A* to E, with U below E. As with any unitised A level, the A* condition sits on the A2 units, so a strong AS year is necessary for the A but cannot by itself deliver the A*.

After AS results in August, compare each unit result with the grade you need for the A level as a whole.
If a resit makes sense, remember it is the only one: each unit can be resat once.
Plan the resit for the following summer alongside A2 1 and A2 2, which together carry 60 per cent.
Give A2 1 the most time. At 36 per cent it is the single heaviest unit, and A* depends on it.
Check subject combinations early if you are also taking Further Mathematics, as CCEA warns that universities may treat overlapping qualifications as one.

Calculator

Which calculator is allowed in CCEA A level Maths?

One with an iterative function and statistical distributions, and without a computer algebra system.

CCEA requires that calculators include "an iterative function" and "the ability to compute summary statistics and access probabilities from standard statistical distributions", and states: "Students must not have access to technology with a computer algebra system function during examinations." The assessment objectives are weighted the same on every unit: 50 per cent AO1 technique, 25 per cent AO2 reasoning, 25 per cent AO3 problem solving, each within a tolerance of plus or minus 3 per cent.

The 2025 report shows why the calculator rule and the working rule must be taught together. A calculator that solves a quadratic or evaluates a definite integral is allowed, but the front cover of every paper tells candidates to show the full development of their answers, and examiners noted many did not. Our rule in class is simple: if the calculator did a step, the line it replaced is still written down.

Worked examples, ours

Worked examples on the topics CCEA examiners flagged

A disguised quadratic, an improper partial fraction and a lift, three of the areas named in the 2025 report. All three problems are ours.

Our AS 1 style problem: a disguised quadratic. Solve 4^x − 6(2^x) + 8 = 0.

Spot the substitution

Write 4^x as (2^x)² and let y = 2^x. The equation becomes y² − 6y + 8 = 0, which factorises as (y − 2)(y − 4) = 0.

Return to x

2^x = 2 gives x = 1, and 2^x = 4 gives x = 2. Taking logarithms of the original equation first leads nowhere, because the log of a sum does not split, which is the trap the examiners described.

Our A2 1 style problem: an improper partial fraction. Express (x² + 3x + 5) ÷ ((x + 1)(x + 2)) in partial fractions. The numerator and denominator are both degree 2, so divide first: (x + 1)(x + 2) = x² + 3x + 2, leaving 1 + 3 ÷ ((x + 1)(x + 2)). Then 3 ÷ ((x + 1)(x + 2)) = A/(x + 1) + B/(x + 2) with A = 3 and B = −3. The answer is 1 + 3/(x + 1) − 3/(x + 2). Forgetting the leading 1 is the usual error.

Our AS 2 style problem: a lift. A lift of mass 400 kg accelerates upwards at 0.5 m s⁻². Take g = 9.8 m s⁻². Draw the lift with tension T up and weight 400g down. Newton's second law upwards gives T − 400g = 400 × 0.5, so T = 400 × 10.3 = 4120 N. If a 60 kg passenger stands inside while the lift accelerates downwards at 1.2 m s⁻², the floor's reaction is 60(9.8 − 1.2) = 516 N. The diagram, not the formula, is what makes an unfamiliar setting manageable.

Six practice questions we wrote for CCEA students (answers checked in Python)
#	Our question	Unit	Answer
1	Solve 9^x − 10(3^x) + 9 = 0.	AS 1	x = 0 or x = 2
2	Find the sum of the first 25 terms of the arithmetic series 7 + 11 + 15 + ...	A2 1	1375
3	Evaluate the integral of sin² x from 0 to π/2.	A2 1	π/4
4	State the asymptotes of y = sec x for 0 ≤ x ≤ 2π.	A2 1	x = π/2 and x = 3π/2
5	X ~ N(250, 12²). Find P(X > 270).	A2 2	0.0478
6	A 2 kg particle on a smooth slope at 30° is released from rest. Find its acceleration, g = 9.8.	AS 2	4.9 m s⁻²

Our problems and practice set were written on 31 October 2026; none is a CCEA question. The CCEA specification lists specimen assessment materials, past papers and mark schemes among the support on its Mathematics microsite.

Progression

Years 13 and 14, unit by unit

The whole specification is taught in order, with past papers saved for timing practice.

Stages through CCEA GCE Mathematics
Stage	Usually	Sign that it is done
1. AS 1 content	Year 13, autumn to spring	Algebra, trigonometry, logarithms and calculus with proofs written out
2. AS 2 content	Year 13, spring	Forces and kinematics from diagrams; data interpreted, not just computed
3. AS review	Year 14, September	Unit results read and the single resit chance considered
4. A2 1 and A2 2	Year 14	Every learning outcome covered, then timed papers

Why the checklist comes first

We tick off CCEA learning outcomes, not past-paper questions. That is the gap the 2025 report describes.

Students see the list too.

When past papers come in

Once content is secure, for timing and style.

Never as the only revision.

The catalogue

Nine courses for sixth formers in Northern Ireland

Sorted by purpose. A free lesson tells us which fits.

I

For the four units

Years 13 and 14

UK / CC1 / 01

A level maths

AS 1 through A2 2, learning outcome by learning outcome.

Open the syllabus

UK / CC1 / 02

Statistics and probability

For Section B of both applied units.

Open the syllabus

UK / CC1 / 03

A level further maths

For CCEA Further Mathematics students.

Open the syllabus

II

Foundations

From GCSE

UK / CC2 / 01

GCSE mathematics

Higher Tier GCSE knowledge, which CCEA assumes.

Open the syllabus

UK / CC2 / 02

Algebra foundations

For algebra that keeps undermining full solutions.

Open the syllabus

UK / CC2 / 03

Maths through coding

Iteration and data work in Python.

Open the syllabus

III

Further on

University

UK / CC3 / 01

TMUA and STEP

For students applying to maths-heavy degrees.

Open the syllabus

UK / CC3 / 02

College mathematics

A first look at university calculus and linear algebra.

Open the syllabus

UK / CC3 / 03

Maths for data science

For students heading towards data courses.

Open the syllabus

How classes run

The specification, not the last three papers

Weekdays or weekends, flexible: choose your batch, or for a very personalised plan choose 1-on-1 at your convenience, weekend mornings or weekdays. Times are set in UK time, which Northern Ireland uses; our teachers work from India and hold the slot steady through the clock changes.

After school

Most Year 13 groups meet now.

Evening

Fits round part-time jobs.

Weekend morning

Long enough for A2 1 practice.

Outcome checklist

CCEA learning outcomes ticked off one by one.

Working shown

Calculator steps written out, as the front cover asks.

Diagram first

Mechanics answered from a labelled force diagram.

Interpreting data

Inference from tables and charts, not construction.

Time rules

Moving on in A2 2 so the last question gets attempted.

Batch or 1-on-1

A 15 to 20 student batch, or individual teaching.

Student work

Work from class

Made in lessons for practice, not for CCEA. More examples sit in student labs.

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Fees

Fees for CCEA A level Maths classes

Families in Northern Ireland pay a single monthly fee in US dollars. A first lesson is free, and we take payment only after a course and a weekly time are agreed.

Free first class

USD 0

no card required

A free lesson on any CCEA unit
A check against the full learning outcome list
Booked by phone or WhatsApp

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Group batch

USD 100

a month, billed in US dollars

A batch of 15 to 20 students
One teacher across Years 13 and 14
Mechanics and statistics in equal measure
Lighter weeks in the summer series

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One to one

USD 150

a month, billed in US dollars

One student with one teacher
Planned around a unit resit
Useful for a late start in Year 14

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CCEA maths questions

What students in Northern Ireland ask about CCEA A level Maths

How many papers are in CCEA A level Maths?

Four, one per unit: AS 1 Pure, AS 2 Applied, A2 1 Pure and A2 2 Applied. AS 2 and A2 2 each have a mechanics section and a statistics section.

How much is AS worth in CCEA A level Maths?

The AS units count for 40 per cent of the A level: AS 1 is 24 per cent and AS 2 is 16 per cent. A2 1 is 36 per cent and A2 2 is 24 per cent.

How long is the CCEA A2 1 Pure exam?

Two hours and thirty minutes, with 7 to 12 questions worth 150 raw marks. It is the longest and heaviest of the four units.

Can I resit a CCEA A level Maths unit?

Yes, once. CCEA says each AS and A2 unit can be resat once, and the better result counts towards the qualification.

How do you get an A* in CCEA A level Maths?

You need an overall grade A and at least 90 per cent of the maximum uniform marks for the two A2 units. The A2 condition is separate from the overall total.

Can I use past papers to revise for CCEA maths?

Yes, but not on their own. CCEA's 2025 examiners reported an over-reliance on past papers and weak answers on topics not asked recently, so revise from the specification's learning outcomes first.

Is a graphical calculator allowed for CCEA A level Maths?

CCEA requires an iterative function and statistical distributions and bans any technology with a computer algebra system function. Check the specific model against current exam regulations with your school.

Does CCEA A level Maths have a large data set?

The specification says the statistics in both applied units should be taught through a large data set. Questions test interpretation and inference rather than constructing tables or diagrams.

When are your CCEA maths classes?

Weekdays or weekends, flexible: choose your batch, or for a very personalised plan choose 1-on-1 at your convenience, weekend mornings or weekdays. All lesson times are UK time.

Are you connected with CCEA?

No. Modern Age Coders is independent and has no link with CCEA. The problems and practice questions on this page are ours.

Elsewhere on this site

More for students in Northern Ireland

Local pages and other CCEA subjects.

CCEA GCSE Maths help

The CCEA maths GCSE and its pathways.

Maths tuition in Belfast

Our page for Belfast families.

CCEA A level Software Systems Development

The CCEA programming A level.

Further maths tuition online

For students adding Further Mathematics.

A level maths tuition online

Our page across every board.

Coding classes in the UK

Every UK page we publish.

Related pages in this guide

Part of the guide: UK maths exam boards and specification codes

A level maths and further maths

GCSE maths

International GCSE and Cambridge International

Scotland

International Baccalaureate

More guides: UK maths year by year, Reception to Year 11 · UK selective school maths tests: 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+ · UK university admissions: maths tests and computing applications · UK maths enrichment, competitions and able pupils

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Give us a phone number and we will ring at a UK time that suits. The first lesson picks a learning outcome that recent papers have skipped, so we can see how a student copes with the unfamiliar.

Looking around first? Every course lists its topics, how we teach explains lessons, and student labs holds class projects.

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Courses a CCEA maths student usually needs

A Level Maths

Statistics and Probability

A Level Further Maths

What are the four CCEA A level Maths units?

What the applied units expect

What the A2 units add

What did CCEA examiners say about A level Maths in 2025?

Can you resit CCEA A level Maths units, and how is A* awarded?

Which calculator is allowed in CCEA A level Maths?

Worked examples on the topics CCEA examiners flagged

Spot the substitution

Return to x

Years 13 and 14, unit by unit

Why the checklist comes first

When past papers come in

Nine courses for sixth formers in Northern Ireland

For the four units

A level maths

Statistics and probability

A level further maths

Foundations

GCSE mathematics

Algebra foundations

Maths through coding

Further on

TMUA and STEP

College mathematics

Maths for data science

The specification, not the last three papers

Outcome checklist

Working shown

Diagram first

Interpreting data

Time rules

Batch or 1-on-1

Work from class

NutriLife

Misti

GuardianX

SkyCast

Fees for CCEA A level Maths classes

Rated 4.9 across 547 Google reviews

What students in Northern Ireland ask about CCEA A level Maths

How many papers are in CCEA A level Maths?

How much is AS worth in CCEA A level Maths?

How long is the CCEA A2 1 Pure exam?

Can I resit a CCEA A level Maths unit?

How do you get an A* in CCEA A level Maths?

Can I use past papers to revise for CCEA maths?

Is a graphical calculator allowed for CCEA A level Maths?

Does CCEA A level Maths have a large data set?

When are your CCEA maths classes?

Are you connected with CCEA?

More for students in Northern Ireland

CCEA GCSE Maths help

Maths tuition in Belfast

CCEA A level Software Systems Development

Further maths tuition online

A level maths tuition online

Coding classes in the UK

Related pages in this guide

A level maths and further maths

GCSE maths

International GCSE and Cambridge International

Scotland

International Baccalaureate

Book a free CCEA maths class

Want a class sooner? Book a priority demo

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