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The Sixth Term Examination Papers (STEP) is an examination consisting of three mathematics papers: numbered I, II and III. Each paper consists of 14 questions: 8 pure, 3 mechanics, and 3 statistics and probability.
The syllabus for Mathematics I and II is based on a standard single subject A-Level syllabus. However the Pure Mathematics component is slightly more than would normally be studied. The syllabus for Mathematics III is based on a typical Further Mathematics A-Level syllabus.
How long does it take? You take two of the papers, depending on what you are studying at A-Level. The time allowed for each paper is 180 minutes.
How are the results reported? There are five grades, which from the lowest to the highest, are S (Outstanding), 1 (Very Good), 2 (Good), 3 (Satisfactory) and U (Unclassified). The OCR website will give you the statistics relating to these different grades.
Who uses it? Passing the STEP examination usually forms part of a conditional offer to study mathematics at Cambridge University. It is also used by Warwick University.
How do I take it? The examination is administered by the OCR examination board and is taken at the same time as A-Levels.
How can I prepare?
- Advanced preparation. This is a tough examination aimed at the top 2% of all A-Level mathematics candidates. The questions are longer and more demanding than A-Level questions, each one taking about 45 minutes to complete.
Visit the University of Cambridge Faculty of Mathematics website for further details. This lists some good sources of preparation material, including the official syllabus from the OCR examination board.
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