IGCSE is first and only compulsory level in Cambridge Maths.

Here are the major topics covered in IGCSE Maths:

Number, Arithmetic, and Ratios: is by far the easiest part of IGCES and where students can score some quick marks. This topic is a consolidation of your essential mathematical basics. I would highly recommend for my students to have these basics sorted before entering IGCSE year.

Algebra: topic will include, fundamentals, linear equations, simultaneous, and quadratics. This is one of the topics I will invest the most time in with my students. The algebraic basics they build this year will be crucial in helping them get through the more complex topics in AS and A2.

Differentiation: previously a topic that wasn’t introduced until AS level Maths, differentiation has recently been added into IGCSE Maths. Differentiation is the beginning of Calculus and introduces a new paradigm in mathematics. Similar to learning about algebra for the first time, this topic will require the student to think about maths in a different way than before. My key focus here will be to solidify my students’ understanding and support them through their confusion. Differentiation is another key prerequisite topic for AS and A2 level maths. Similar to algebra this is another topic I have developed my own way in teaching it, to give my students the clearest understanding possible.

Geometry and Transformations: this topic is about memorising a lot of geometric concepts and knowing how to apply them in visually confusing questions. Applying a level of patience with methodical thinking will help students see through a question.

Statistics. IGCSE statistics covers data and graph analysis, and basic probability. While there are a lot of new ideas to learn, this is mostly a straight forward for this year. Students should not expect this to be the same for AS and A2 statistics where the topics will prove challenging and unfamiliar to many.

Note: In spite of what some might say, IGCSE and GCSE are actually very similar in terms of content and difficulty. IGCSE is simply the international version of the syllabus. There have been some years where IGCSE appears more difficult than UK GCSE, however in the grand scheme this does not change the tutoring experience.

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