How to Prepare for the IGCSE Maths Exam
As the first major exams in many students’ lives, the IGCSE examinations can be challenging. Particularly the IGCSE maths exam. Maths is a textbook example of cumulative learning. Therefore, those sitting the IGCSE mathematics exam are, in effect, being tested on their maths competence stretching back to childhood. So, to assist in preparing for the IGCSE maths exam, we have put together a number of actionable tips and strategies for excelling in IGCSE maths and, hopefully, reducing that stress level.
The first tip for all IGCSE maths candidates is to make sure you have an understanding of the IGCSE maths syllabus. Briefly, the IGCSE maths syllabus is divided into two—IGCSE Core and IGCSE Extended. Both Core and Extended candidates must sit two papers each, the first of which is concerned with short-answer questions and the second with structured questions. The purpose of this division of the IGCSE maths syllabus is to take into account the varying abilities of maths students. IGCSE Core is most suitable for those expected to achieve grades between C and G, while IGCSE Extended is aimed for maths learners who fall between an A* and E grade. With this division in mind, it is essential that IGCSE maths learners are aware of what it is they will be studying in their chosen curriculum, as Core and Extended differ. Cambridge International Education, the organisation that operates the IGCSE examinations, has made available a comprehensive guide for the 2025-2027 exams that details every aspect of IGCSE Core and IGCSE Extended maths. Studying this guide will allow candidates to familiarise themselves with key topics and identify areas of focus, and is a key document for those aiming to score highly in their examinations.
Another tip for high scores in the IGCSE maths exam is the development of effective study habits. Most importantly, students should establish a realistic and achievable study timetable and stick to it. This does not mean cramming maths eight hours a day for weeks on end. Rather, take account of areas of strength and weakness within the IGCSE maths syllabus to denote chunks of time to target these. For example, students could carve out two hours of maths revision, during which time 45 minutes is spent refining topics of strength and the remaining 75 minutes reviewing areas of weakness. This is far more realistic than marathon sessions and will allow learners to maintain focus and energy levels. Those sitting the IGCSE maths exam might also make use of revision strategies like spaced repetition. Function much like physical flashcards, spaced repetition is best used as a digital learning tool and can help with the memorisation of key mathematical formulas.
All IGCSE Maths candidates should use past exam papers in their revision—doing so is a vital tip for success. Regular use of exam papers allows students to gain a familiarity with the layout of the IGCSE maths exam. It offers insight into the types of questions commonly set and the time available for each section. The importance of revising with past papers cannot be stressed enough. There is little chance of a student scoring in the upper reaches of the IGCSE maths mark band without regularly working through past exam papers. Cambridge has made a number of past papers and specimen papers available on their website, with the corresponding mark schemes, all of which should be poured over by IGCSE maths candidates as they revise for their exams.
Building on from the above, IGCSE students should formulate a time management strategy for their IGCSE maths exams. What this means is understanding areas of strength and weakness and where time can be best used. For example, it would be ill advised to tackle first questions that a student finds particularly difficult. All this will do is burn through valuable time and damage confidence levels. Rather, take on easier questions from the opening, thereby allowing for more time to be spent on challenging tasks later in the paper and boosting confidence in the process. Moreover, when practising with paper papers, do so under timed conditions. This will help to improve both speed and accuracy, while also acclimating IGCSE maths learners to the nature of the real exam.
The IGCSE maths exam is indeed a challenge for even the most adept students. An often repeated tip to help reduce the difficulty level for those sitting the IGCSE maths examination is to seek help from maths tutors. However, it must be made clear that not all tutors are created equal, and this goes far beyond IGCSE maths. Maths tuition must be personalised to the individual student and address their specific areas of weakness. Through this process, learners can grow into a subject and move towards greater levels of mastery. Additionally, IGCSE maths learners may consider investigating a number of recommended learning resources offered by Cambridge to further their learning.
As with any examination, there are a number of common mistakes made in IGCSE maths. For example—and this may sound obvious—it is essential that candidates read questions before attempting a response. Each year marks are lost needlessly because IGCSE maths learners misread or misunderstand a question and make associated errors. Another common mistake to avoid is an overreliance on calculators. While calculators are indeed a wonderful tool for mathematics, overuse can cause students to slip in their understanding of basic mathematical principles. For example, for students using a Casio fx-CG50 and who fails to place a negative number in brackets before squaring it, the result will be a negative number. However, this is incorrect, as the process of squaring a negative number results in a positive. Thus, IGCSE candidates should be keenly aware of the limitations of calculators and avoid an overreliance on them.
At BartyED, we understand the challenges facing IGCSE maths candidates. While it can indeed be beneficial to read about the importance of utilising past papers and developing proper time management skills, the best course of action to achieve high marks in the IGCSE maths examination is to start preparing early and find an experienced IGCSE maths tutor. At BartyED, our team of expert IGCSE maths tutors have guided countless students through the IGCSE maths syllabus, both Core and Extended. Our tutors work closely with students to ensure content mastery, personalising each lesson to suit their individual needs. If you think that you or your child could benefit from the guidance and mentorship of an experienced IGCSE maths tutor, reach out today by phone (+852 2882 1017) or email (enquiries@bartyed.com).