How to Revise iGCSE Mathematics

Master iGCSE Mathematics with practice on number, algebra, geometry, and statistics aligned to Cambridge and Edexcel international specifications.

Revision Strategy

Revising Mathematics effectively comes down to active problem-solving rather than passive reading. Simply re-reading notes or watching worked examples gives you a false sense of confidence. Instead, attempt questions from scratch, check your answers, and then carefully work through any mistakes. This cycle of attempt, check, and correct is what builds genuine mathematical fluency.

Focus on building strong foundations before tackling harder material. If you are struggling with a complex topic, it is almost always because an earlier concept is not secure. For example, confidence with algebraic manipulation is essential before you can handle simultaneous equations or calculus. Identify the prerequisite skills for any topic you find difficult and shore those up first.

Practise under timed conditions regularly. Mathematics exams reward speed as well as accuracy, and many students who understand the material still run out of time because they have not practised working efficiently. Set yourself mini-tests of five or ten questions and aim to complete them within a set time, gradually reducing the allowance as you improve.

Study Tips for iGCSE Mathematics

✓ Work through past paper questions from both Cambridge and Edexcel International syllabi, as the question styles differ significantly from UK GCSE papers.
✓ Build a formula sheet as you study each topic - iGCSE exams provide fewer formulae than UK GCSEs, so you need to memorise more.
✓ Focus on multi-step problems that combine algebra with geometry or statistics, as these are common in Extended paper questions worth the most marks.
✓ Practice converting between different representations (graphs, tables, equations, words) as iGCSE examiners frequently test this skill.

Exam Tips for iGCSE Mathematics

✓ Always show your working clearly - iGCSE mark schemes award method marks even when the final answer is incorrect, which can make the difference between grades.
✓ In the Extended paper, attempt every question even if you are unsure. The paper progresses from straightforward to challenging, but later questions often have accessible opening parts worth easy marks.
✓ Double-check unit conversions carefully, especially in questions involving compound measures, as international papers sometimes use units less common in your home country.

Topics to Cover

10 topics in iGCSE Mathematics

Number

Algebra

Functions

Geometry

Coordinate Geometry

Trigonometry

Vectors & Transformations

Probability

Statistics

Sets

Available Exam Boards

iGCSE Mathematics specification guides for each exam board

Cambridge International Edexcel International

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between iGCSE Maths and GCSE Maths? +

iGCSE Maths is designed for an international audience and is offered by Cambridge International (CIE) and Edexcel International rather than UK-focused boards like AQA or OCR. The content overlaps significantly, but iGCSE has no coursework, uses a Core/Extended tier system instead of Foundation/Higher, and is assessed entirely through written exams taken in global examination sessions.

Is iGCSE Maths accepted by UK universities? +

Yes. UK universities, including Russell Group institutions, accept iGCSE Mathematics as equivalent to GCSE Mathematics for entry purposes. A grade C or above in iGCSE Maths satisfies the standard GCSE Maths requirement for most undergraduate courses.

When can I sit iGCSE Maths exams? +

Cambridge International offers iGCSE examination sessions in June and November each year. Edexcel International offers sessions in January, June and October. This flexibility is one of the key advantages of the international qualification.

Should I take Core or Extended iGCSE Maths? +

If you are aiming for a grade B or above, you should take the Extended curriculum as the Core pathway caps at grade C. Most students intending to study A-Level Mathematics or any maths-heavy subject at university should sit the Extended papers.

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