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How to Revise International A-Level Mathematics

Master International A-Level Maths with practice on pure maths, statistics, and mechanics aligned to Cambridge and Edexcel 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 International A-Level Mathematics

  • Master each module thoroughly before moving to the next. The modular structure allows you to sit exams as you complete each unit, so use this to your advantage by revising and sitting each module when the content is fresh.
  • Practice integration and differentiation techniques extensively - these form the backbone of the pure mathematics papers and appear in mechanics and statistics applications too.
  • Work through past papers from your specific exam board (Cambridge or Edexcel International), as the question styles and mark schemes differ between boards.
  • Build strong foundations in algebraic manipulation and proof techniques early, as these skills underpin almost every topic at International A-Level.

Exam Tips for International A-Level Mathematics

  • In multi-step calculation questions, show every line of working clearly. International A-Level mark schemes award marks at each stage, so even if you make an error partway through, you can still earn significant marks.
  • Check that your calculator is in the correct mode (degrees or radians) before starting trigonometry or mechanics questions. This is one of the most common avoidable errors.
  • For proof questions, write your argument step by step with clear logical connectives. Examiners need to follow your reasoning, so skipping steps can lose marks.

Topics to Cover

10 topics in International A-Level Mathematics

Pure Mathematics
Algebra & Functions
Calculus
Trigonometry
Vectors
Statistics
Mechanics
Proof
Sequences & Series
Numerical Methods

Available Exam Boards

International A-Level Mathematics specification guides for each exam board

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between International A-Level Maths and UK A-Level Maths? +
The content is broadly equivalent, but International A-Level Maths is modular (you can sit unit exams throughout the course) while UK A-Level is linear (all exams at the end). International A-Level exams are available in multiple sessions per year, and the qualification is offered by Edexcel International and Cambridge International rather than UK boards.
Is International A-Level Maths accepted by UK universities? +
Yes. All UK universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group institutions, accept International A-Level Mathematics as equivalent to the domestic A-Level for admissions purposes.
Can I resit individual modules in International A-Level Maths? +
Yes, the modular structure allows you to resit individual unit examinations to improve your grade. Your best result for each unit counts towards the overall qualification. This is a significant advantage over the linear UK A-Level.
How many units are there in International A-Level Maths? +
The exact number depends on your exam board. Edexcel International A-Level Mathematics typically consists of six units covering pure mathematics, statistics and mechanics. Cambridge International has a similar structure with pure mathematics and applied mathematics components.

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