IGCSE Maths Revision Guide: Tips, Topics & Past Paper Strategy
Whether you're taking Cambridge IGCSE (0580) or Edexcel International GCSE (4MA1), this guide will help you revise effectively and maximise your exam grade. We'll cover key topics, study strategies, and how to use past papers properly.
Cambridge vs Edexcel: Know Your Exam
Cambridge IGCSE 0580
- Core: Papers 1 (short answer) and 3 (structured) — grades C to G
- Extended: Papers 2 (short answer) and 4 (structured) — grades A* to E
- Each paper is calculator-allowed
- Exam sessions: February/March, May/June, October/November
Edexcel International GCSE 4MA1
- Foundation: Papers 1F and 2F — grades 5 to 1
- Higher: Papers 1H and 2H — grades 9 to 4
- Paper 1 (non-calculator), Paper 2 (calculator)
- Exam sessions: January and June
Key Topics to Master
These topics appear on every IGCSE maths paper and carry the most marks:
Algebra
Solving equations, factorising, quadratic formula, simultaneous equations, inequalities
Number
Fractions, percentages, ratio, proportion, standard form, bounds
Geometry
Angles, similarity, congruence, circle theorems, transformations, vectors
Trigonometry
SOH CAH TOA, sine/cosine rule, bearings, 3D trigonometry
Statistics
Mean, median, mode, cumulative frequency, histograms, probability
Functions & Graphs
Linear, quadratic, cubic graphs, transformations of functions, gradient
Revision Timeline
3 Months Before: Learn the Content
- Work through each topic systematically using your textbook or notes
- Make a revision checklist of all syllabus topics
- Do practice questions at the end of each chapter
- Mark off topics as you complete them
6 Weeks Before: Past Paper Practice
- Start doing past papers by topic (e.g., all algebra questions from 5 different years)
- Check mark schemes carefully — learn how marks are awarded
- Keep a list of mistakes and the topics they relate to
3 Weeks Before: Full Papers Under Exam Conditions
- Do full papers with a timer set to the exam duration
- Aim for at least one paper per week per component
- Mark strictly using the official mark scheme
- Track your scores to see improvement over time
Final Week: Review and Memorise
- Re-do questions you previously got wrong
- Review all formula sheets and key methods
- Get a good night's sleep before each exam
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not showing working: IGCSE mark schemes award method marks even if the answer is wrong. Always show your steps.
- Rounding too early: Keep full precision in intermediate calculations and only round the final answer to the required accuracy.
- Misreading the question: Underline key words like "simplify", "factorise", "give your answer as a fraction".
- Running out of time: Budget your time per mark (about 1 minute per mark) and don't spend too long on any single question.
- Forgetting units: Always include units (cm, m, cm², cm³, etc.) where the question requires them.
Grade Boundaries and What They Mean
Grade boundaries vary each session, but as a rough guide for Cambridge Extended:
- A* (grade 9): Typically 85-90% or above
- A (grades 7-8): Typically 70-85%
- B (grade 6): Typically 55-70%
- C (grade 5): Typically 40-55%
Check exact boundaries on the exam board website after each session.
Free IGCSE Past Papers
Download Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE maths papers with mark schemes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between IGCSE Core and Extended?
Core papers (Papers 1 and 3) cover a narrower syllabus and can award grades C to G. Extended papers (Papers 2 and 4) cover the full syllabus and can award grades A* to E. Most students aiming for grade B or above take Extended.
Is IGCSE maths hard?
IGCSE maths covers a wide range of topics, but with consistent practice it is manageable. The Extended paper includes harder topics like calculus, matrices, and functions. Start revision early and use past papers to build confidence with the exam style.
How many IGCSE maths past papers should I do?
Aim for at least 5-6 complete past papers for each paper you're sitting (e.g., 5-6 Paper 2s and 5-6 Paper 4s for Cambridge Extended). More is better, but focus on quality review of each paper rather than rushing through many.
Can I use a calculator in IGCSE maths?
For Cambridge IGCSE 0580, calculators are allowed on all papers. For Edexcel 4MA1, Paper 1 is non-calculator and Paper 2 allows calculators. Make sure you practise Paper 1 questions without a calculator.
What topics come up most in IGCSE maths?
Algebra (especially solving equations and factorising), percentages, trigonometry, and statistics appear on virtually every paper. For Extended, circle theorems, functions, and calculus are high-value topics that frequently appear in the later questions.