Choices at HELP International School

Mathematics 0580 | 1 GCSE

Overview

Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics is accepted by universities and employers as proof of essential mathematical knowledge and understanding.

Successful Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics candidates gain lifelong skills, including to:

develop an understanding of mathematical principles, concepts and methods in a way which encourages confidence, provides satisfaction and enjoyment, and develops a positive attitude towards mathematics
develop a feel for number and understand the significance of the results obtained
apply mathematics in everyday situations and develop an understanding of the part that mathematics plays in learners’ own lives and the world around them
analyse and solve problems, present the solutions clearly, and check and interpret the results
recognise when and how a situation may be represented mathematically, identify and interpret relevant factors, select an appropriate mathematical method to solve the problem, and evaluate the method used
use mathematics as a means of communication with emphasis on the use of clear expression and structured argument
develop an ability to apply mathematics in other subjects, particularly science and technology
develop the ability to reason logically, make deductions and inferences, and draw conclusions
appreciate patterns and relationships in mathematics and make generalisations
appreciate the interdependence of different areas of mathematics
acquire a foundation for further study of mathematics or for other disciplines.

IGCSE MATHS.m4v

Course Content

Candidates may follow either the Core curriculum or the Extended curriculum. Candidates aiming for grades A* to B should follow the Extended curriculum as the highest grade that can be attained on Core is a grade C.

All candidates will study the following topics:

1 Number

2 Algebra and graphs

3 Coordinate Geometry

4 Geometry

5 Mensuration

6 Trigonometry

7 Vectors and transformations

8 Probability

9 Statistics

Assessment

All candidates take two papers.

Candidates who have studied the Core syllabus content, or who are expected to achieve a grade D or below, should be entered for Paper 1 and Paper 3. These candidates will be eligible for grades C to G.

Candidates who have studied the Extended syllabus content and who are expected to achieve a grade C or above should be entered for Paper 2 and Paper 4. These candidates will be eligible for grades A* to E.

Core

Paper 1 (Core) - 1 hour (weighting 35%)

56 marks
Short-answer questions
Questions will be based on the Core curriculum
Externally assessed, marked by Cambridge International

Paper 3 (Core) – 2 hours (weighting 65%)

104 marks
Structured questions
Questions will be based on the Core curriculum
Externally assessed, marked by Cambridge International

Extended

Paper 2 (Extended) – 1 hour 30 minutes (weighting 35%)

70 marks
Short-answer questions
Questions will be based on the Extended curriculum
Externally assessed, marked by Cambridge International

Paper 4 (Extended) – 2 hours 30 minutes (weighting 65%)

130 marks
Structured questions
Questions will be based on the Extended curriculum
Externally assessed, marked by Cambridge International

Candidates should have a scientific calculator for all papers.

Three significant figures will be required in answers (or one decimal place for answers in degrees) except where otherwise stated.

Candidates should use the value of π from their calculator and be as accurate as possible when calculating answers.

Progression

The combination of knowledge and skills in Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics gives learners a solid foundation for further study. Candidates who perform well should be able to progress to the advanced study of mathematics. Teachers and learners should discuss anticipated achievement, taking into account learners’ individual strengths in the subject.

From Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics learners can progress to Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics or straight to Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics, or other qualifications at that level.

Cambridge IGCSEs are accepted and valued by leading universities and employers around the world as evidence of academic achievement. Many universities require a combination of Cambridge International AS & A Levels and Cambridge IGCSEs or equivalent to meet their entry requirements.

UK NARIC, the national agency in the UK for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills, has carried out an independent benchmarking study of Cambridge IGCSE and found it to be comparable to the standard of GCSE in the UK. This means students can be confident that their Cambridge IGCSE qualifications are accepted as equivalent to UK GCSEs by leading universities worldwide.

Report abuse