Overview
Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics is accepted by universities and employers as proof of essential mathematical knowledge and ability.
The Additional Mathematics syllabus is intended for high ability candidates who have achieved, or are likely to achieve, Grade A*, A or B in the Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics examination.
The students who opt for Additional Mathematics will be sitting their IGCSE Extended Mathematics at the end of year 10 and will sit the Additional Mathematics GCSE at the end of year 11 (provided they have achieved a B or above in their IGCSE Extended).
Students will begin learning the Additional Mathematics course content in the second term of year 10 whilst simultaneously revising for their IGCSE Mathematics and will continue with the Add Maths curriculum into year 11.
If students are not on target to achieve the top grades (B/A/A*), we recommend they do NOT take Additional Mathematics.
Where necessary, please encourage students to have conversations with their teacher or Ailsa Craig (Head of Mathematics) if they are unsure about whether Add Maths is appropriate for them.
Successful Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics candidates gain lifelong skills, including:
the further development of mathematical concepts and principles
the extension of mathematical skills and their use in more advanced techniques
an ability to solve problems, present solutions logically and interpret results
a solid foundation for further study.
Course Content
The aims are to:
consolidate and extend their mathematical skills to apply in the context of more advanced techniques
further develop their knowledge of mathematical concepts and principles, and use this knowledge for problem solving
appreciate the interconnectedness of mathematical knowledge
acquire suitable foundation in mathematics for further study in the subject
devise mathematical arguments and use and present them precisely and logically
integrate information technology (IT) to enhance the mathematical experience
develop the confidence to apply their mathematical skills and knowledge in appropriate situations
develop creativity and perseverance in the approach to problem solving
derive enjoyment and satisfaction from engaging in mathematical pursuits, and gain an appreciation of the elegance and usefulness of mathematics
provide foundation for AS Level/Higher study.
Knowledge of the content of Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics is assumed & expected.
Students who take this option will have sat their IGCSE in Mathematics at the end of year 10 and they will only be allowed to progress onto Additional Mathematics if they have achieved a grade B/A/A*.
Cambridge IGCSE material which is not included in the subject content will not be tested directly but it may be required in response to questions on other topics.
Proofs of results will not be required unless specifically mentioned in the syllabus.
Candidates will be expected to be familiar with the scientific notation for the expression of compound units, e.g. 5 ms–1 for 5 metres per second.
All candidates will study the following topics:
Functions
Quadratic functions
Equations, inequalities, and graphs
Indices and surds
Factors of polynomials
Simultaneous equations
Logarithmic and exponential functions
Straight line graphs
Circular measure
Trigonometry
Permutations and combinations
Series
Vectors in two dimensions
Differentiation and integration
Assessment
Paper 1 – 2 hours (weighting 50%)
80 marks
Candidates answer all questions
Scientific calculators are required
Externally assessed, marked by Cambridge International
Paper 2 - 2 hours (weighting 50%)
80 marks
Candidates answer all questions
Scientific calculators are required
Externally assessed, marked by Cambridge International
Each paper includes the formulae list.
Progression
The combination of knowledge and skills in Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics gives learners a solid foundation for further study. Candidates who achieve grades A* to C are well prepared to follow a wide range of courses including 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.