There is no coursework component needed to complete IGCSE or GCSE Mathematics for AQA GCSE Mathematics (8300), Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) , Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A (4MA1) , or Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics B (4MB1). That is, students can attain the qualification by examination only. There are quite a few similarities between the courses, so read through the syllabus and the specification and choose carefully.
Each exam board uses a syllabus or specification to clearly state, among other things, the subject course content and methods of final assessments. Additionally, each exam board will give suggested textbooks and other resources, some of which are endorsed (that is, they carefully follow the specific syllabus or specification). Teachers and students can choose the best resources to facilitate learning. You don't need all the suggested resources, but it is useful to have one or two textbooks as a scaffold, alongside the syllabus or specification and online resources as needed.
I have tutored students in Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics, so I am familiar with the syllabus content, varied teaching and learning strategies for individual students, and preparation for assessments (examinations). CAIE examinations were easier for my four home educated children to access, and I have been teaching or tutoring CAIE examination subjects in school or online since 2007.
I will pass on what I have used, at one time or another, to teach Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580). I will also give suggested resources for anyone interested in accessing GCSE Mathematics offered by AQA and Pearson Edexcel exam boards.
Each exam board uses a syllabus or specification to clearly state, among other things, the subject course content and methods of final assessments. Additionally, each exam board will give suggested textbooks and other resources, some of which are endorsed (that is, they carefully follow the specific syllabus or specification). Teachers and students can choose the best resources to facilitate learning. You don't need all the suggested resources, but it is useful to have one or two textbooks as a scaffold, alongside the syllabus or specification and online resources as needed.
I have tutored students in Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics, so I am familiar with the syllabus content, varied teaching and learning strategies for individual students, and preparation for assessments (examinations). CAIE examinations were easier for my four home educated children to access, and I have been teaching or tutoring CAIE examination subjects in school or online since 2007.
I will pass on what I have used, at one time or another, to teach Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580). I will also give suggested resources for anyone interested in accessing GCSE Mathematics offered by AQA and Pearson Edexcel exam boards.
Syllabuses and specifications
To have the most success in final assessments (exams), read the syllabus or specification carefully. Consider this as the rule book, as it gives clear details about the subject.
Here are the links for the IGCSE and GCSE courses at AQA, CAIE, and Pearson Edexcel:
Here are the links for the IGCSE and GCSE courses at AQA, CAIE, and Pearson Edexcel:
AQA GCSE Mathematics (8300)
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/gcse/mathematics-8300/specification-at-a-glance
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580)
https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-mathematics-0580/
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A (4MA1)
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses/international-gcse-mathematics-a-2016.html
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics B (4MB1)
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses/international-gcse-mathematics-b-2016.html
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/gcse/mathematics-8300/specification-at-a-glance
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580)
https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-mathematics-0580/
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A (4MA1)
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses/international-gcse-mathematics-a-2016.html
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics B (4MB1)
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses/international-gcse-mathematics-b-2016.html
Past paper practice
One of the best ways to understand how well you will do in the final assessments is to complete some past papers, mark them, and reflect on your strengths and challenges. Then repeat the process. Strong IGCSE and GCSE knowledge and skills are built through practice, so you should make sure to get support from teachers, tutors, or mentors as necessary. In the meantime, visit the examination board's website and look for past papers, the mark schemes (answer keys or rubrics) and the examiners' reports. All these documents will be helpful in honing your skills in this subject.
Suggested textbooks
The endorsed textbooks are closely aligned to exam board courses and will be the best resource to use as a scaffold for learning. Each examination board also suggests other textbooks and resources for each subject course. The choice of books for teaching and learning is yours, but I have always relied on one or two endorsed textbooks, and then used other resources to supplement my own learning and teaching.
Here are some useful suggested textbooks for IGCSE and GCSE courses, with the ISBN to help search for the resources more effectively. Remember: you do not need all the resources, so take the time to find the best texts for you.
Here are some useful suggested textbooks for IGCSE and GCSE courses, with the ISBN to help search for the resources more effectively. Remember: you do not need all the resources, so take the time to find the best texts for you.
AQA GCSE Mathematics (8300)
- Morrison, K. et al. (2015) GCSE Mathematics for AQA: Student Book: Foundation. ISBN: 9781107448049 [Endorsed]
- Morrison, K. et al. (2015) GCSE Mathematics for AQA: Student Book: Higher. ISBN: 9781107448032 [Endorsed]
- Haighton, J. et al. (2015) AQA GCSE Maths: Foundation. ISBN: 9780198351658 [Endorsed]
- Haighton, J. et al. (2015) AQA GCSE Maths: Higher. ISBN: 9780198351665 [Endorsed]
- Evans, K. et al. (2015) AQA GCSE Maths: Foundation: Student Book. ISBN: 9780007597437 [Endorsed]
- Evans, K. et al. (2015) AQA GCSE Maths: Higher: Student Book. ISBN: 9780007597345 [Endorsed]
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580)
- Gilderdale, A. et al. (2017) Approaches to learning and teaching Mathematics: a toolkit for international teachers. ISBN: 9781108406970 [Endorsed]
- Pimental, R. & Wall, T. (2018) Cambridge IGCSE Core Mathematics, 4th Edition. ISBN: 9781510421660 [Endorsed]
- Pimental, R. & Wall, T. (2018) Cambridge IGCSE Core Mathematics: Workbook. ISBN: 9781510421677 [Endorsed]
- Morrison, K. & Hamshaw, N. (2018) Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics Core and Extended: Coursebook, 2nd Edition. ISBN: 9781108437189 [Endorsed]
- Morrison, K. & Hamshaw, N. (2018) Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics Core and Extended: Elevate Teacher's Resource, 2nd Edition. ISBN: 9781108701532 [Endorsed]
- Pimental, R. & Wall, T. (2018) Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics: Core and Extended: Student Book, 4th Edition. ISBN: 9781510421684 [Endorsed]
- Pimental, R> & Wall, T. (2018) Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics Core and Extended: Workbook, 4th Edition. ISBN: 9781510421707 [Endorsed]
- Morrison, K. & Dunne, L. (2018) Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics Core: Practice Book, 2nd Edition. ISBN: 9781108437226 [Endorsed]
- Morrison, K. & Dunne, L. (2018) Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics Extended: Practice Book, 2nd Edition. ISBN: 9781108437219 [Endorsed]
- Law, M. (2018) Mathematics: Revision Guide IGCSE, 2nd Edition. ISBN: 9781108437264 [Endorsed]
- Pearce, C. (2018) Cambridge IGCSE Maths: Student's Book, 3rd Edition. ISBN: 9780008257798 [Endorsed]
- Marsden, I. & Pearce, C. (2018) Cambridge IGCSE Maths: Teacher's Guide, 3rd Edition. ISBN: 9780008257804 [Endorsed]
- Stobart, C. (2018) Letts Cambridge IGCSE Maths: Revision Guide. ISBN: 9780008210342 [Endorsed]
Pearson Edexcel International Mathematics A & B (4MA1, 4MB1)
- Turner, D. & Potts, I. (2016) Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Mathematics A: Student Book 1. ISBN: 9780435181444 [Endorsed]
- Turner, D. & Potts, I. (2016) Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Mathematics B: Student Book 2. ISBN: 9780435183059 [Endorsed]
- Smith, H. (2019) Revise Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Mathematics A: Revision Guide. ISBN: 9780435044107 [Endorsed]
- Johnson, T & Clough, T. (2016) Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Mathematics: Practice Book, 3rd Edition. ISBN: 9781292278292 [Endorsed]
- Pearce, C. (2016) Edexcel International GCSE Maths: Student's Book. ISBN: 9780008205874 [Endorsed]
Useful websites for IGCSE and GCSE Mathematics
Using an endorsed textbook alongside the syllabus or specification is always my first strategy in teaching or tutoring IGCSE or GCSE Mathematics. Then I look through the online resources to supplement and complement what is being learnt, and I am constantly researching new resources.
Here are a few resources you might find useful:
Here are a few resources you might find useful:
www.cimt.org.uk/projects/mepres/allgcse/allgcse.htm
The Centre for Innovation in Mathematics Teaching has a comprehensive course for GCSE level, called the Mathematics Enhancement Project (MEP). This link doesn't always work, but if you want to see the resources, try looking for the project on a search engine.
www.mathisfun.com
An American site that has visual explanations of mathematics. This could be a useful resource for students who need a more visual, concrete way of grasping IGCSE maths topics.
www.mathwords.com
I like the definition given on the website: An interactive math dictionary with enough math words, math terms, math formulas, pictures, diagrams, tables, and examples to satisfy your inner math geek.
www.algebrahelp.com
As the name suggests, this site helps with algebra. There are online worksheets as well as explanations of algebra concepts, and resource sheets. This can be a student tool, or a teacher reference tool.
http://mathbits.com/
This American site has free activities and tools (and subscription rates) for the mathematician. It was created by mathematics teachers. It could be used for extension work for the most able students.
http://www.khanacademy.org/
This is a really comprehensive site, mainly for maths and science. Geared at students of all ages, it is a wonderful site for self-paced learning. Teachers can use the site for lesson planning or to supplement what they are doing. It’s also fun to earn badges for completion of skill levels.
https://blutick.com
This is a mainly free maths website with a variety of self-paced learning available to IGCSE and GCSE students. If you like AI teaching, this is the website for you.
corbettmaths.com
Free resources covering many maths topics in a variety of forms. The 5-a-day is a useful way to keep practicing maths on a daily basis. Note that the terminology on the website refers to the new grading system in the UK (where grade letters have been replaced by numbers 1 - 9, with Level 9 being the highest attainable standard).
kangaroomaths.co.uk
This mainly free website has la comprehensive range of maths resources, all produced to high standards. It may take time to look around the site, but have a look in Kenny's Pouch at the Secondary sections for maths.
nrich.maths.org
This is a great website for games and puzzles to complement what students learn from their textbooks. Make sure to focus on the correct level as primary and secondary maths is found here.
www.stem.org.uk/audience/secondary-mathematics
There are plenty of maths resources here, but what I like most about this website with all its links are the connections and cross-curricular connections with other subjects. Worth a visit.
www.emaths.co.uk
The Teacher Resources and Student Resources on this website are a helpful way to understand and learn maths online. Well worth a visit.
http://revisioncentre.co.uk/gcse/maths/index.html
This website has a comprehensive list of maths topics to help the IGCSE or GCSE student.
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/maths
One of the many revision websites for maths.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/maths/
BBC Bitesize has plenty of revision material to help the GCSE or IGCSE maths students.
http://www.gcse.com/maths/
Another maths revision website!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLJnnnahpUYO2tOEcXe1mHA
Hegarty Maths is a really helpful YouTube channel, focused on specific maths problems. Mr Hegarty also has a website where you can pay to work through GCSE Maths at your own pace. Some distance learners may find this invaluable.
https://www.mathsgenie.co.uk
Some home educators in the UK introduced me to this website. It is really useful to drop into it when you need help with particular areas in maths, or if you want some revision or exam paper practice. Worth bookmarking and revisiting!
AND, because some students need to learn maths through visual means, or with one-to-one tutorial support, take time to look for and find the resources that will suit you best.
Websites need to be checked often to make sure they are still relevant and the links are still active. All websites were checked and updated: April, 2021.
The Centre for Innovation in Mathematics Teaching has a comprehensive course for GCSE level, called the Mathematics Enhancement Project (MEP). This link doesn't always work, but if you want to see the resources, try looking for the project on a search engine.
www.mathisfun.com
An American site that has visual explanations of mathematics. This could be a useful resource for students who need a more visual, concrete way of grasping IGCSE maths topics.
www.mathwords.com
I like the definition given on the website: An interactive math dictionary with enough math words, math terms, math formulas, pictures, diagrams, tables, and examples to satisfy your inner math geek.
www.algebrahelp.com
As the name suggests, this site helps with algebra. There are online worksheets as well as explanations of algebra concepts, and resource sheets. This can be a student tool, or a teacher reference tool.
http://mathbits.com/
This American site has free activities and tools (and subscription rates) for the mathematician. It was created by mathematics teachers. It could be used for extension work for the most able students.
http://www.khanacademy.org/
This is a really comprehensive site, mainly for maths and science. Geared at students of all ages, it is a wonderful site for self-paced learning. Teachers can use the site for lesson planning or to supplement what they are doing. It’s also fun to earn badges for completion of skill levels.
https://blutick.com
This is a mainly free maths website with a variety of self-paced learning available to IGCSE and GCSE students. If you like AI teaching, this is the website for you.
corbettmaths.com
Free resources covering many maths topics in a variety of forms. The 5-a-day is a useful way to keep practicing maths on a daily basis. Note that the terminology on the website refers to the new grading system in the UK (where grade letters have been replaced by numbers 1 - 9, with Level 9 being the highest attainable standard).
kangaroomaths.co.uk
This mainly free website has la comprehensive range of maths resources, all produced to high standards. It may take time to look around the site, but have a look in Kenny's Pouch at the Secondary sections for maths.
nrich.maths.org
This is a great website for games and puzzles to complement what students learn from their textbooks. Make sure to focus on the correct level as primary and secondary maths is found here.
www.stem.org.uk/audience/secondary-mathematics
There are plenty of maths resources here, but what I like most about this website with all its links are the connections and cross-curricular connections with other subjects. Worth a visit.
www.emaths.co.uk
The Teacher Resources and Student Resources on this website are a helpful way to understand and learn maths online. Well worth a visit.
http://revisioncentre.co.uk/gcse/maths/index.html
This website has a comprehensive list of maths topics to help the IGCSE or GCSE student.
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/maths
One of the many revision websites for maths.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/maths/
BBC Bitesize has plenty of revision material to help the GCSE or IGCSE maths students.
http://www.gcse.com/maths/
Another maths revision website!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLJnnnahpUYO2tOEcXe1mHA
Hegarty Maths is a really helpful YouTube channel, focused on specific maths problems. Mr Hegarty also has a website where you can pay to work through GCSE Maths at your own pace. Some distance learners may find this invaluable.
https://www.mathsgenie.co.uk
Some home educators in the UK introduced me to this website. It is really useful to drop into it when you need help with particular areas in maths, or if you want some revision or exam paper practice. Worth bookmarking and revisiting!
AND, because some students need to learn maths through visual means, or with one-to-one tutorial support, take time to look for and find the resources that will suit you best.
Websites need to be checked often to make sure they are still relevant and the links are still active. All websites were checked and updated: April, 2021.