Mathematics

Mathematics — IGCSE

British Curriculum · Pearson · Years 10-11 · Ages 14-16

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics (Specification A, 4MA1) is the other dominant maths route in international schools, examined at Foundation and Higher tier across two written papers with a calculator allowed in both.

Higher tier is the prerequisite for A Level Mathematics. It covers algebraic manipulation, quadratics, simultaneous equations, functions and their inverses, coordinate geometry, trigonometry including the sine and cosine rules, vectors, transformations, probability and statistics.

Edexcel questions tend to be more structured than Cambridge's, with steps signposted, but the Higher paper carries harder algebra and more multi-step problem solving at the end. Working through full past papers to time is the single most effective preparation.

Key topics covered

• Number — Standard form, surds, ratio, percentages, bounds and compound interest.
• Algebra — Factorising, quadratics, simultaneous equations, inequalities and algebraic fractions.
• Functions & Graphs — Function notation, inverse and composite functions, and graph transformations.
• Coordinate Geometry — Straight lines, gradient, parallel and perpendicular lines.
• Trigonometry — Right-angled triangles, sine and cosine rules, and 3D applications.
• Geometry & Vectors — Circle theorems, similarity, congruence, transformations and vector geometry.
• Probability & Statistics — Tree diagrams, cumulative frequency, histograms and measures of spread.