A Guide to the IGCSE Maths Exam
What is the IGCSE maths qualification.
In the UK, most 16 year olds leave schools with GCSEs. Including a Maths GCSE.
However there are schools - usually private, independent, international and selective schools who offer a slightly different maths qualification for 14 - 16 year olds which is the IGCSE.
The IGCSE was created for international students or for students who do not have english as their first language.
Some claim that it is easier and that the questions are more straightforward, however there is more content in the IGCSE maths syllabus including differentiation and it is still graded on the same 9-1 system that we use in the UK.
In this article, we will look at structure, content, and strategies for preparing for the IGCSE Maths exam.
Foundation & Higher Tier
In terms of structure the IGCSE Maths exam has two tiers, foundation which covers levels 1 - 5 and the higher tier which covers levels 4 - 9.