This article will help students to understand more about the IGCSE Additional Mathematics subject. This article will cover the following:
- Syllabus overview
- Benefits of taking IGCSE Additional Mathematics
- Details of Assessment
- Objectives of IGCSE AMath
- Topics and concepts covered
- Exam details about IGCSE Additional Mathematics
Read also: 9 Proven Ways To Score a 9 in IGCSE Maths
Syllabus overview
Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics helps learners to build competency and confidence in the use of mathematical techniques understanding.
As compared to Elementary Mathematics, the IGCSE Additional Mathematics aims to develop students’ reasoning, problem-solving, and analytical skills in a variety of contexts. Additionally, the students will dive deeper into the topics and concepts to develop a stronger understanding of quantity, patterns, and relationships.
This syllabus is also designed to stretch the ablest students and provide a smooth transition to Cambridge AS and A Level Mathematics.
Benefits of taking IGCSE Additional Mathematics
Taking the IGCSE additional mathematics will give you a headstart to higher-level education such as the IB and Cambridge A levels.
It loosely translates to helping students build a strong fundamental knowledge in mathematics allowing them to do better in higher-level subjects such as Maths and Physics.
Taking this subject may create a positive ripple effect for your future academics such as your admission to university and more. In other words, having a strong foundation in IGCSE Additional Mathematics can greatly help other subjects like Physics.
Details of Assessment
All student candidates will have to sit for two written papers at the end of their course of study namely Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Paper 1 and 2 constitute 50% of the total marks respectively. They will also be eligible for grades from A* to E. Candidates will have to answer all the questions and they will be allowed to use a calculator for both the papers.
Guided Learning Hours
The syllabus, designed by IGCSE Cambridge, is 130 guided learning hours. However, it may vary according to the learner’s practice and prior knowledge and experience with the subject.
Objectives of IGCSE AMath
There are 2 main objectives to be achieved during the course of study and they are:
1 – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of mathematical techniques
2 – Apply mathematical techniques
The students should be able to recall and use Mathematical manipulative techniques, mathematical data, symbols, and terminology. Learners should also be able to comprehend numerical, algebraic, and spatial concepts and relationships.
Additionally, students should recognize the appropriate mathematical procedure for a given situation. Then formulate problems into mathematical terms, and select and apply appropriate techniques.
Topics and Concepts tested in the course
| 1 | Functions |
| 2 | Quadratic functions |
| 3 | Equations, inequalities, and graphs |
| 4 | Indices and surds |
| 5 | Factors of polynomials |
| 6 | Simultaneous equations |
| 7 | Logarithmic and exponential functions |
| 8 | Straight line graphs |
| 9 | Circular measure |
| 10 | Trigonometry |
| 11 | Permutations and combinations |
| 12 | Series |
| 13 | Vectors in two dimensions |
| 14 | Differentiation and integration |
Exam details about IGCSE Additional Mathematics
Same with the other subjects for Cambridge, this subject is available for sitting in the June and November series. If your school is in India, you can enter the March exam series. Additionally, private candidates can also sit for this syllabus and subject.
Combination with other syllabi
Learners can take this syllabus alongside other Cambridge International syllabi in a single exam series with the exceptions being:
- Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics (4037)
- Syllabus with the same title at the same level
- Such as the Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge IGCSE (9-1), and Cambridge O Level syllabuses are at the same level.
Retaking this exam
Students can retake this whole qualification as many times as they want. This is a linear qualification so students are not allowed to re-sit individual components.
Reaching out for help
If you are worried about the difficulty of the subject, it is always good to keep an open mind about finding yourself a tutor to guide you through. Many may think that having a tutor adds to their existing workload but tutors are here to help and bridge any knowledge gaps. However, if you are intending to pursue mathematical studies, the Additional Mathematics subject can be useful and beneficial.
Tutopiya is a Live Online Tutoring platform that offers students online tuition from wherever they are. Tutopiya has highly qualified tutors that we screen and train. We ensure that our students receive the best learning experience. Find out more about our tutors by reaching out to our friendly team!
In a nutshell
Taking the IGCSE Additional Mathematics may seem like an added chore since it does not directly guarantee you university admission, however, it has positive indirect benefits.
Taking the IGCSE Add Maths may provide you with more opportunities, choices as well as help you with your other subjects like Physics. More importantly, these indirect benefits may be the reason for your future academic success.
