IGCSE Mathematics

IGCSE Mathematics

What is IGCSE?

IGCSEs are the same as GCSEs and are accepted in just the same way.

What is IGCSE Mathematics?

An essential subject for all students, IGCSE Mathematics is a fully examined course which encourages the development of mathematical knowledge as a key life skill, and as a basis for more advanced study. The syllabus aims to build students' confidence by helping them develop a feel for numbers, patterns and relationships, and places a strong emphasis on solving problems and presenting and interpreting results. Students also learn how to communicate and reason using mathematical concepts.

This completely new IGCSE course from UK Open Learning is designed to help meet the needs of those who want an introduction to this challenging subject either with a view to further study at A Level or simply to supplement a portfolio of IGCSE/GCSE subjects.

Mathematics at IGCSE or GCSE is often a requirement for those wishing to enter a number of key professions and further advanced courses.

A detailed description of the specification can be found on the University of Cambridge International Examinations website:

http://www.cie.org.uk/qualifications/academic/middlesec/igcse/subject?assdef_id=872

What is the course title and code for this qualification?

IGCSE Mathematics (0580)

How is the course structured?

We will begin by looking at what the examination board will require of you in the way of examinations.  You will be referred to what you need to do in terms of registration and arranging with an external centre for you to take the examinations.

Once the administration matters have been cleared up, we will look at the specification we will be following, namely the IGCSE in Mathematics (0580).

As stated above, this is an exam-only syllabus and we will be preparing you for this as the principal aim of the course.

As part of your course, you will be supplied with the Study Guide for IGCSE and A Levels. Do make use of this as it has been written to help you with your studies and to supplement the specific information and guidance given in the course material itself.

What does the course prepare me for?

The study pack is designed to match closely the curriculum content of the syllabus and will provide you with the information and support you’ll need to take the exams with confidence.

The materials and accompanying exercises provided will help you to develop the necessary knowledge and confidence to successfully attempt the exams. The key parts of the course which are important in every aspect are planning your studies and practice assessments where feedback from your UK Open Learning tutor is of the utmost importance.

Essential Texts

IGCSE Core Mathematics by Colin Nye.

Publisher: Heinemann

ISBN:  978-0-435966-85-0

and

IGCSE Extended Mathematics by Colin Nye.

Publisher: Heinemann

ISBN:  978-0-435966-86-7

What will the exams look like?–G

Core curriculum – Grades available: C-G

Paper 1 1 hour

Short-answer questions.

Candidates should answer each question.

Weighting: 35%

Paper 2 1½ hours

Short-answer questions.

Candidates should answer each question.

Weighting: 35%

Extended curriculum – Grades available: A*-E

Paper 3 2 hours

Structured questions.

Candidates should answer each question.

Weighting: 65%

Paper 4 2½ hours

Structured questions.

Candidates should answer each question.

Weighting: 65%

Past papers are available on the University of Cambridge IGCSE website where students can get an idea of the tier they should enter for. The tutor will also provide advice on this when they have gained an impression of your potential.

What will I be examined on?

The two assessment objectives in Mathematics are:

A Mathematical techniques

B Applying mathematical techniques to solve problems

A description of each assessment objective follows.

A Mathematical techniques

Candidates should be able to:

1. organise, interpret and present information accurately in written, tabular, graphical and diagrammatic forms;

2. perform calculations by suitable methods;

3. use an electronic calculator and also perform some straightforward calculations without a calculator;

4. understand systems of measurement in everyday use and make use of them in the solution of problems;

5. estimate, approximate and work to degrees of accuracy appropriate to the context and convert between equivalent numerical forms;

6. use mathematical and other instruments to measure and to draw to an acceptable degree of accuracy;

7. interpret, transform and make appropriate use of mathematical statements expressed in words or symbols;

8. recognise and use spatial relationships in two and three dimensions, particularly in solving problems;

9. recall, apply and interpret mathematical knowledge in the context of everyday situations.

B Applying mathematical techniques to solve problems

In questions which are set in context and/or which require a sequence of steps to solve, candidates should be able to:

10. make logical deductions from given mathematical data;

11. recognise patterns and structures in a variety of situations, and form generalisations;

12. respond to a problem relating to a relatively unstructured situation by translating it into an appropriately structured form;

13. analyse a problem, select a suitable strategy and apply an appropriate technique to obtain its solution;

14. apply combinations of mathematical skills and techniques in problem solving;

15. set out mathematical work, including the solution of problems, in a logical and clear form using appropriate symbols and terminology.

We have deliberately designed the course to make it as relevant to the demands of the specification as possible with lots of self-assessment exercises for you to carry out prior to you taking the End of Unit submissions. These are assignments which you will send them to your tutor and receive feedback on to improve your knowledge and skills in handling examination questions.

Where do I sit my examinations?

Students are reminded that it is their responsibility to find and register with a centre to take the examinations. UK Open Learning cannot take any responsibility for this.

The following is a list provided by Cambridge on their website:

http://www.cie.org.uk/profiles/students/ukcandidates/#contacts

It is also worthwhile approaching local schools and colleges to see if they are willing to accept you as a Private Candidate. When consulting them, take with you details of the specification as they are far more willing to listen to your request if they can see immediately what will be involved on their part. Do stress that there is no coursework component involved, merely two exams of a maximum of two and a half hours, depending on the level and paper. Have the syllabus number to hand as well.

Is UK Open Learning my centre for the examinations?

No. Your centre is the one you have to find to sit your examinations through.

When can I sit my examinations?

The examinations are available in November and June each year. You do need to ensure that your centre is able and willing to handle your entry. They are not obliged to accept you as a candidate so do not make any assumption that you will be able to do the exams when you wish.

A further consideration is whether you are allowing yourself time to complete the necessary preparation prior to taking the exams. You are allowed twelve months’ support from UK Open Learning so you will need to take this into account when making your plans. It may be possible to extend you tutorial time but this will be subject to an extra charge by your UK Open Learning tutor.