Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Agriculture specification (0600)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Agriculture exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Agriculture specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Agriculture (0600) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
The syllabus aims to promote an appreciation of agriculture as an applied science, encouraging learners to engage in both theoretical and practical work. It focuses on fostering interest in agricultural and rural development challenges and opportunities. Learners are guided to understand farming as both a profitable and rewarding career, and to appreciate agriculture's contribution to reducing hunger. The course places emphasis on developing basic agricultural principles, efficient farm management skills, and encouraging schools to integrate agriculture through school farms and community engagement. It also aims to build self-reliance, initiative, problem-solving skills, and a foundation for advanced agricultural studies.
Subject content breakdown
1 General agriculture
- Types and limitations of land use including farming systems, forestry, aquaculture
- Basic agricultural economics: GM crops, supply and demand, opportunity cost
2 Soil
- Formation, profile, types, structure, and composition
- Soil fertility: nutrients, nitrogen cycle, fertilisers
- Erosion and conservation; drainage and irrigation; water cycle
3 Principles of plant growth
- Movement of water and nutrients; photosynthesis; transpiration; leaf/root/stem functions
- Reproduction: sexual and asexual; pollination, fertilisation, dispersal
- Germination conditions and structure
4 Crop production
- Land preparation methods
- Cultivation of locally significant cash crops: from sowing to harvest and record keeping
5 Crop protection
- Weed and pest identification and control (chemical, biological, cultural)
- Plant diseases (bacterial, fungal, viral)
- Safe use and storage of farm chemicals
6 Livestock anatomy and physiology
- Digestive systems of ruminants vs non-ruminants
- Reproductive systems and processes in farm animals
7 Livestock production and health
- Housing, nutrition (rations, water, feeding), health and hygiene
- Recognising diseases and managing sick animals
8 Pasture management
- Types of grazing, vegetation, and grazing systems
- Stocking rates, fencing, bush control, fire management
9 Livestock and crop breeding
- Genetics: inheritance, genotype/phenotype, artificial insemination
- Selective breeding vs GM crops
10 Farm structure and tools
- Fencing, farm building materials and uses
- Water sources, treatment, storage, and plumbing
- Use and maintenance of tools and machinery (manual and mechanised)
Assessment structure
Paper 1 Theory
- 1 hour 45 minutes
- 70% of total grade
- Section A: All questions compulsory (short/structured/extended)
- Section B: Choose 2 out of 5 extended response questions
- Externally assessed
Component 2 Practical Coursework
- 30% of total grade
- Four assessed practical exercises + one practical investigation (report max 1000 words)
- Exercises tested for responsibility, initiative, technique, perseverance, and quality
- Investigation assessed for hypothesis, planning, evidence handling, deductions, limitations, and presentation
- Internally assessed, externally moderated
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Agriculture isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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