Edexcel IGCSE Maths A (Modular) specification (4XMAF/4XMAH)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel IGCSE Maths A (Modular) 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 Edexcel IGCSE Maths A (Modular) 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 Edexcel IGCSE Maths A (Modular) (4XMAF/4XMAH) 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 Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Maths A (Modular) is designed to provide a flexible, two-tier modular approach for learners at Foundation and Higher levels. This structure enables learners to take exams when ready and resit individual units without redoing the entire course. It balances rigour with accessibility by distributing topics equally across two units per tier and aligning them with the same standard. The content fosters the development of essential mathematical skills, including reasoning, problem-solving, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world and abstract contexts. It supports progression to A Level Mathematics and related qualifications, maintaining parity with the linear specification. Learners gain confidence in using mathematics, while appreciating its relevance to a
Subject content breakdown
3.1 Number
- Understand and apply numerical skills including operations with integers, decimals, fractions, and percentages.
- Use index laws, roots, surds (Higher only), and standard form.
- Apply ratio, proportion, estimation, degree of accuracy, and unit conversions.
- Understand set notation, Venn diagrams, and prime factorisation.
3.2 Algebra
- Use algebraic notation, manipulation, and index rules.
- Solve linear and quadratic equations (including factorisation, formula, and completing the square).
- Work with inequalities, simultaneous equations, and rearranging formulae.
- Represent and interpret expressions and graphs.
- Use function notation, transformations, and algebraic proof (Higher only).
- Understand direct and inverse proportion; sum of arithmetic series (Higher only).
3.3 Sequences, functions and graphs
- Generate terms and nth terms of sequences.
- Recognise, plot and interpret linear, quadratic, cubic and trigonometric graphs.
- Find gradients, midpoints, and intercepts.
- Apply transformations to graphs (Higher only).
- Use composite and inverse functions (Higher only).
- Apply differentiation to find rates of change and turning points (Higher only).
3.4 Geometry
- Apply angle properties of lines, triangles, polygons, and circles.
- Use properties and measures of 2D and 3D shapes.
- Work with congruence, symmetry, constructions, and geometrical reasoning.
- Understand and apply Pythagoras' theorem and trigonometry (including 3D and sine/cosine rules for Higher).
- Calculate perimeter, area, surface area, volume, and use scale drawings.
- Understand similarity in area and volume (Higher only).
3.5 Vectors and transformation geometry
- Use column vectors (Higher: magnitude, direction, vector proofs).
- Perform transformations including reflection, rotation, enlargement, and translation.
- Describe and combine transformations.
3.6 Statistics and probability
- Present and interpret data using bar charts, pie charts, pictograms, histograms, and cumulative frequency diagrams.
- Calculate and interpret mean, median, mode, range, interquartile range.
- Use and interpret probability including Venn diagrams, tree diagrams, and conditional probability.
- Understand sample spaces, expected frequency, and theoretical vs experimental probability.
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Foundation Tier
- Written exam, 2 hours
- 100 marks
- 50% of total qualification
- Assesses Number, Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics
- Targeted at grades 5–1
- Calculator allowed; Foundation Tier formulae sheet provided
Unit 2: Foundation Tier
- Written exam, 2 hours
- 100 marks
- 50% of total qualification
- Builds on Unit 1 content
- Targeted at grades 5–1
- Calculator allowed; Foundation Tier formulae sheet provided
Unit 1: Higher Tier
- Written exam, 2 hours
- 100 marks
- 50% of total qualification
- Assesses Number, Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics
- Targeted at grades 9–4 (grade 3 allowed)
- Calculator allowed; Higher Tier formulae sheet provided
Unit 2: Higher Tier
- Written exam, 2 hours
- 100 marks
- 50% of total qualification
- Builds on content from Unit 1
- Targeted at grades 9–4 (grade 3 allowed)
Calculator allowed; Higher Tier formulae sheet provided
- All papers use SI units and allow use of tracing paper and geometrical instruments.
- Approximately 40% of questions are common across Foundation and Higher Tiers for comparability.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel IGCSE Maths A (Modular) 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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