Oxford AQA IGCSE Maths specification (9260)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Oxford AQA IGCSE Maths 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 Oxford AQA IGCSE Maths 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 Oxford AQA IGCSE Maths (9260) 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 Oxford AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The OxfordAQA International GCSE in Mathematics (9260) is designed to challenge and inspire students across a wide ability range, while supporting future study in mathematics and related disciplines. It develops fluency in mathematical methods, problem-solving, and reasoning in real-world and abstract contexts. The course promotes confidence through a structured, tiered approach (Core and Extension), offering assessment at an appropriate level of difficulty. It fosters independent thinking and enables learners to explore how mathematical techniques underpin many areas of study and life beyond the classroom:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
1. Number
- Use of integers, decimals, fractions and standard form.
- Powers, roots, surds, indices, and calculations with estimation and bounds.
- Percentages, ratios, proportion, compound interest, exponential growth/decay.
- Set notation and Venn diagrams; calculator use and rounding accuracy.
2. Algebra
- Expressions, formulae, identities, equations and inequalities.
- Expanding, factorising, and simplifying expressions (including quadratics).
- Graphs of functions: linear, quadratic, cubic, exponential, trig, and reciprocal.
- Function notation, transformations, composite/inverse functions.
- Solving equations: linear, quadratic (including completing square and formula), simultaneous (linear and quadratic), and inequalities.
- Sequences: arithmetic and quadratic; nth term rules.
- Differentiation and gradient functions.
3. Geometry and measures
- Angles, polygons, circle theorems, congruence and similarity.
- Geometric constructions, loci, bearings and scale drawings.
- Area, perimeter, volume and surface area of 2D and 3D shapes (including composite and frustums).
- Pythagoras and trigonometry in 2D and 3D.
- Sine and cosine rules; area of triangle using trigonometry.
- Transformations: rotations, reflections, enlargements, translations (including combined).
- Vectors: notation, calculations, applications.
- Matrices: multiplication, identity, transformations using 2×2 matrices.
4. Statistics and probability
- Types of data; data presentation: bar charts, pie charts, stem-and-leaf, box plots, histograms (equal/unequal intervals), scatter graphs.
- Mean, median, mode, range, quartiles, interquartile range, percentiles.
- Correlation and lines of best fit.
- Probability: vocabulary, sample spaces, relative frequency, expected value.
- Venn diagrams, tree diagrams, conditional probability:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Tier Structure
- Two tiers available:
- Core Tier (Grades 1–5): Papers 1C and 2C.
- Extension Tier (Grades 4–9): Papers 1E and 2E.
- Students must take both papers from the same tier in the same exam series.
Paper 1C / 1E
- Core: 1h 30m, 80 marks.
- Extension: 2h, 100 marks.
- Scientific calculator required.
- Mix of short, structured and multistep problems.
Paper 2C / 2E
- Core: 1h 30m, 80 marks.
- Extension: 2h, 100 marks.
- Scientific calculator required.
- Mix of short, structured and multistep problems.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Recall and apply mathematical knowledge – 59–61%
- AO2: Apply skills and reasoning to solve problems, justify and interpret – 39–41%
Weighting
- Core: Papers 1C and 2C each 50% (total 160 marks).
- Extension: Papers 1E and 2E each 50% (total 200 marks).
Grading
- Core Tier: Grades 1–5
- Extension Tier: Grades 4–9 (grade 3 allowed)
- Results awarded on 9–1 scale; linear qualification (all exams at the end):contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Oxford AQA IGCSE Maths 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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