How To Get Better Grades: IGCSE Guide

Getting better grades in your IGCSEs isn't about luck or all-night cramming sessions. You’re more likely to do better with smart, proven strategies that help you learn and remember what you need to know.

How do you boost your grades without stress and burn-out? This IGCSE guide explores what makes IGCSEs different, how to get better grades, and how to stay motivated. 

Key Takeaways

• IGCSEs are international qualifications that use international marking standards

• Success comes from realistic goal-setting, structured revision, and strategic study techniques

• Consistency is the key when it comes to exam success

Why IGCSEs Are Different

Before diving into revision strategies, it's worth understanding what IGCSEs are. 

The main difference to other qualifications is that they are designed for international students. GCSEs are national. 

Let’s look at this in some more detail.  

Core vs Extended Papers

Most IGCSE subjects offer two tiers that cater to different abilities and grades:

• Core papers (grades G to C or 5 to 3)

• Extended papers (grades E to A* or 9 to 4)

Core papers focus on demonstrating solid understanding of fundamental concepts. Extended papers typically include more challenging questions and require deeper analysis. 

International Marking Standards

IGCSE exams are marked to international standards. Examiners look for clear, well-structured answers that demonstrate understanding regardless of which country you're studying in. There's often less emphasis on specific phrasing. They want to see whether you've grasped the concept and can apply it.

Assessment Formats

IGCSEs tend to be more exam-focused than some national qualifications. This is because they were developed for distance-learning, for instance, students who travel a lot. 

Some subjects include coursework or practical assessments. Still, most of your final grades will come down to written exams. This means exam technique and revision strategies are pretty important! You'll need to be comfortable with extended writing and managing your time across multiple papers.

We have more info on IGCSE vs GCSE, if you’re interested.

Set Realistic Goals (and Track Your Progress)

It’s worth finding out what you know already. You may be in for a pleasant surprise and can cross off a few topics before you even begin revising! 

To get off to a good start, self-assess. Look at your recent test scores, mock exam results, and feedback from teachers. Ask yourself: 

• Which subjects do you feel comfortable with? 

• Which ones make you nervous? 

• Where are you losing marks? 

• How is your content knowledge, or is the issue exam technique, or time management?

Once you've got a clear picture, set SMART goals. This means:

Specific: 

Instead of "get better at maths," try "improve my algebra score from a 5 to a 7."

Measurable: 

Use concrete numbers or grades so you can track progress.

Achievable:

Be honest. Jumping from a 4 to a 9 in two weeks isn't realistic, but improving by one or two grades over a term definitely is.

I’ve had students jump from an E to a C in a few months! With motivation and some great revision strategies, it’s entirely possible. We’ve got the revision strategies here. All you need now is motivation to study. 

Relevant: 

Focus on the subjects and topics that matter most for your future plans.

Not sure what they are? Find out how IGCSEs impact A-Levels, university options, and even careers. 

Our Learning Hub has an extensive list of careers and their relevant IGCSE Options. 

Time-bound: 

Give yourself deadlines – whether that's before mocks, half-term, or the actual exams. Create a simple progress tracker. This could be a spreadsheet, a notebook, or even a chart on your wall. Log your practice test scores, note which topics you've mastered, and celebrate small wins along the way. Seeing your improvement in black and white boosts your confidence. 

Build a Revision Plan That Works

A solid revision plan is key. Start by listing all your subjects and the topics that need attention. Find out your exam dates and work backwards from there. Don't forget to account for school time, homework, family commitments, and time to relax.

Mix Your Subjects

Don't spend five hours on biology in one day. Your brain gets tired of the same thing, and you'll remember less. Instead, alternate between subjects. Try something like: chemistry for an hour, then English literature for 45 minutes, then a break, then maths for an hour. This is called interleaving, and science says it really works!

Schedule Proper Breaks

Here’s the good news! Long study sessions without a break don't work. Instead, use the Pomodoro technique. 

This looks a little like this: 

1. Study for 25-30 minutes

2. Take a 5-minute break

3. Repeat about 4 times

4. Take a longer 15-20 minute break

During breaks, grab a drink or a snack, or do something completely different. Dance to your favourite song to get your body moving again. Have a go at the Massachusetts Institute for Technology 8 stretches for study breaks (opens in a new tab). 

Balance Everything

How do you fit it all in? With school and homework still to do, adding revision to your day can feel overwhelming. 

Start small. Build up study hours as you get closer to exams. 

Begin with 30-60 minutes a day. Gradually build up to 2-3 hours a day closer to exam time (teachers will know you need to revise). 

Weekends might allow for longer sessions, but always keep at least one day for rest. This actually helps you remember more!

Track Weekly Progress

Once a week, review what you’ve covered. 

• Did you stick to your plan? 

• What went well?

• What needs adjusting? 

Your revision plan should be flexible. Life happens! Adapt it as you need. 

Revision Techniques That Actually Help

Yes, it’s tempting to just read your notes, underline some key words, and daydream about summer holidays. But nobody feels good after wasting their time. 

To avoid those guilty feelings, spend your revision time wisely. Sure, it means thinking, and you’re tired at the end of the day, but short periods of quality revision is way better than endless hours achieving little. 

Here’s how.

Active Recall

Active recall is the gold standard of revision. Forcing your brain to retrieve information, strengthens memory pathways. To do it, you should:

• Close your notes or textbook. 

• Write down everything you remember about a topic or concept. 

• Then look back at what you missed

• Focus on those gaps.

Spaced Repetition

Spacing your revision topics really works. It fights the forgetting curve and moves information into long-term memory. 

In 2014, a psychologist from the University of Sheffield, Professor Stafford (opens in a new tab), conducted an experiment that proved how leaving a day between sessions can boost performance. 

This is also known as spaced repetition or 2/3/5:7 revision. Create your revision timetable with this method in mind. 

• Study a topic one day

• Review it again in three days

• Review the same topic a week later

• Repeat two weeks later

Flashcards

Tried and tested, flashcards are a practical and effective way to use active recall. 

Perfect for vocabulary, equations, dates, definitions, and key concepts. Get creative making them (you’re learning along the way).

Mind Maps

Popular because they work! When your brain is a little tired, using visual revision techniques is a great way to revise, put pen to paper, and draw out your topics. 

Use your imagination. Draw trees with branches, farms with different fields - it doesn’t matter. Just start with a central concept in the middle, then branch out with related topics, subtopics, and details. 

Mind maps are brilliant for essay subjects like history, geography, and literature where you need to understand how themes connect.

Cornell Notes

The Cornell revision method is great for combining note-taking with active recall.

1. Divide your page into three sections

   • a narrow left column for key terms and questions

   • a wider right column for detailed notes

   • a summary section at the bottom. 

2. Cover the right side

3. Use the left column to test yourself. 

Use Past Papers Like a Pro

The secret weapon to IGCSE success? Finding out exactly what the exam will look like and what examiners want. 

Maybe past papers and mark schemes are not so secret, but they’ll definitely arm you with the info you need.

They’ll build stamina for hour-long exams and you’ll learn how to manage your time. The last thing you want to do is hand in an unfinished exam paper and throw away a load of marks!

When to Start Using Them

Try out a past paper once you've covered a topic in class. Begin with topic-specific questions to reinforce learning, then move to full papers as exams approach.

How to Review Mark Schemes

Understand what examiners are looking for. Notice how marks are allocated. Find out how to go up a level. Some mark schemes give you example answers. If not, notice descriptive words like ‘detailed’, ‘convincing’, or ‘evaluative’. 

Mark schemes can be a little tricky to understand, so use them alongside model answers to help make sense of how to master your answers. 

Timing Yourself

Start with open-book practice where you can check notes and work at your own pace. This builds confidence. Then progress to timed conditions that match the real exam. For example, if your biology paper is 1 hour 45 minutes for 80 marks, you have roughly 1.3 minutes per mark. 

Understanding Command Words

IGCSEs use specific command words that tell you what type of answer is expected:

• "State" or "name" = brief answer, no explanation needed

• "Describe" = say what something is like or how it happens

• "Explain" = give reasons why something happens

• "Compare" = identify similarities and differences

• "Evaluate" = weigh up different sides and make a judgement

Learning what each command word requires saves you time and marks.

Alternate Your Approach

Mix it up. 

• Open-book practice helps learning and understanding

• Topic-focused questions is good for targeted improvement

• Full timed papers gets you exam-ready

This varied approach develops different skills.

Stay Motivated and Consistent

Long-term revision requires staying power. Here's how to keep going when motivation dips:

Reward Systems

Set up small rewards for completing revision sessions or reaching milestones. Finished your biology revision for the week? Watch an episode of your favourite show. Hit your target score on a practice paper? Treat yourself to something nice. These little celebrations make the journey more enjoyable.

Study Buddies and Accountability

Find a good friend or two. Schedule regular study sessions together (in person or video call). Quiz each other, explain concepts, and keep each other accountable. Make sure you're actually studying together, not just chatting.

Mix Up Your Formats

Avoid boredom! Writing notes all morning? Watch an educational video or do a mind map. Review flashcards while you walk the dog. Our revision games work great alongside your normal IGCSE study sessions. Stick on an instrumental playlist or some rainforest sounds to keep focused. 

Avoid Burnout

Revision is a marathon, not a sprint. In fact, think of it as actual training. With this in mind: 

• Get enough sleep (8-9 hours for teenagers)

• Eat properly

• Exercise regularly

• Take at least one day off per week: your brain needs rest to consolidate information

Remember that feeling unmotivated sometimes is completely normal. On tough days, commit to just 15 minutes of revision. 

Often, starting is the hardest part! 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I improve my IGCSE grades quickly?

Focus on three high-impact strategies: 

1. Identify your weak topics through past papers and target those specifically

2. Master exam technique by understanding mark schemes and command words

3. Use active recall rather than passive reading

Improvement comes from consistent effort over months, not last-minute cramming.

What's the best way to revise for IGCSE exams?

The most effective approach combines:

• Active recall and spaced repetition for memorisation

• Past papers to understand exam format and timing

• Creating condensed notes or flashcards for quick review,

• Vary revision methods to maintain engagement

Tailor your approach to each subject. Sciences benefit from problem-solving practice. Humanities need essay planning and argument development. 

Are IGCSEs harder than GCSEs?

IGCSEs and GCSEs are equivalent qualifications, so they test the same core skills and foundation knowledge.

IGCSEs tend to be more exam-focused with less coursework.  On the other hand, you may be able to take IGCSE core exam papers instead of more challenging ones.

Neither is harder than the other, though. 

Final Thoughts

Improving your IGCSE grades is all about making smart choices, good habits, and revising consistently. 

Remember that everyone is different. Your friend might find maths easy whilst you excel in languages. Focus on your progress rather than comparing yourself to others.

You’ve already taken the first right step! You’re here to take control. Now you've got the tools, the improvement you're looking for is within reach.

Explore our expert IGCSE Revision Notes, Past Papers & Exam Questions, all written by teachers and examiners. Use Target Tests to revisit material at regular intervals. 

Before you start, browse our article on how to create an IGCSE revision timetable for more great tips. 

And, if your sights set on A*s, read How to Get All A*s in Your IGCSEs. 

References: 

8 Stretches for your Study Break - MIT Recreation (opens in a new tab)

Long gaps during revision 'better than cramming' - BBC News (opens in a new tab)