IGCSE International Maths Topics by Exam Board: Full List

If you are revising for IGCSE International Maths, one of the most useful things you can do is understand exactly what topics you need to cover.

Different exam boards organise their courses in slightly different ways, but they all assess a core set of mathematical skills and concepts. Knowing how topics are grouped, and which ones apply to your course, can help you revise more efficiently and avoid missing key areas.

This guide provides a clear, specification-led overview of all IGCSE International Maths topics across the main exam boards, so you can plan your revision with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• This article lists all IGCSE International Maths topics by exam board

• Topics are grouped clearly so you can see what you need to revise

• You can use this list to plan revision and track your progress

• While content overlaps across boards, topic organisation and assessment can differ

Why It's Important to Know Your Exam Board

IGCSE International Maths courses are currently offered by three major exam boards: Cambridge, Pearson Edexcel and Oxford AQA. Although they cover similar core content, each exam board structures topics and assessments slightly differently.

For example:

• Cambridge includes modelling and investigation tasks alongside traditional topics

• Pearson Edexcel and Oxford AQA organise content into more traditional topic areas, assessed through written exams

This means:

• the exact topics and depth of content can vary

• some topics may be emphasised more than others

• exam questions may be structured differently

Before you start revising, it is important to know which exam board and specification you are studying. This helps you focus on the right topics and avoid wasting time on content that is not part of your course.

Cambridge IGCSE International Maths Topics

The Cambridge IGCSE International Maths (0607) (opens in a new tab) course is organised into clear topic areas, with additional content at Extended level.

Core Topics (Grades C–G)

Extended Topics (Grades A*–C)

At Extended level, you will study all Core topics plus more advanced content, including:

How Cambridge Topics Are Assessed

• Topics can appear across all exam papers

• Students take:

  • a non-calculator paper

  • a calculator paper

  • an investigation or modelling paper

• Exams are typically around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the paper

• Extended students answer more complex and unfamiliar problem-solving questions

Pearson Edexcel IGCSE International Maths Topics 

The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Mathematics (Specification A - 4MA1) (opens in a new tab) is organised into broad topic areas, with content divided between Foundation and Higher tiers.

Foundation Topics (Grades 1–5)

Higher Topics (Grades 4–9)

At Higher level, you will study all Foundation topics plus more advanced content:

How Edexcel Topics Are Assessed

• Topics can appear in any exam paper

• Students take two written exam papers

• Each paper is worth 50% of the final grade

• Exams are typically around 2 hours per paper

• Calculators are allowed in both papers

• Questions range from routine calculations to multi-step problem solving

Oxford AQA IGCSE International Maths Topics

The Oxford AQA International GCSE in Mathematics (9260) (opens in a new tab) is organised into four main topic areas, with content divided between Core and Extension tiers.

Core Topics (Grades 1–5)

Extension Topics (Grades 4–9)

At Extension level, you will study all Core topics plus more advanced content:

How Oxford AQA Topics Are Assessed

• Topics can appear in any exam paper

• Students take two written exam papers

• Each paper contributes 50% of the final grade

• Exams are typically around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the tier

• Calculators are allowed

• Questions include both short answers and multi-step problem solving

How to Use Topic Lists for Revision

Topic lists are a useful starting point for planning your revision, but they work best when you use them actively.

You can use this list to:

• identify which topics you have already covered and which need more revision

• break your revision into manageable sections

• track your progress as you revise each topic

Then you can:

• Review key topics with our revision notes

• Practise targeted questions using exam questions

• Test your recall with flashcards

• Try a mock exam

• Work through full past papers

Start by highlighting your weaker areas, then focus your revision on those topics first. You can also use the list to check that you have covered the full specification before your exams.

The more often you recall and apply information, the more confident and prepared you will feel in the exam. 

Visit the Save My Exams Learning Hub for a wealth of revision tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to revise all IGCSE International Maths topics for the exam?

Yes. Any topic in your specification could appear in your exam, so it is important to revise the full course.

Are these topics the same across all exam boards?

The core areas are similar, but the exact topics, structure and level of detail can vary between exam boards.

How do I know which topics I struggle with most?

Use past papers, topic questions and revision quizzes to identify which areas you find most difficult, then focus your revision on improving those topics.

Do all topics come up in every exam paper?

No. Each paper samples different parts of the course, so topics will vary. However, across all papers, the full specification can be tested.

Final Thoughts

Understanding your IGCSE International Maths topics is one of the most effective ways to improve your revision.

By breaking the course into clear topic areas, you can plan your revision more efficiently, focus on your weaker areas and make sure you are fully prepared for your exams.

Use this topic list as a checklist throughout your revision to stay organised and confident in your progress. And make sure you explore our IGCSE International Maths revision notes, practice questions and model answers to get you set for exam success.

References:

• Cambridge IGCSE International Mathematics (0607) (opens in a new tab)

• Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A (2016) | Pearson qualifications (opens in a new tab)

• International GCSE Mathematics (9260) | OxfordAQA International Qualifications (opens in a new tab)