A strong IGCSE score rarely comes from “studying more”. It comes from studying with a plan that keeps every subject moving, spots weak areas early, and shifts into exam-mode well before the final week. This 30-day plan is built for students taking a mixed set of subjects (Maths, English, Sciences, Humanities, Languages, Business/ICT), and it can be adjusted to your own timetable.
What you’ll need before Day 1
- Your syllabus checklists for each subject
- 3–5 years of past papers per subject (plus mark schemes)
- A notebook or sheet for an Error Log
- Highlighters, a timer, and a calendar
Your Error Log should have four columns: Topic, What went wrong, Correct method, Fix task (what you’ll redo).
Daily structure (use this every day)
Block 1 (60–75 mins): Learning + targeted practice
Pick one topic, revise the method, then do 10–25 questions on it.
Block 2 (60–75 mins): Past-paper practice
Do a timed section (or a full paper once you reach Week 3).
Block 3 (30–45 mins): Mark + Error Log + redo
Mark with the scheme, write mistakes, redo the questions you missed.
Micro-revision (10–15 mins):
Flashcards, key definitions, formulas, quotes, diagrams, vocabulary.
If you’re using IGCSE online tutoring, keep tutor sessions for fixing Error Log topics and improving exam technique, not for re-teaching what you can self-study. IGCSE online coaching works best when your tutor is shown your marked scripts and recurring errors. If you’re taking online igcse tuition, share your plan at the start of the week so sessions stay aligned.
Week 1 (Days 1–7): Set the baseline and secure foundations
Goal: Find your weak units fast and stop repeating the same mistakes.
Day 1: Set-up day
- List every subject and paper you’ll sit
- Make your Error Log template
- Choose 2 past papers per core subject (Maths + English + one Science)
Day 2–4: Diagnostic papers (one per day)
- Sit one timed paper (or half paper if time is tight)
- Mark it the same day
- Write 10–20 mistakes into the Error Log
- Convert each mistake into a fix task
Day 5–7: Foundation fixes
Pick the top 3 weak areas across subjects and fix them using:
- short notes (no long rewriting)
- 20–40 targeted questions per topic
- one timed mini-section per day
Tip: If Science is a weak link, start early. Physics, Chemistry, and Biology improve quickly once method and wording are trained.
Week 2 (Days 8–14): Topic mastery across every subject
Goal: Cover high-mark topics in every subject with question practice.
How to rotate subjects
Use a simple rotation so no subject is ignored:
- Day A: Maths + Science
- Day B: English + Humanity (History/Geo/Business)
- Day C: Science + Language (if you have one)
Repeat.
What to do in each subject block
Maths
- Build accuracy: algebra, graphs, geometry, trig, probability/statistics
- End every Maths session with 10 mixed questions
English (First Language/ESL/Literature)
- Build writing frameworks: introductions, paragraph structures, conclusions
- Practise timed responses and self-mark using band descriptors
- Create mini banks: connectors, analysis verbs, key quotes, common themes
Sciences
- Spend 40% time on concepts, 60% on exam-style questions
- Train command words: describe, explain, compare, calculate
- If you take Physics, include at least one session on IGCSE Physics 0625 formulas, units, and graph skills
- If you’re investing in igcse physics tuition, use sessions for exam marking, method marks, and weak-topic drills
Humanities (Geography/History/Business/Economics)
- Learn case facts only after you’ve learned the question style
- Practise structured answers using the mark scheme levels
- Drill definitions and “points + explanation” writing
Languages
- Daily vocab (10–20 words) + one short writing task
- Listening/reading twice weekly, timed
Week 3 (Days 15–21): Past-paper week (real exam conditions)
Goal: Move from “knowing” to scoring.
Rule for Week 3
Every day includes:
- one timed past-paper section (or full paper)
- marking + Error Log update
- redo of mistakes
Day 15–17: Core subjects focus
Maths + English + one Science paper section daily
Day 18–21: Full rotation
Two subjects per day, timed sections from each
Marking habit that lifts grades
When you miss a question, do not just read the solution. Write:
- the step where you went off-track
- the exact line the mark scheme wanted
- one “next time” rule
If you’re taking igcse tuition online or igcse online coaching, this is the week where tutoring pays off most. Bring your marked scripts and ask for: “What single habit would gain me the most marks next paper?”
Week 4 (Days 22–30): Final polish, speed, and confidence
Goal: Peak at the right time without burnout.
Days 22–26: Mixed papers + weak-topic repair
- Alternate full papers and mixed sections
- Spend the final block daily on Error Log topics only
- Build a “Top 20 traps” list (rounding, units, wording, missing steps)
Days 27–29: Lighten the load, sharpen technique
- One timed section per day (not two)
- Short bursts of recall
- Review your best answers to copy the structure again
Day 30: Reset day
- Quick skim of formulas, definitions, essay structures
- Pack stationery, plan sleep, stop heavy revision early
A simple 30-day subject map (copy this)
- Days 1–7: Diagnostics + foundations
- Days 8–14: Topic mastery rotation
- Days 15–21: Past-paper week
- Days 22–30: Mixed papers + final polish
If you want a tighter day-by-day calendar, use this repeat pattern:
- Mon/Wed/Fri: Maths + Science
- Tue/Thu: English + Humanity
- Sat: Language + catch-up + Error Log
- Sun: Past paper + corrections
What makes this plan work
- Every subject gets weekly attention
- Past papers start early, not in the last week
- Mistakes are tracked, fixed, and retested
- Timed practice becomes normal, so exam day feels familiar
Stick to the daily structure, protect your marking time, and let the Error Log guide what you study next. That’s how revision becomes score-focused, across all IGCSE subjects.