Scoring an A in IGCSE Maths is built on a repeatable system: know the syllabus, practise in the right format, and walk into the exam with control. This guide gives you a clear plan for Core and Extended candidates, whether you study in school, self-study, or use IGCSE online tutoring.

Know what “A” looks like

Get clear on your target paper(s) and what the mark scheme rewards. In IGCSE Maths, marks are often given for method as well as the final answer, so your working matters. Train yourself to:
• write steps clearly and in order
• show substitutions and rearrangements
• keep units and rounding consistent
• use correct notation (inequalities, vectors, set language)

If you earn method marks reliably, your score becomes far more stable when a question feels unfamiliar.

Build a syllabus map, then fix weak areas

Print the syllabus content list and turn it into a checklist. Split every topic into three levels:

1. I can do it without help.
2. I can do it with notes.
3. I cannot do it yet.

Your revision time should live mostly in levels 2 and 3. Many students repeat easy chapters because it feels productive. Aim for measurable change instead: reduce level-3 topics each week.

High-impact topics to prioritise

A-grade scripts are usually strong on these recurring areas:
• Algebra: factorising, simultaneous equations, quadratics, inequalities, sequences
• Graphs: gradients, intercepts, transformations, solving via graphs
• Geometry: angle rules, similarity, circle theorems, loci, constructions
• Trigonometry: Pythagoras, trig ratios, bearings; sine/cosine rule in Extended
• Mensuration: surface area and volume, arcs and sectors
• Statistics and probability: histograms, cumulative frequency, trees, conditional probability
• Ratio and proportion: percentage change, direct/inverse proportion, best buys
• Vectors (Extended): column vectors and simple proofs

You do not need to “cover everything every day”. You need depth on patterns that appear every session.

Practise with purpose: the 3-pass method

Past papers work only when you use them deliberately.
Pass 1: Timed attempt
Do a full paper under exam timing. Circle questions you guessed or felt shaky on, even if the answer looks right.
Pass 2: Mark and diagnose
Mark using the official mark scheme. For every lost mark, label the cause:
• concept gap (don’t know method)
• process slip (algebra/number error)
• technique (misread, rounding, incomplete working)
Pass 3: Fix and repeat
Redo missed questions without looking at solutions. Then do 6–10 similar questions from a topic set.

This cycle moves marks fast: attempt, diagnose, repair, repeat.

Choose resources that match your paper style: recent past papers, topic question banks, and mark schemes. After marking, read the mark scheme like a lesson. It shows the fastest method, the working needed, and how marks are split line by line.

Create an error log and review it daily

An error log is the shortest route to an A. Use a simple table:
• Topic
• Question type
• My mistake
• Correct method
• One rule for next time

Common repeats include sign errors, incorrect expansion, early rounding, and mixing trig ratios. Ten minutes of daily review stops you paying the same “mistake tax” in every paper.

Memorise what deserves memorising

Maths is not formula-heavy, yet some items must be automatic:
• key angle facts and theorems
• area/volume formulas you use often
• index laws, surds rules, standard form rules
• core statistics measures and histogram reading

Use active recall: write it from memory, then check. Reading notes feels safe; testing yourself changes results.

Calculator skills are a topic

A-grade students are fluent with their calculator. Practise:
• fraction–decimal conversions and recurring decimals
• bracket discipline in long expressions
• trig in degrees mode (check it every paper)
• standard form entry
• sensible rounding at the end, not mid-way

Build a habit: estimate first, then compute. If your answer is wildly off, you will catch it.

Exam technique: small habits, big marks

These behaviours add marks without extra content:
• Start with your strongest questions to build momentum.
• If stuck, write something: a diagram, a rearrangement, a formula, a first step.
• Show substitutions and intermediate steps, even when it feels “obvious”.
• Box final answers and label them clearly.
• In geometry, draw a clean diagram and mark equal angles/lengths.

For Extended: treat word problems as translation

A-grade performance depends on turning words into algebra quickly. Use routines:
• underline what is asked
• define variables clearly
• write one equation per sentence
• keep units consistent
• check whether an exact value, decimal, or range is needed

If you do IGCSE tuition online or online igcse tuition, ask your tutor to drill these translations with timed mini-sets. Speed improves with repetition.

A weekly plan that works

Day 1: Algebra focus + 30 minutes mixed review
Day 2: Geometry focus + timed mini-paper
Day 3: Trigonometry/mensuration + error-log review
Day 4: Statistics/probability + targeted practice set
Day 5: Full past paper under exam conditions
Day 6: Corrections + redo missed questions + formula recall
Day 7: Light recap and rest

When to use IGCSE online tutoring

If you are plateauing, IGCSE online tutoring or igcse online coaching helps most in three moments:
• a topic keeps returning to your error log
• your answers are right but marks are lost to working and presentation
• you need a personalised plan built from your paper data

If you choose igcse tuition online, share your error log and recent papers so sessions stay practical and targeted.

The final 10-day sprint

10–7 days: Alternate full papers and deep corrections.
6–4 days: Focus weak topics, then do mixed question sets.
3–2 days: One last paper, then lighter accuracy work.
1 day: Error log skim, formula recall, sleep early.

An A is built on discipline: targeted practice, honest review, and sharp exam habits. Keep the system simple, keep it consistent, and your marks will climb in a way that feels steady, not lucky.