Course DetailsHome / Courses Details
IGCSE Extended Mathematics (0580)
🎓 What the course covers
1. Cambridge IGCSE Curriculum
-
**Targeted learners aiming for grades A*–C**, combining both Core (C–G) and Extended content (cambridgeinternational.org).
-
Topics include:
-
Number (integers, fractions, surds, bounds)
-
Algebra & graphs (linear/quadratic functions, domain and range, surds)
-
Coordinate geometry, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry
-
Vectors & transformations, probability, statistics ( cambridgeinternational.org).
-
-
Aims to develop fluency, problem-solving, logical reasoning, and the ability to analyze real-life contexts (cambridgeinternational.org).
2. Assessment Format
-
Extended Tier → Paper 2 (non‑calculator, 2 hrs, 100 marks) + Paper 4 (calculator, 2 hrs, 100 marks) (cambridgeinternational.org).
🧑🏫 Online Course Structure & Features
-
Two‑year modular structure (Year 1 + Year 2) with coverage of each topic area followed by revision and mock exams ..
-
Learning techniques include:
-
Worked examples, quizzes, assignments, & unit discussions with tutor feedback .
-
Self‑paced modules (~150 hours typical) with optional 1:1 tutoring96.
-
-
Recommended study time: 5–6 hrs weekly .
-
Resources: e‑textbooks, scheme of work, past papers, specimen answers, plus free‑standing revision tools (cambridgeinternational.org).
-
Calculator use: Scientific calculator necessary (e.g. Casio fx‑350EX or fx‑991EX recommended) .
-
Interactive learning aids: Mind‑maps, formula checklists, exam guidance from experienced examiners.
✅ Benefits of an Extended IGCSE Course
-
Builds deep conceptual understanding across algebra, geometry, statistics, and number theory.
-
Strong problem-solving focus – real-life applications and communication of results .
-
Exam‑ready confidence through structured mock exams, feedback, and calculator‑based and non‑calculator practice.
-
Provides a foundation for Further Mathematics, A‑Levels, and analytical fields.
🔧 Sample Modules by Year
Year 1
-
Number, algebra basics, graphs, geometry fundamentals
-
Mensuration, probability, statistics, trigonometry, vectors
Year 2
-
Advanced algebra (quadratics, surds), coordinate geometry, deeper statistics
-
Geometry, trigonometry, transformations, revision and mock exams (udemy.com, pamojaeducation.com)
▶️ YouTube Overview
For a quick, visual summary of the full IGCSE (Core & Extended) syllabus:
ALL of IGCSE Mathematics in 10 minutes (summary)
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | Full Extended syllabus (A*–C), including Core |
| Structure | 2 years, modular units, revision & mocks |
| Delivery & Assessment | e-textbooks, quizzes, tutor-marked assignments, mock exams |
| Exam Format | Paper 2 (non‑calc), Paper 4 (calculator) – both 2 hrs, 100 marks each |
| Tools | Scientific calculator (Casio models recommended) |
| Study Time | 5–6 hours per week |
| Support Features | Tutor interaction, structured feedback, exam strategies |
🎯 Final Take
An Extended IGCSE 0580 online course is well‑structured, exam-aligned, and rich in support—ideal for students aiming for grades A to C*. Expect strong emphasis on problem-solving, clear mathematical communication, and consistent assessment practice with detailed feedback.
📘 Course Outline: IGCSE Mathematics 0580 (Extended)
| Unit | Topic | Subtopics / Key Concepts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Number | Place value, types of numbers, powers and roots, LCM/HCF, fractions, decimals, percentages, rounding, bounds, standard form |
| 2 | Algebra | Algebraic expressions, expanding, factorising, simplifying, solving linear & quadratic equations, inequalities, algebraic fractions |
| 3 | Graphs | Cartesian plane, linear & quadratic graphs, real-life graphs, inverse & direct proportion, graphs of functions |
| 4 | Geometry | Angles, parallel lines, triangles, polygons, congruence, similarity, circle properties, constructions |
| 5 | Mensuration | Perimeter, area (2D shapes), surface area & volume (3D solids), conversion of units, arc length, sector area |
| 6 | Coordinate Geometry | Midpoint, gradient, equation of a straight line, parallel/perpendicular lines |
| 7 | Trigonometry | Sine, cosine, tangent, SOHCAHTOA, Pythagoras’ theorem, 3D trig, sine and cosine rule, angle of elevation/depression |
| 8 | Vectors and Transformations | Column vectors, vector operations, geometric transformations: translation, rotation, reflection, enlargement |
| 9 | Probability | Theoretical and experimental probability, mutually exclusive events, combined events, tree diagrams |
| 10 | Statistics | Data collection, frequency tables, bar charts, histograms, pie charts, mean, median, mode, range, cumulative frequency, box plots |
| 11 | Sets | Venn diagrams, set notation, union, intersection, complement |
| 12 | Matrices (Optional/Extension) | Matrix operations, applications in transformations |
📅 Typical Course Progression (by term or semester)
| Term | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Term 1 | Number, Algebra, Graphs |
| Term 2 | Geometry, Mensuration, Coordinate Geometry |
| Term 3 | Trigonometry, Vectors, Transformations |
| Term 4 | Probability, Statistics, Revision & Past Paper Practice |
📌 Key Features
-
Exam preparation for:
-
Paper 2 – Short-answer (non-calculator)
-
Paper 4 – Structured and word problems (calculator allowed)
-
-
Practice style: Worked examples → interactive quizzes → assignments → full mocks
-
Calculator skills included for Paper 4 topics
-
Past paper training (usually in final term)
✅ Core Prerequisites Before Starting IGCSE 0580 Extended
| Area | Expected Skills |
|---|---|
| Number | - Place value and number operations (integers, decimals, fractions) |
- Negative numbers
- LCM, HCF
- Basic percentages and ratios
- Rounding and estimation |
| Algebra | - Simplifying expressions
- Solving simple linear equations
- Substitution into formulas
- Using brackets and basic factorization
- Plotting simple linear graphs |
| Geometry | - Angle rules (on a line, at a point, in a triangle)
- Properties of triangles and quadrilaterals
- Perimeter and area of rectangles and triangles
- Using a protractor and compass
- Symmetry and basic transformations |
| Mensuration | - Volume and surface area of cubes and cuboids
- Unit conversions (cm³ to m³, etc.) |
| Graphs | - Coordinates in all four quadrants
- Drawing simple graphs from tables of values |
| Data Handling | - Reading and drawing bar charts, pictograms, and pie charts
- Finding mean, median, mode, and range from small data sets |
| Basic Problem Solving | - Understanding word problems
- Applying logic and multi-step reasoning |
🧠 Conceptual Mindset Required
-
Ability to show working clearly and logically
-
Comfortable with mental math and calculator use
-
Ready to learn abstract algebra and formal geometric proofs
-
Willingness to solve non-routine and real-world problems
📚 Ideal Background
-
Completed Cambridge Lower Secondary Mathematics (Stages 7–9) or an equivalent national syllabus
-
Students who studied General Mathematics up to Grade 8 with strong performance are usually ready
-
Prior exposure to Additional Mathematics is not required but will help later at A Level.
Core Textbooks
| Title | Author(s) | Publisher | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics Core and Extended (5th Edition) | Ric Pimentel & Terry Wall | Hodder Education | Most widely used; matches the 0580 syllabus exactly |
| IGCSE Mathematics (0580) Extended | Karen Morrison & Nick Hamshaw | Cambridge University Press | Official endorsement from Cambridge; clear explanations |
| Complete Mathematics for Cambridge IGCSE® | Deborah Barton | Oxford University Press | Visual and exam-focused content |
📊 1. Popularity & Global Reach
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Students Enrolled | Over 400,000+ students annually across the world (Core + Extended) |
| Countries | Offered in more than 160 countries, including Bangladesh, UK, UAE, India, Singapore, and Kenya |
| Popularity | One of the top 3 most popular IGCSE subjects alongside English and Science |
🧪 2. Exam Structure (Extended Tier)
| Paper | Name | Duration | Marks | Calculator? | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 2 | Short-answer (non-calc) | 2 hours | 100 | ❌ No | 35% |
| Paper 4 | Structured (calc allowed) | 2 hours | 100 | ✅ Yes | 65% |
Grading: Only grades A to E* are available for Extended. Students who do poorly may be ungraded (U).
📈 3. Grade Distribution (Typical Year)
Based on historical examiner reports:
| Grade | Approx % of Candidates |
|---|---|
| A* | 10–15% |
| A | 15–20% |
| B | 20–25% |
| C | 20–25% |
| D & E | 15–25% |
| U | <5% |
These are rough averages. Performance varies by region, year, and student preparation.
🧮 4. Assessment Trends (CAIE Insights)
-
Most common mistakes: poor working layout, not labeling graphs, and unit errors
-
Strong students show: clear step-by-step problem-solving, proper use of mathematical language, and accurate calculator work
🎯 5. Success Strategy Stats
| Strategy | Impact |
|---|---|
| Practicing past papers | Increases performance by 25–30% on average |
| Using structured revision plans | Leads to higher retention & grade consistency |
| Starting from Grade 8 or early Grade 9 | Gives a head-start for mastering Extended content |