Pearson  Edexcel  IGCSE   Mathematics Specification A - 4MA1

​The Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Mathematics curriculum offers a comprehensive and flexible approach to mathematical education for students aged 14-16. Historically, there have been three main specifications:

Mathematics A (Linear) - 4MA1

Mathematics A (Modular) -4XMA1 (Phased out)

Mathematics B - 4MB1

 

However, it's important to note that the modular approach has been phased out, and current students will encounter either the Mathematics A (Linear) or Mathematics B specifications. These curricula are designed to cater to different student needs and abilities, providing a solid foundation in mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills.

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Click here to view Mathematics B - 4MB1

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Specification: Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Mathematics (Specification A) (4MA1)

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Syllabus Overview

​The syllabus consists of four key areas: Number, Algebra, Geometry and Statistics.

It has been further divided into six  main topic areas/units, ensuring a well-rounded mathematical education:

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Tiered Structure

The Edexcel GCSE Mathematics is offered at two tiers to cater to students of different abilities:

1. Foundation Tier:

   • Covers grades 1 to 5

   • Designed for students who find mathematics challenging

   • Focuses on core mathematical concepts and their practical applications

   • Builds confidence and essential skills

   • Topics are presented with more scaffolding and support

2. Higher Tier:

   • Covers grades 4 to 9

   • Tailored for more able students

   • Includes advanced topics and complex problem-solving

   • Prepares students for higher-level mathematics study

   • Introduces more abstract concepts and requires greater mathematical reasoning

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Key Differences Between Tiers:

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• Content Depth: The Higher tier delves into more advanced topics and explores concepts in greater detail. For example, the Higher tier includes more complex algebraic manipulation and advanced trigonometry.

• Question Complexity: Higher tier exams feature more challenging questions that require deeper analysis and problem-solving skills. These often involve multi-step problems and the application of mathematics in unfamiliar contexts.

• Grade Range: The Higher tier allows students to achieve the top grades (up to grade 9), while the Foundation tier is capped at grade 5. This ensures that the most able students can demonstrate their full potential.

• Pace of Learning: The Higher tier generally progresses at a faster pace, covering more content in the same time frame.

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Assessment Structure​​

The GCSE Mathematics assessment consists of three equally-weighted written examinations for each tier:

• Paper 1: Non-calculator (33.33% of the total grade)

• Paper 2: Calculator allowed (33.33% of the total grade)

• Paper 3: Calculator allowed (33.33% of the total grade)

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Each paper:

• Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes

• Total marks: 80

• Question types: A mix of question styles, from short, single-mark questions to multi-step problems worth several marks

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Note: Knowledge of the Foundation Tier content is assumed for students preparing for the Higher Tier.

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The assessments are designed to test students' ability to:

• Use and apply standard techniques (AO1): Accurately recall facts, terminology and definitions; use and interpret notation correctly; accurately carry out routine procedures or set tasks requiring multi-step solutions.

• Reason, interpret, and communicate mathematically (AO2): Make deductions, inferences and draw conclusions from mathematical information; construct chains of reasoning to achieve a given result; interpret and communicate information accurately.

• Solve problems within mathematics and other contexts (AO3): Translate problems in mathematical or non-mathematical contexts into a process or a series of mathematical processes; make and use connections between different parts of mathematics; interpret results in the context of the given problem; evaluate methods used and results obtained.

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