Cambridge IGCSE®

Mathematics 0580

Key benefits

Cambridge IGCSE. Syllabuses are created especially for international students. For over 25 years, we have worked with schools and teachers worldwide to develop syllabuses that are suitable for different countries, different types of schools and for learners with a wide range of abilities.

Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics supports learners in building competency, confidence and fluency in their use of techniques and mathematical understanding. This course helps learners to develop a feel for quantity, patterns and relationships. Learners will develop their reasoning, problem-solving and analytical skills in a variety of abstract and real-life contexts.

Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics provides a strong foundation of mathematical knowledge both for candidates studying mathematics at a higher level and those who will require mathematics to support skills in other subjects. The course is tiered to allow all candidates to achieve and progress in their mathematical studies.

Our programmes balance a thorough knowledge and understanding of a subject and help to develop the skills learners need for their next steps in education or employment.

Aim

The aims describe the purposes of a course based on this syllabus.
The aims are to enable students to:

  • Develop an understanding of mathematical principles, concepts and methods in a way which encourages confidence, provides satisfaction and enjoyment, and develops a positive attitude towards mathematics
  • Develop a feel for number and understand the significance of the results obtained
  • Apply mathematics in everyday situations and develop an understanding of the part that mathematics plays in learners’ own lives and the world around them
  • Analyse and solve problems, present the solutions clearly, and check and interpret the results
  • Recognise when and how a situation may be represented mathematically, identify and interpret relevant factors, select an appropriate mathematical method to solve the problem, and evaluate the method used
  • Use mathematics as a means of communication with emphasis on the use of clear expression and structured argument
  • Develop an ability to apply mathematics in other subjects, particularly science and technology
  • Develop the ability to reason logically, make deductions and inferences, and draw conclusions
  • Appreciate patterns and relationships in mathematics and make generalisations
  • Appreciate the interdependence of different areas of mathematics
  • Acquire a foundation for further study of mathematics or for other disciplines.

Assessment overview

All candidates take two papers.
Candidates who have studied the Core syllabus content, or who are expected to achieve a grade D or below, should be entered for Paper 1 and Paper 3. These candidates will be eligible for grades C to G.
Candidates who have studied the Extended syllabus content and who are expected to achieve a grade C or above should be entered for Paper 2 and Paper 4. These candidates will be eligible for grades A* to E.

Subject content