IGCSE | Mathematics

Mathematics at Leighton Park

Exam Board: Edexcel
Syllabus Code: 4MA1

The IGCSE aims to give students a foundation in mathematical skills and develop their knowledge and understanding of how to use and apply mathematical techniques and concepts to solve problems.

It offers two tiers of entry, and most students Leighton Park take the Higher tier (Papers 1H and 2H), leading to grades 9 to 4. A few may take the Foundation tier (Papers 1F and 2F), which leads to grades 5 to 1.

There are two 2 hour written papers (50% each). The total number of marks for each paper is 100. Both papers are balanced for topics and difficulty; the questions are designed to be accessible to students of all abilities within that tier. Students will be expected to use a scientific calculator for both examination papers.

The content of the specification has been grouped into the main areas:

• Number
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Statistics

The aims of the course are:

• To develop a knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques
• To give students a foundation in mathematical skills for further study in the subject or related areas
• To enable students to enjoy using and applying mathematical techniques and concepts, and become confident in using mathematics to solve problems become confident in using mathematics to solve problems
• To give students an appreciation of the importance of mathematics in society, employment and study

This course is a solid basis and good preparation for students wishing to study Mathematics in further depth in the Sixth Form.

Please visit Edexceln for further information.

In Year 11, for the more able students who wish to extend Mathematics beyond IGCSE and those who wish to take the subject to A Level, we offer another course:

In Year 11, for the more able students who wish to extend Mathematics beyond IGCSE and those who wish to take the subject to A Level, we offer two other Maths courses:

AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics

Exam Board: AQA
Specification Code: 8365

This free-standing Mathematics qualification is designed to stretch and challenge high-achieving IGCSE mathematicians. It extends students’ algebraic reasoning, problem-solving and mathematical fluency beyond the IGCSE course, and provides excellent preparation for progression to A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics. It is designed for learners who are likely to achieve the highest grades at IGCSE and who wish to deepen their mathematical understanding.

The qualification complements IGCSE Mathematics and prepares students for the increased rigour of Level 3 study, without overlapping with AS Level Mathematics.

Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Award in Algebra

Exam Board: Edexcel
Syllabus Code: AAL30

The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Award in Algebra is designed to stretch and challenge high-attaining students in Set 2 who are secure in IGCSE Mathematics and would benefit from additional algebraic depth. The course develops higher-level algebraic skills, with a strong focus on algebraic manipulation, functions, sequences and series, and algebraic reasoning. It builds confidence, fluency and mathematical maturity, helping students to tackle more demanding problems and prepare for the increased rigour of Level 3 study.

This qualification complements the IGCSE Mathematics course and is intended as an additional qualification rather than a replacement. It extends beyond the IGCSE curriculum without overlapping with AS or A Level Mathematics, providing effective stretch and supporting progression to A Level Mathematics and related subjects.

If you have any queries about this course, please contact Head of Department: Leni Samuel.