IGCSE / IB / SAT Maths Revision Advice
The IGCSE / IB / SAT Maths course is very challenging for many students whichever exam board you are sitting. Here you will find our key tips to help you prepare for your exams.
1. Revise everything you have learnt in year 10 & 11
You never know exactly what questions you will be asked until you sit the exam itself so it’s always best to be prepared. Remember to check through all the key subject areas: Number, Algebra, Ratio, Proportion & Rates of Change, Geometry & Measures and Statistics & Probability.
2. Memorise the formulas
With the IGCSE / IB / SAT Maths exams, formula sheets are no longer provided, you therefore will need to memorise the key formulas including: Area formulas, Circle formulas, Pythagoras Theorem, Volumes, Compound Measures and Trigonometric Formulae.
3. Make sure you have the correct equipment with you
You will need the following equipment, a pen, pencil, rubber, ruler, protractor, a pair of compasses and a calculator (except for the non-calculator paper).
4. Attempt all the questions and show all your workings
Even if you don’t feel confident on a question, have a go, you will be able to pick up some marks if you can demonstrate to an examiner that you at least understand the subject area. You should always show your workings as examiners can and do award marks for correct calculation methods. This is especially important for the calculator paper, where you will be awarded no marks if the final answer is wrong and the workings aren’t shown. Examiners will award some marks if they can see you have got some steps to solving the problem down on the page.
5. Write clearly
The exam boards provide plenty of space to write your answers so make sure you clearly show each step to solving the problem. If the examiner can’t read your answer they can’t award you the marks.
6. Check your answers
Always leave enough time at the end of the exam to check through all your answers. This will ensure you have time to weed out any silly mistakes. Always ensure you have put the final answer in the space provided on the exam paper.
