The Mathsman tutoring

Experienced private tutor, inspiring confidence and independent learning in Maths and Chemistry, empowering students to reach their full potential.

Achieve in IGCSE Maths

Tuition Tailored For Success

Achieving your personal goals when it comes to IGCSE Maths is possible. My tuition provides you with the tools you need to become an independent learner able to move forward with confidence. Our sessions will be built to match your learning style, ensuring even the most complex of mathematical concepts will be within your grasp. 

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Benefits of Tuition

  • Succeeding in Exams

    Preparing for exams can be stressful. My tuition aims to alleviate worries about ill-preparedness and instead help students feel confident about reaching their exam goals. From getting a firm grasp of the curriculum to knowing how to approach a paper, I provide them with the tools to achieve their potential.

  • Getting Confident with Maths

    Classroom style teaching does not suit everyone. It can also have consequences on confidence or enjoyment levels when it comes to complex subjects like maths. That’s where personalised tutoring can step in, ensuring you can learn in a style that suits you. 

  • Preparing for A-Levels

    Taking the next step in education can be an intimidating step. I’m here to help young learners do more than just master the basics, instead supporting them by simplifying the more advanced concepts they’ll approach in A-Levels. 

Chris is an amazing tutor. He is a brilliant communicator and breaks everything down into easy digestable chunks. He has helped my son secure firm offers from 2 competitive independent schools in London and Chris has been instrumental in that. He is organised, punctual and leaves lesson notes and relevant homework. I can’t recommend him more highly and it was one of the best decisions I made

WARREN ACKERMANN

IGCSE:

  • What You Need to Know

    Some schools, particularly independent schools, choose to follow the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) specifications instead of the standard GCSE. Here’s a bit more detail on why they might choose the IGCSE.

  • Global Recognition

    IGCSE is recognised globally and is considered equivalent to GCSEs. It is often chosen by international schools and those with a global student body.

  • Curriculum Flexibility

    The IGCSE curriculum is often seen as more flexible and is designed to be accessible to students from different educational backgrounds.

  • Assessment

    IGCSE exams often include more coursework and practical assessments compared to the traditional GCSE, which may appeal to students who excel in continuous assessment rather than final exams.

  • Subjects Offered

    A broader range of subjects is typically available under the IGCSE curriculum, allowing for more specialisation and choice.

  • Approach to Learning

    IGCSE tends to have a more international perspective in its curriculum, which can be advantageous for students aiming for higher education or careers abroad.

  • International Exam Boards

    IGCSE is primarily offered by exam boards such as Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and Pearson Edexcel International, whereas GCSEs are offered by AQA, OCR, Edexcel, and WJEC.

IGCSE:

  • What You Need to Know

    Some schools, particularly independent schools, choose to follow the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) specifications instead of the standard GCSE. Here’s a bit more detail on why they might choose the IGCSE.

  • Global Recognition

    IGCSE is recognised globally and is considered equivalent to GCSEs. It is often chosen by international schools and those with a global student body.

  • Curriculum Flexibility

    The IGCSE curriculum is often seen as more flexible and is designed to be accessible to students from different educational backgrounds.

  • Assessment

    IGCSE exams often include more coursework and practical assessments compared to the traditional GCSE, which may appeal to students who excel in continuous assessment rather than final exams.

  • Subjects Offered

    A broader range of subjects is typically available under the IGCSE curriculum, allowing for more specialisation and choice.

  • Approach to Learning

    IGCSE tends to have a more international perspective in its curriculum, which can be advantageous for students aiming for higher education or careers abroad.

  • International Exam Boards

    IGCSE is primarily offered by exam boards such as Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and Pearson Edexcel International, whereas GCSEs are offered by AQA, OCR, Edexcel, and WJEC.

Why Independent Schools Choose IGCSE

  • Rigorous Standards

    Some educators and parents believe that IGCSEs offer a more rigorous academic standard.

  • Preparation for International Education

    IGCSEs are excellent preparation for the International Baccalaureate (IB) and other international qualifications.

  • Flexibility

    The flexibility in subject choice and assessment methods can better meet the needs of diverse student populations.

  • Global Mobility

    For students who may move internationally, IGCSEs provide a consistent curriculum that can be easily transferred between countries.

Why Independent Schools Choose IGCSE

  • Rigorous Standards

    Some educators and parents believe that IGCSEs offer a more rigorous academic standard.

  • Preparation for International Education

    IGCSEs are excellent preparation for the International Baccalaureate (IB) and other international qualifications.

  • Flexibility

    The flexibility in subject choice and assessment methods can better meet the needs of diverse student populations.

  • Global Mobility

    For students who may move internationally, IGCSEs provide a consistent curriculum that can be easily transferred between countries.

Exam Board Overview

IGCSE Edexcel (Pearson)



  • Specification

    Edexcel IGCSE focuses on key mathematical concepts and techniques, fostering problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning.

  • Structure

    Two tiers: 

    • Foundation (grades 1-5) 
    • Higher (grades 4-9)

    Two papers: 

    • Paper 1 (non-calculator)
    • Paper 2 (calculator)

  • Content

    The exams and curriculum cover topics such as:


    • Numbers
    • Algebra
    • Ratio
    • Proportion
    • Rates of Change
    • Geometry
    • Measures
    • Probability
    • Statistics

  • Assessment

    • Paper 1: 2 hours (non-calculator)
    • Paper 2: 2 hours (calculator)

    Each paper contributes 50% to the final grade.


IGCSE Cambridge (Cambridge Assessment International Education)

  • Specification

    Cambridge IGCSE emphasises a broad understanding of mathematical principles, encouraging application of knowledge in new situations.

  • Structure

    Two options: 

    • Core (grades C-G) 
    • Extended (grades A*-E).

    Core level: 

    • Paper 1 (non-calculator) 
    • Paper 3 (calculator)

    Extended level: 

    • Paper 2 (non-calculator)
    • Paper 4 (calculator)

  • Content

    The exams and curriculum cover topics such as:


    • Numbers
    • Algebra
    • Ratio
    • Proportion
    • Rates of Change
    • Geometry
    • Measures
    • Probability
    • Statistics

  • Assessment

    Core Level.

    • Paper 1: 1 hour (non-calculator).
    • Paper 3: 1 hour 30 minutes (calculator).

    Paper 1 contributes 35% and Paper 3 contributes 65% to the final grade.


    Extended Level

    • Paper 2: 1 hour 30 minutes (non-calculator).
    • Paper 4: 2 hours 30 minutes (calculator).

    Paper 2 contributes 35% and Paper 4 contributes 65% to the final grade.

Key Differences



  • Tiering

    Both Edexcel IGCSE and Cambridge IGCSE offer tiered exams to cater to different student abilities.

  • Number of Papers

    Both Edexcel and Cambridge have two papers, but the duration and weighting vary.

  • Assessment Focus

    Cambridge IGCSE has a greater emphasis on understanding and applying mathematical concepts through a tiered approach, while Edexcel IGCSE maintains a similar approach with both Foundation and Higher tiers.

  • Flexibility

    Both Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE offer flexibility through tiering to cater to different student abilities.

Go Further with Maths

Whether you want a challenge in Further Maths or are looking to take the next step with

A-Levels, my tuition is built to help you delve deeper into mathematics. 

Go Further with Maths

Whether you want a challenge in Further Maths or are looking to take the next step with

A-Levels, my tuition is built to help you delve deeper into mathematics. 

Let’s Get Started

If you’re looking for a tutor who will not only teach but also inspire, I would love to hear from you. Let’s work together to unlock your full potential in maths. Whether you’re aiming for exam excellence or simply need a little extra help to build your confidence, I’m here to help you succeed.

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