An essential subject for all students, IGCSE Mathematics is a fully examined course which encourages the development of mathematical knowledge as a key life skill, and as a basis for more advanced study. The syllabus aims to build students’ confidence by helping them develop a feel for numbers, patterns and relationships, and places a strong emphasis on solving problems and presenting and interpreting results. Students also learn how to communicate and reason using mathematical concepts.

The aims of the curriculum are the same for all candidates. The aims are set out below and describe the educational purposes of a course in Mathematics for the IGCSE examination. They are not listed in order of priority.

The aims are to enable candidates to:

• develop their mathematical knowledge and oral, written and practical skills in a way which encourages confidence and provides satisfaction and enjoyment;
• read mathematics, and write and talk about the subject in a variety of ways;
• develop a feel for number, carry out calculations and understand the significance of the results obtained;
• apply mathematics in everyday situations and develop an understanding of the part which mathematics plays in the world around them;
• solve problems, present the solutions clearly, check and interpret the results;
• develop an understanding of mathematical principles;
• recognise when and how a situation may be represented mathematically, identify and interpret relevant factors and, where necessary, select an appropriate mathematical method to solve the problem;
• use mathematics as a means of communication with emphasis on the use of clear expression;
• develop an ability to apply mathematics in other subjects, particularly science and technology;
• develop the abilities to reason logically, to classify, to generalise and to prove;
• appreciate patterns and relationships in mathematics;
• produce and appreciate imaginative and creative work arising from mathematical ideas;
• develop their mathematical abilities by considering problems and conducting individual and co-operative enquiry and experiment, including extended pieces of work of a practical and investigative kind;
• appreciate the interdependence of different branches of mathematics;
• acquire a foundation appropriate to their further study of mathematics and of other disciplines.