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Upcoming changes in Cambridge IGCSE Maths (0580): What you need to know

Upcoming changes in Cambridge IGCSE Maths (0580): What you need to know

The IGCSE Maths curriculum is designed to develop students' mathematical skills and knowledge in a structured and comprehensive manner. It covers a wide range of mathematical concepts and is recognised worldwide for its rigour and quality.

In this article, we will discuss the significant modifications made to the Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics 0580 syllabus for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027.

Wording of learning outcomes

One of the notable changes involves the wording of learning outcomes. The revised syllabus includes additional notes and examples to provide clarity regarding the depth of teaching. This enhancement aims to assist both educators and students in understanding the intended learning objectives.

Subject content updates

The subject content itself has been refreshed and updated. Some topics and learning outcomes have been added, while others have been removed. 

Let's dive into these changes:

Core subject content

Content removed

  • Adding and subtracting vectors
  • Multiplying a vector by a scalar
  • Data collection (it is expected that data collection will be part of a course based on this syllabus, although it will not be assessed in an examination).

Content added

  • Inequalities
  • Recall of certain squares, cubes, and roots

Extended subject content

Content removed

  • Proper subsets
  • Linear programming
  • Congruence criteria (knowledge of congruence itself is still in the syllabus)
  • Data collection (it is expected that data collection will be part of a course based on this syllabus, although it will not be assessed in an examination)
  • Box-and-whisker plots

Content added

  • Recall of certain squares, cubes, and roots
  • Surds
  • Exponential graphs where the power is ½ or –½
  • Domain and range
  • Exact trigonometric values

Other content clarifications

Within various topics, additional clarifications have been made to the content. Students are advised to carefully read the subject content in the syllabus for these details. 

Assessment details

The assessment section has also seen updates, including:

  • A non-calculator assessment has been introduced at each tier to enhance candidates' mathematical problem-solving skills without reliance on a calculator.
  • Rebalancing of examination papers to provide improved accessibility and a better candidate experience.
  • Changes to Paper 1 (Core) and Paper 2 (Extended) in terms of format, duration, and weighting.

Updated exam format, duration, and weightage

Core assessment

Paper 1

Weightage: 50%

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Marks: 80

Type of questions: Structured and unstructured 

Use of a calculator is not allowed 

Externally assessed

Paper 3

Weightage: 50%

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Marks: 80

Type of questions: Structured and unstructured 

A scientific calculator is required

Externally assessed

Extended assessment

Paper 2

Weightage: 50%

Duration: 2 hours

Marks: 100

Type of questions: Structured and unstructured 

A scientific calculator is required

Externally assessed

Paper 4

Weightage: 50%

Duration: 2 hours

Marks: 100

Type of questions: Structured and unstructured 

A scientific calculator is required

Externally assessed

To conclude, the modifications to the Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics 0580 syllabus for 2025, 2026, and 2027 aim to improve clarity and assessment methods. And staying abreast of these changes in syllabi is essential for students to prepare well. 

Exam Preparation
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