IGCSEMathsRevision

IGCSE Maths Revision Guide: How to Get an A* in 0580

A practical IGCSE maths revision guide for Cambridge 0580 — topic priorities, past paper strategy, formula revision, and exam tips to help you get an A* in IGCSE Mathematics.

The gettopmarks Team2 min read

IGCSE Maths (0580) is one of the most sat — and most feared — papers. The good news: it's highly predictable. Topics repeat, mark schemes reward clear working, and students who revise strategically consistently jump grades. This IGCSE maths revision guide covers what to prioritise, how to practise, and the exam tips that separate an A from an A*.

Know your tier: Core vs Extended

Cambridge 0580 has two tiers:

  • Core (Papers 1 & 3): grades C–G
  • Extended (Papers 2 & 4): grades A*–E

Make sure your revision matches your entry. Extended students must master harder algebra, trigonometry, and functions that Core students skip.

High-priority topics for 0580

Based on past paper frequency, prioritise:

  1. Algebra — equations, inequalities, simultaneous equations, quadratics
  2. Number — fractions, percentages, ratio, standard form
  3. Geometry — angles, circles, transformations, vectors
  4. Trigonometry — sine/cosine rules, bearings (Extended)
  5. Statistics & probability — histograms, cumulative frequency, tree diagrams
  6. Graphs — linear, quadratic, reciprocal; interpreting graphs

Build a RAG checklist and attack red topics first.

Past paper strategy for IGCSE Maths

Maths is the subject where past papers matter most:

  • Start with topical past papers — 10–15 questions per weak topic
  • Move to full timed papers in the final 4 weeks
  • Always mark with the official mark scheme
  • Redo every question you lost method marks on

Our full past papers guide walks through the 5-step method. For A-Level students moving up, see method marks secrets.

Show your working — always

IGCSE Maths awards method marks (M marks) even when the final answer is wrong. Write one step per line, show the formula before substituting, and never skip algebra.

Formula sheet revision

Know which formulas are given and which you must memorise. Practise recalling them from memory weekly — use flashcards or active recall, not just reading the list.

Exam day tips

  • Read the whole paper first — attempt easy marks before hard ones
  • Check the mark allocation — a 4-mark question needs 4 distinct steps
  • Use a calculator wisely on Paper 2/4 — but show non-calculator working where required
  • Leave 5 minutes to check arithmetic slips

Get unstuck faster

When a topic won't click, gettopmarks explains the method step by step in mark-scheme language. Snap a photo of any 0580 question and get full working with examiner-style reasoning. Pair with active recall and our IGCSE revision plan.

Start a free trial and fix your weakest topic tonight.