Qualification
Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
International GCSE Mathematics A specification 4MA1.
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE · Specification A 4MA1
Online IGCSE Maths Course
Develop confidence in number, algebra, geometry, trigonometry,
statistics and probability through a structured home-study
course. Begin with the common Foundation material before
deciding whether to continue towards the Higher Tier examinations.
Immediate access to the online course
Foundation and Higher Tier study routes
Optional tutor marking, tutorials and printed materials
Start your Maths course
£14.99 / month
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Course overview
A flexible route through Foundation or Higher Tier Maths
Work progressively from essential numerical skills through algebra, geometry, trigonometry, probability, statistics and graph work. The first seven modules cover the Foundation route, while students aiming for Higher Tier continue through the advanced modules.
Full course structure
12 modules · 51 lessons
The course progresses from fundamental number work to advanced algebra, geometry, statistics and differentiation.
Recommended study time
Approximately 200 hours
Work through the course at a pace that suits your timetable and intended examination date.
Enrolment
Start at any time
There is no fixed term date, so you can begin when it suits your study plans.
Tier options
Foundation or Higher
Complete Modules 1–7 for Foundation Tier or continue through Modules 8–12 for Higher Tier.
Assignments
Tier-specific marking route
The Foundation route uses eight Tutor-marked Assignments. The Higher route uses ten, followed by practice papers.
Assessment
2 written papers
Both papers last two hours and each contributes 50% of the final qualification.
Entry and grading
Foundation 5–1 · Higher 9–4
Your examination tier determines the range of grades that can be awarded.
You do not need to choose your tier immediately
All students begin with the Foundation material. By the end of Module 7, your progress should give you and your tutor a clearer indication of whether Foundation or Higher Tier is the more appropriate examination route.
Mathematics improves through regular practice
The course places strong emphasis on working through examples, completing activities and showing every stage of your method. Regular practice helps develop the flexible problem-solving skills required in both examination papers.
How the course works
Build your mathematical skills step by step
Begin with essential number skills and work through increasingly challenging topics. Each lesson combines explanations, worked examples, activities and opportunities to practise mathematical methods independently.
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Enrol and start online
Receive immediate access to your online Maths course and begin studying without waiting for a fixed term date.
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Work through examples and activities
Study each method carefully, follow the worked examples and complete the activities before checking the suggested answers.
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Choose your examination tier
Complete the common Foundation material first. Your progress and intended grade can then guide the decision to stop at Foundation Tier or continue to Higher Tier.
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Prepare for your examinations
Revise the full range of topics, practise using your calculator and mathematical instruments, and complete timed examination papers.
Optional extra support
Get help when a topic does not make sense
Assignment marking, practice-paper marking, Email Tutor Support and one-to-one tutorials can be added when you need feedback, explanation or help applying a mathematical method.
What you’ll study
Twelve modules from core numeracy to advanced Maths
Modules 1–7 cover the Foundation Tier route. Students aiming for Higher Tier continue through Modules 8–12, where they meet more advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, functions and differentiation.
Module 1 Numbers Number skills, prime factors, fractions, decimals, accuracy and indices. 4 lessons
- Numbers
- Prime Numbers, Factors and Fractions
- Decimals, Approximations and Accuracy
- Indices
Tutor-marked Assignment A
Module 2 Money Ratios, proportion, percentages, interest and practical financial calculations. 3 lessons
- Ratios, Proportion and Percentages
- Percentages and Interest
- Other Money Matters
Module 3 Measurement Time, distance, speed, measurements and conversion between units. 2 lessons
- Time, Distance, Speed and Conversion
- Measurements and Conversion
Tutor-marked Assignment B
Module 4 Basic Algebra Algebraic notation, factorisation, equations, formulae, inequalities and accuracy. 5 lessons
- Basic Algebra
- Factorisation
- Solving Equations
- Equations in Action; Formulae
- Inequalities and Accuracy
Tutor-marked Assignment C
Module 5 Basic Geometry Angles, triangles, polygons, transformations, symmetry and circles. 5 lessons
- Angles, Straight Lines and Symmetry
- Triangles
- Quadrilaterals and Polygons
- Transformations
- The Circle
Tutor-marked Assignment D
Module 6 Further Geometry, Trigonometry and Probability Mensuration, constructions, three-dimensional shapes, trigonometry, bearings, probability and sets. 6 lessons
- Mensuration
- Geometrical Constructions and Solid Figures
- Volume, Surface Area and Capacity
- Trigonometry (1)
- Bearings
- Probability and Sets
Tutor-marked Assignment E
Module 7 Graphwork and Statistics Data presentation, gradients, quadratic graphs, statistics and motion graphs. 5 lessons
- Representing Data
- Graphs and Gradients
- Quadratic Graphs
- Introduction to Statistics
- Distance, Velocity, Acceleration and Time
Tutor-marked Assignment F
Module 8 Graphs, Probability and Experimental Work Advanced graph work, probability, sets and Venn diagrams for Higher Tier students. 3 lessons
- Harder Graphs
- Further Probability
- Venn Diagrams, Sets and Probability
Tutor-marked Assignment G
Module 9 Further Numbers and Equations Advanced number work, tree diagrams, equations, sine and cosine graphs, formulae, indices and inequalities. 7 lessons
- Numbers and Indices
- More on Probability: Tree Diagrams
- Solving Equations
- Sine and Cosine Graphs
- Formulae and Fractions
- Brackets, Indices, etc.
- Inequalities and Graphwork
Tutor-marked Assignment H
Module 10 Advanced Geometry and Trigonometry Geometrical reasoning, vectors, circle geometry and advanced trigonometric methods. 6 lessons
- Further Geometry
- Chords, Tangents and Polygons
- Vectors
- Trigonometry (2)
- Trigonometry (3): the Sine Rule and the Cosine Rule
- Trigonometry (4): Circles and Other Geometric Shapes
Tutor-marked Assignment I
Module 11 Further Graphwork, Statistics and Number Work Mathematical proof, differentiation, cumulative frequency and functions. 4 lessons
- Proof
- Gradients and Differentiation
- Cumulative Frequency
- Functions
Tutor-marked Assignment J
Module 12 Your Examination Final revision and preparation for both written papers. 1 lesson
- Revision for your Examination
Practice Examination — Paper 1
Practice Examination — Paper 2
Complete the modules in sequence
Mathematical topics build upon methods introduced earlier in the course. Work through the lessons in order, complete the activities and revisit any method that is not yet secure before moving on.
Foundation Tier students normally stop after Module 7 before completing Lesson 51 and the Foundation-specific Tutor-marked Assignments K and L. Higher Tier students continue through Modules 8–12.
Exams and assessment
How IGCSE Mathematics A is assessed
Students take two externally assessed written papers at either Foundation or Higher Tier. Both papers can test content from across the relevant tier and calculators are permitted throughout.
Foundation Paper 1
4MA1/1F
2 hours
Exam duration
Calculator permitted
For the whole paper
50%
Of the qualification
Paper 1F assesses content from across the Foundation Tier specification. Students should be prepared to use mathematical instruments, show their working and apply methods to both familiar and unfamiliar problems.
Foundation Paper 2
4MA1/2F
2 hours
Exam duration
Calculator permitted
For the whole paper
50%
Of the qualification
Paper 2F draws from the same Foundation content as Paper 1F. Topics are not divided between the two papers, so the whole Foundation specification must be revised for both.
Higher Paper 1
4MA1/1H
2 hours
Exam duration
Calculator permitted
For the whole paper
50%
Of the qualification
Paper 1H assesses both Foundation and Higher Tier material, including advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, probability, statistics and graph work.
Higher Paper 2
4MA1/2H
2 hours
Exam duration
Calculator permitted
For the whole paper
50%
Of the qualification
Paper 2H can test any content from across the complete Higher Tier specification. Students should revise all topics rather than expecting particular subjects to appear on one paper.
Foundation grading
Grades 5–1
Foundation Tier is appropriate for students whose intended outcome falls within this grade range.
Higher grading
Grades 9–4
Higher Tier includes more demanding material and provides access to grades above 5.
Coursework
No coursework component
The final qualification is determined entirely by the two externally assessed written papers.
Examination resources
Formula sheet provided
Calculators, tracing paper and appropriate mathematical instruments may be used. Formula sheets are supplied.
Examination entry
You arrange your examination centre separately
Course enrolment does not automatically enter you for the examinations. Private candidates should locate a centre that accepts Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A and confirm whether they will be entered for Foundation or Higher Tier.
Your two papers must be from the same tier: either Papers 1F and 2F or Papers 1H and 2H.
Support and add-ons
Choose the level of Maths support you need
Your subscription provides the structured online course. Optional add-ons let you purchase written feedback, direct tutor contact, live explanations and printed materials as required.
Written feedback
Assignment marking
Purchase marking for individual tutor-marked assignments and receive feedback on your methods, working, accuracy and mathematical reasoning.
Assignment marking bundle — Maths IGCSE Foundation Marking Bundle£53.95
Assignment marking bundle — Maths IGCSE Higher Marking Bundle£35.96
Exam preparation
Practice-exam marking
Complete the two practice papers under timed conditions and purchase marking to identify strengths, gaps and priorities for final revision.
Practice examination marking bundle£47.50
Written tutor contact
Email Tutor Support
Ask focused questions about a method, worked example, calculator technique or course activity through the managed Email Tutor Support service.
Email Tutor Support£10.00 / month
Live support
One-to-one tutorials
Book a live tutorial for personalised explanation, help with a difficult topic, tier advice or focused examination preparation.
Tutorial time Purchased separately
Study your way
Printed course materials
Add printed Oxford Home Schooling course materials if you prefer working through calculations and examples on paper.
Printed course materials£40.00
Flexible support
Add support when you need it
Begin with the core course and add marking, tutor contact, tutorials or printed materials as your Maths studies progress.
Course support
See all available Maths support
Prospective students can compare the available support services. Existing students can purchase Maths marking, tutorials and other course-specific add-ons through their account.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the IGCSE Maths course
Find answers about Foundation and Higher Tier, calculators, assignments, examination papers, equipment and additional practice materials.
Do I need to choose Foundation or Higher Tier now?
No. All students begin with the Foundation material. By the end of Module 7, your progress and intended grade should make it easier to decide whether to take Foundation Tier or continue through the Higher Tier modules.
What grades are available at each tier?
Foundation Tier offers grades 5 to 1. Higher Tier offers grades 9 to 4. Students seeking a grade above 5 must sit the Higher Tier papers.
How many examination papers will I take?
You will take two written papers. Foundation candidates sit Papers 1F and 2F, while Higher candidates sit Papers 1H and 2H. Each paper lasts two hours and contributes 50% of the qualification.
Can I use a calculator in both examinations?
Yes. Calculators are permitted in both examination papers. You should obtain a suitable scientific calculator early in the course and become familiar with its functions.
Is there any coursework?
No. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A is assessed entirely through the two written examination papers.
What equipment will I need?
You will need a metric ruler, protractor, pair of compasses, squared paper and a suitable scientific calculator. These should be used regularly during the course so that you are comfortable with them before the examinations.
How important is it to show my working?
It is very important. Examination marks may be awarded for using the correct method even if an arithmetic error leads to the wrong final answer. Set out each stage clearly rather than writing only the answer.
How are Tutor-marked Assignments used?
Tutor-marked Assignments appear throughout the course and are designed to test the methods covered in recent lessons. Marking can be purchased when you want detailed feedback on your working and understanding.
The exact assignment route differs between Foundation and Higher Tier students.
Do I need to buy an additional textbook?
No additional textbook is compulsory. The course contains activities and tests sufficient for most students.
Students wanting more practice may use the IGCSE Mathematics for Edexcel Practice Book by Trevor Johnson and Tony Clough.
Are topics divided between Paper 1 and Paper 2?
No. Either paper may assess any content from the relevant tier. Foundation students must revise all Foundation material for both papers, while Higher students must revise both Foundation and Higher content.
What can I study after IGCSE Maths?
The qualification provides a foundation for further study in Mathematics and related subjects. Students considering AS or A-level Mathematics should normally aim for a strong Higher Tier result and check the entry requirements of their chosen provider.
Course materials
Equipment and additional Maths practice
The online course contains the main explanations, activities and tests. Students will also need basic mathematical equipment and a suitable scientific calculator.
Mathematical equipment is required
Students need a ruler with metric markings, a protractor and a pair of compasses. Squared paper will also be needed for graph work.
These instruments may be required in the examinations, so students should practise using them accurately throughout the course.
A scientific calculator is essential
Calculators are permitted in both examination papers. Students should obtain a suitable scientific calculator at the beginning of the course and become familiar with its memory, powers, trigonometric, exponential and statistical functions.
The course introduction gives the Casio FX-83GTX and dual-powered Casio FX-85GTX as examples of suitable GCSE calculators. Equivalent current GCSE scientific calculators may also be used.
Optional additional practice book
Students who would like more practice may use IGCSE Mathematics for Edexcel Practice Book by Trevor Johnson and Tony Clough, published by Hodder. ISBN 9781471889035.
This book is optional rather than compulsory. Other suitable Mathematics textbooks containing worked answers may also be used for additional practice.
Online resources provide optional extra support
The course includes links to selected ClickView films and other online material. These resources may add context and variety, but they are optional and the core course remains complete without them.
Ready to begin?
Start your online IGCSE Maths course
Enrol at any time and begin working towards the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A qualification through a structured, flexible home-study course.
- Start studying at any time
- Immediate access to the online course
- Foundation and Higher Tier study routes
Start your Maths course
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