How to get an A or A* in Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580)

Start with the correct tier and paper style

For the 2025–2027 syllabus, Extended candidates take non-calculator Paper 2 and calculator Paper 4. Core entries cannot receive A or A*. Confirm your route with your school before deciding which practice papers to use. Build your revision checklist from the syllabus for the year you sit the exam.

Give both paper styles attention. A calculator session develops efficient numerical work; a non-calculator session exposes weak fractions, signs and algebra. Keep the calculator out of reach during the second type of session, even when checking a simple answer feels tempting.

Make algebra a reliable everyday skill

Practise rearranging formulas, factorising and handling fractions until you can explain each change. Write one transformation per line. When a method breaks down, locate the first incorrect line rather than restarting the whole exercise. This makes correction specific and stops a small sign error becoming a mysterious failure.

Pair similar-looking questions that require different choices. Compare expanding an expression with solving an equation; compare direct proportion with inverse proportion. Explain what the question asks you to find before doing any calculation.

Connect diagrams, words and equations

For geometry and trigonometry, sketch a clean diagram and label the information you know. Mark the length or angle you need. Decide whether a rule actually applies before substituting numbers. A triangle that is not right-angled cannot automatically be solved with the right-angle trigonometric ratios.

In probability and statistics, interpret the result in context. A probability above one signals a problem. For graphs, write down what the gradient or area represents in that particular situation rather than quoting a rule without units.

Use mixed practice to learn method selection

After a short topic practice set, solve a mixture without chapter headings. Include one familiar calculation, one multi-step problem and one explanation. Record whether an error came from choosing the method, executing it or reading the question. Each cause needs a different repair.

Revisit the same idea several days later with changed numbers. Copying yesterday’s solution checks memory of that solution; solving a new version checks whether the mathematical idea is yours.

Review a paper before starting the next one

Mark your attempt against the correct official mark scheme and investigate every lost step. For a show-that question, make the reasoning reach the stated result without treating that result as given. During checking, substitute solutions back into the original equation and estimate numerical answers independently.

There is no permanent percentage that guarantees A*. Track your own accuracy and coverage, and use the grade thresholds for the relevant exam series only when interpreting an actual result.

Common mistakes—and how to fix them

Your four-week revision plan

Use this as a focused revision cycle alongside your lessons. If you are still learning the course, give unfamiliar topics more time before attempting full papers.

1. Week 1

   Find the gaps

   • Attempt a mixed diagnostic without help.
   • Repair fractions, negative numbers and equation rearrangement.
2. Week 2

   Connect methods

   • Alternate algebra, geometry and data questions.
   • Complete two short non-calculator sessions and explain every correction.
3. Week 3

   Build exam stamina

   • Attempt an Extended paper in realistic conditions.
   • Rework missed methods with fresh questions the following day.
4. Week 4

   Make accuracy repeatable

   • Practise the other paper style under its own rules.
   • Review your error log and keep the final evening light.

Your questions, answered