Mastering Cambridge Maths: How to Study Smarter for IGCSE, AS & A Level

Cambridge Maths has a reputation for being “hard”—but most of the difficulty comes from how you’re expected to think, not just what you’re expected to know. Compared with many school-style worksheets, Cambridge questions often test understanding, method, and exam technique: interpreting unfamiliar contexts, choosing the right approach, and communicating your working clearly.

The good news is that Cambridge Maths is very learnable with the right system. Whether you’re taking IGCSE Maths, stepping into AS Maths, or aiming for top grades in A Level Maths, the same principle applies: consistent fundamentals + smart practice + past paper strategy.

Why Cambridge Maths feels harder than school maths

In Cambridge exams, it’s rarely enough to “get the final answer.” You’re assessed on:

• Method (the steps you use)
• Accuracy (algebra, arithmetic, signs)
• Clarity (notation, layout, reasoning)
• Application (using maths in unfamiliar problems)

That’s why students sometimes say, “I understood the lesson, but I couldn’t do the exam questions.” The gap is usually exam application—not intelligence or effort.

What “success” in Cambridge Maths really means

Strong Cambridge students do three things well:

They can do the maths

They understand the concepts and can use the right tools (algebra, graphs, trigonometry, calculus, statistics).

They can show the maths

They write working clearly and logically. This matters because method marks often decide the final grade.

They can repeat under time pressure

They’ve practised enough exam-style questions to recognise patterns quickly and avoid common traps.

If you want a reliable grade boost, focus on method + speed + accuracy, not just “more hours.”

Core skill areas to build (across IGCSE → AS → A Level)

Algebra (the foundation of everything)

If algebra is shaky, everything feels harder—functions, graphs, calculus, and modelling.

Work on:

• simplifying expressions confidently
• factorising and expanding quickly
• solving equations and inequalities
• rearranging formulae without mistakes

Tip: Many students “know” algebra but lose marks from small errors. Build a habit of checking signs, brackets, and factorisation.

Functions and graphs (Cambridge loves visual thinking)

You need to be comfortable with:

• reading graphs and interpreting meaning
• sketching key shapes and transformations
• linking algebra to the graph (roots, intercepts, turning points)

For AS/A Level Maths, functions become even more central—especially with transformations and composite/inverse ideas.

Trigonometry and geometry (relationships, not memorisation)

Cambridge maths questions often require you to choose the right identity or relationship, not just plug numbers into a formula.

Build:

• confidence with exact values and identities
• clear diagram skills
• step-by-step reasoning (especially where marks depend on structure)

Calculus foundations (AS/A Level gateway)

A Level success depends heavily on calculus.

Make sure you understand:

• differentiation as “rate of change” and gradient
• integration as “accumulated change” and area
• how to interpret results in context (not just compute)

Statistics and probability (precision + interpretation)

For stats questions, marks often come from how well you explain:

• what the numbers mean
• what a model assumes
• what a result implies

Be especially careful with wording, rounding, and units.

Common Cambridge Maths pain points

“I understand the topic, but I can’t do the questions.”

This usually means you need worked examples + variations.

Fix it by:

• learning a “standard method” first (a clean model solution)
• practising 5–10 variations of that style
• only then mixing topics

“I run out of time.”

This is a training problem, not a talent problem.

Fix it by:

• practising timed mini-sets (e.g., 15 minutes for 4 questions)
• building a “first-pass strategy”: do easy marks first, then return
• learning when to move on (don’t spend 10 minutes stuck on 2 marks)

“I lose marks for silly mistakes.”

“Silly mistakes” are usually predictable.

Fix it with a short checklist:

• Did I copy the question correctly?
• Did I use the correct formula/identity?
• Are signs and brackets correct?
• Does the answer make sense (size, units, graph shape)?
• Did I round correctly (if required)?

A weekly study plan that actually works (Cambridge-style)

If you’re doing high school tutoring or self-study, consistency beats intensity. Here’s a realistic weekly structure:

1) Concept review (2–3 short sessions)

• review notes
• rewrite key steps and definitions
• do 3–5 “foundation questions” to confirm you can apply it

2) Method practice (2 sessions)

• do exam-style questions on one topic
• compare with mark scheme to learn what earns marks
• correct your working (not just the final answer)

3) Mixed practice (1 session)

• mix topics to mimic exam thinking
• learn to choose the right approach quickly

4) Error log and redo (1 session)

Your fastest improvement comes from redoing what you got wrong.

Keep an “error log” with:

• a question type
• the reason you missed marks (concept / method / algebra / time)
• the corrected method
• a redo date (e.g., 3 days later)

How to use past papers properly

Past papers are powerful only if you use them the right way.

Step 1: Topic-by-topic past paper practice

Start with targeted questions so you build skill without overwhelm.

Step 2: Full papers under timed conditions

Once you’re stable on topics, move to full papers to train:

• time management
• stamina
• question selection

Step 3: Mark scheme learning (not copying)

Don’t just check answers. Ask:

• What method steps earned marks?
• What wording or working format did they expect?
• Where did I lose marks—even when my idea was correct?

The mark scheme teaches you how Cambridge awards marks. That’s gold.

Level-specific tips for Cambridge Maths

IGCSE Maths

Focus on:

• strong algebra and number skills
• clear working and neat layout
• reliable accuracy under exam conditions

A common IGCSE problem is “I can do it at home, but not in the exam.” That’s usually lack of timed practice and exam familiarity.

AS Math

AS is where students often feel the “jump.”

Focus on:

• functions + graphs
• trigonometry with confidence
• calculus fundamentals (core differentiation/integration skills)
• exam technique (structure and method marks)

A Level Maths

A Level rewards depth and precision.

Focus on:

• multi-step problem solving
• linking topics together
• building flexible strategies (not memorised patterns)
• improving speed while keeping method clear

How Peak Education supports Cambridge Maths learners

For Cambridge students, progress comes fastest when teaching is tightly aligned to the CAIE syllabus and exam expectations—and when students learn clear methods they can repeat under pressure. At Peak Education, Cambridge Maths is led by experienced specialist, Logan Lee, Peak Education’s Head of Cambridge Mathematics (teaching Year 7–10, IGCSE, AS & A Level Maths).

Logan Lee brings strong academic and teaching backgrounds — with a BSc in Pure Mathematics (University of Auckland) and a Master of Educational Leadership (Distinction).  His experience also spans high-performing Cambridge cohorts, and sharing outcomes such as a student improving from a C in AS Maths (2023) to 88% (almost A*) in A Level Maths (2024), and a Year 10 accelerated class achieving a 90% median in the 2024 IGCSE Maths external exam, with 19/22 students earning A or A*.

With this kind of specialist guidance, students don’t just “do more questions”—they learn the right techniques, build stronger Cambridge math exam habits, and gain the confidence to perform consistently across IGCSE, AS, and A Level Maths.