The Ultimate IGCSE Math Studying Timetable

The Ultimate IGCSE Math Studying Timetable

Wake up and smell the adrenaline, kids – exam season is just around the corner!

That’s right, if you’re preparing for your IGCSE or O/L examinations, the next big exam session (the Summer or May/June session) is only a couple of months away.

If you’re sitting your IGCSE paper in 2024, don’t sweat it just yet – you still have time to worry about your paper. But if you’re sitting your exam this May, you may want to rev your revision game into full gear now!

As seasoned math tutors, we’ve seen how much children struggle with revision and exam preparation before the IGCSEs. If that sounds like you, we’ve created the ultimate IGCSE revision plan with three tiers of panic:

• One year away from the paper
• Six months away from the paper
• Yikes- only three months to go!

No matter how much time you have (or don’t have!), remember that it’s never too early or too late to get math tuition. Now, let’s dive right into your game plan!

The Conscientious Student: One Year To Go!

This section is catered towards some superstar learners. You’ve decided not to leave your studying until the last minute, and you’ve started preparing for your IGCSEs a whole year in advance.

Wise choice! We predict excellent grades and a stress-free, smooth-sailing IGCSE experience. At this stage, remember that the key is to keep your math studying enjoyable and consistent.

Here’s your revision plan:

• You’ll still be covering the math syllabus in school, so focus on revising the lessons you’ve already done each week. We recommend doing this with a tutor to gain a new perspective on the topic.
• It’s time to start practising with math past papers. Skip the sections you haven’t covered yet. Don’t worry about timing yourself yet, and instead, focus on understanding the mistakes you’ve made!

As for a rough weekly timetable:

• Your regular coursework and homework schedule
• One 2-hour revision session, preferably with a tutor
• Two 2-hour practice questions sessions

Topics that may need some extra love:

• These topics depend on your own strengths and weaknesses. Some students struggle with algebra and graphs, while others struggle with concepts such as upper and lower bounds and circle theorems. Always list the topics you feel you need more help with and work on them with your tutor.

And that’s it! If you stick to this low-stress plan, we guarantee you won’t struggle in class or before each test.

The Prepared Learner: 6 Months To Go!

It’s December or January already, and you’ve discovered that your IGCSEs are closer than you thought. Don’t worry! If you’ve followed your syllabus and coursework over the last two years, you can still ace your math IGCSE paper.

Here’s your revision plan:

• This time is the best to maximise your one-on-one time with a tutor. You might aim to have 2 two-hour sessions with a tutor each week for adequate revision time.
• You will need to start practising with timed papers ASAP to get used to exam conditions!

Here’s a rough weekly timetable!

• Your regular coursework and homework schedule
• Two 2-hour revision sessions with an experienced math tutor
• 4 – 6 hours of practice questions per week. Try to do at least two past papers on your own each week under timed conditions.

You’ve definitely got this! We believe in you.

The Expert Strategist (A.K.A The Ultimate Procrastinator): 3 Months To Go!

If you’ve let time run away from you, and you find yourself a tad anxious about your impending big exam, we’re here to tell you – don’t worry. It’s never too late.

You can still sit for your paper and do well, although you’ll have to work much harder with the possibility of dealing with more stress.

For starters, surround yourself with supportive peers and tutors who have your back and believe in you. You must be mentally focused and strong to channel your energy into this exam. And do so without compromising your mental health.

If you haven’t made a revision plan, make a rigorous schedule now. Here’s our recommendation:

• Your regular homework and school revision schedule
• Two – three 2-hour (one-on-one) sessions with an experienced math tutor. You should rank the areas you’re weakest at instead of revising the whole syllabus.
• 6 – 8 hours of past papers a week under strictly timed conditions. We know this sounds like a lot but think of it as 2 hours every other day.

You should aim to complete and review 3 – 4 past papers each week. Then take the paper to your teacher or tutor and relearn the sections you missed marks on.

Remember, you don’t have to get overwhelmed – this is 100% doable, and you’re more capable than you think!

Just Starting?

We have several helpful resources available if you’re still beginning your IGCSE journey and don’t know where to start! We created an essential guide to understanding IGCSEs – an easy way to discover which exam option might be right for you!

To be prepared for those all-important IGCSE years, you might also want to ensure you’ve got the 10 essential math skills you’ll need to succeed at your IGCSE exams.

Turn To Talgo For Help!

We understand the stress and pressure students are under to prepare for these exams. At Talgo, we’ve helped students pass their IGCSEs with flying colours for over ten years – and we do that by supporting them in every way up until their papers.

Even if you’re two years away from the paper, don’t wait until it’s too late to seek help – start revising with Talgo today. And if you feel like all hope is lost, trust us – it’s not! We can work with you to make the best of your time.

Reach out to savi@talgomath.com to set up a trial IGCSE revision class today. Don’t forget to check the Services tab of our website for details of our IGCSE classes!

We wish you all the best for your upcoming exams!