Mastering IGCSE Strategies

Michael James Broadwith

Okay, so preparing for IGCSE Maths…it always starts with understanding what you’re up against. The exam board you’re studying with can make, well, quite a difference. Cambridge, Edexcel, Oxford AQA…they all have unique nuances, you know, grading systems, tiers, even the types of calculators allowed in the exams.

Nikola Jovanovic

Right, and that’s actually the first thing I tell my students! Like, you have to know whether you’re doing Core or Extended, Foundation or Higher, yeah? Because that decision kind of…sets the tone for how much you have to focus on the tougher stuff, like trigonometry, for example.

Michael James Broadwith

Exactly. And these decisions should really align with your academic goals. I mean, if you only need a pass, the Core or Foundation tiers might be perfect. But if you're aiming for a grade 9 or an A star, you’d want to push yourself with the Higher or Extended tier.

Nikola Jovanovic

Yeah, yeah, but have you noticed how some students, they just pick the harder path without, uh, thinking? Like, because it sounds better. You know, some of my water polo players, their strategy is like, go higher, always push, but in Maths—

Michael James Broadwith

It’s not always about pushing, it’s really about mastering the fundamentals first. That foundational approach, I think…it builds the confidence they’ll need to tackle the more advanced problems later.

Nikola Jovanovic

Totally, totally. And speaking of foundations, I tell my kids—okay, not my water polo kids, my actual kids at school—break your revision into small, manageable pieces. Start with the basics and, well, don’t just brush past the tricky stuff. You’ve gotta lean into it a bit.

Michael James Broadwith

Absolutely. Structured revision is critical. I always recommend creating a timetable where you allocate extra time for the challenging topics—prioritize those weak areas. Spend, say, fifty percent of your time tackling the hard bits and—

Nikola Jovanovic

And polish what you’re okay at, yeah? Like, don’t just live in the land of easy algebra. Give, I dunno, thirty percent to improving what you already kind of—kinda—get. Then, those confident topics? Save them for the end!

Michael James Broadwith

Exactly. It’s essentially about balance. And let’s not forget the importance of pacing—students need to work within their limits. Too much focus on just one area and suddenly it’s overwhelming.

Nikola Jovanovic

Yeah, overwhelm is the enemy! Honestly though, what really matters is learning to strategize, breaking it down, and not being afraid to mess up while you’re revising. Makes it less scary, doesn’t it?

Michael James Broadwith

It does. And it’s key to remember mistakes are learning opportunities. You discover where you went wrong and strengthen those areas.

Michael James Broadwith

Mistakes really do help students grow, and that brings me to past papers. I think they’re…arguably one of the most effective tools for revision. They not only familiarise students with the exam format but also highlight those exact gaps in their knowledge that mistakes can help them address.

Nikola Jovanovic

Yes, absolutely! I always tell my students to treat them like, uh, like an actual match, you know? Full intensity, time it, no pausing. Just like a real exam. It really sets you up to handle the pressure.

Michael James Broadwith

Exactly. Timing is crucial. And it’s not just about completing the paper—it’s about learning from it. Analyze your mistakes. Why did you miss that mark? What concept—

Nikola Jovanovic

Did you not get, yeah? And sometimes it’s the smallest thing—they didn’t read the question carefully, or they lost marks just for skipping a unit. I see it all the time, honestly.

Michael James Broadwith

And even those small slip-ups are valuable learning lessons. It’s about refining details along the way. But, I noticed something else that, uh, makes a real difference: teaching someone else.

Nikola Jovanovic

Yes! That’s the magic right there. When you try to explain why something works, you realise you have to—uh, how do I put it? Cement it in your head. It’s like…I mean, I always learn new stuff when I’m, uh, coaching water polo!

Michael James Broadwith

It’s the same principle. Teaching a concept forces you to simplify it, break it down—and in doing so, you double your own understanding. I often recommend students pair up and talk through problems.

Nikola Jovanovic

Or even talk to themselves! Sounds crazy, yeah? But I’ve honestly seen it work. Like, saying out loud ‘What is this question asking me?’ It—

Michael James Broadwith

Triggers that ‘Aha!’ moment, yes. It’s about bridging the gap between what they think they know and what they can actually do in practice. Speaking of being prepared though, having the right tools is equally vital.

Nikola Jovanovic

Oh, calculators, rulers, compasses…all that stuff. You’d think, after all the practice, kids would just know, right? But no, no, Michael, there’s always someone who forgets their calculator or brings the wrong one. Every. Single. Year.

Michael James Broadwith

It’s a classic, isn’t it? But it’s easily avoided by checking your equipment the night before. It’s about reducing stress on the day by knowing you’ve planned ahead…

Nikola Jovanovic

Exactly! Keep things calm, set yourself up properly, and then you’re not wasting nervous energy worrying about a missing pencil or protractor. Simple fixes, but they make such a difference.

Michael James Broadwith

And being calm, prepared, and structured, it all plays into better performance. Every detail contributes.

Nikola Jovanovic

You know, all this preparation really shows its impact on the day of the exam. But sometimes, you see students—uh—get so overwhelmed they freeze. Have you seen that happen, Michael?

Michael James Broadwith

Oh, absolutely. It’s more common than you’d think. And, honestly, what I’ve found works best is preparation—not just academic prep, but mental. Visualisation is great for this. Picture yourself walking in confidently, tackling questions like it’s second nature.

Nikola Jovanovic

Yes, yes! But it’s not just about confidence; it’s about calming yourself down. Deep breaths, right? Like in water polo, I tell my players, 'One deep breath, center yourself, and go for it.' Same with the exam—you can’t let that panic take over.

Michael James Broadwith

Exactly. Breathing helps tremendously. And, I think, positive affirmations…they sound a bit cheesy, but they work. Like telling yourself, 'I’ve worked hard for this, I can handle this.'

Nikola Jovanovic

Totally, totally. Now, once you’re calm, it’s all about decoding the questions, right? I tell my students, 'Read the question carefully.' You’d be surprised how often marks are lost just because they jumped straight in and missed a detail.

Michael James Broadwith

Yes, those command words are crucial—things like 'work out,' 'write down.' Each one tells you exactly what’s required. Misinterpreting them can make even a correct calculation lose marks.

Nikola Jovanovic

Oh yeah! And structuring your answer too. You know, laying it out logically so the examiner can actually follow what you’re doing. Makes a massive difference, especially if you’re not entirely sure but can show your working.

Michael James Broadwith

Right. And, of course, checking your work at the end—it’s such a simple thing, but so effective. A quick glance might catch a missed unit or a rounding error, which could be the difference between a pass and—well, not passing.

Nikola Jovanovic

Yeah, double-checking is, uh, it’s kinda like going through your training drills one last time before a match. And don’t forget to use the calculator wisely—you’ve practised with it, right?

Michael James Broadwith

Hopefully! But, yes, being familiar with your tools is key. It’s all these little details that come together for a solid performance.

Nikola Jovanovic

Exactly. So, deep breaths, double-checks, and don’t panic if you stumble, yeah? You’ve put in the work, trust yourself. And, you know what, Michael?

Michael James Broadwith

What’s that?

Nikola Jovanovic

At the end of the day, it’s just an exam. Life goes on, and there’s always another chance to grow.

Michael James Broadwith

That’s a great way to look at it. For everyone listening, remember: preparation, mindset, and adaptability are your best allies. And, well, Nikola, it’s been brilliant talking through all this with you.

Nikola Jovanovic

Same here, mate. Good luck to all the students out there! Stay calm, stay focused, and go smash it.

Michael James Broadwith

And that’s all for today. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you next time.