From IGCSE to IB Mathematics
How IGCSE Extended, Additional Maths and IB AA SL and HL connect, and what to prepare. I compared every item in the IB AA guide with the Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses.
Roadmap: how the four courses connect
IGCSE Extended
0580 · 0607 · core courseEvery student learns the foundations of number, algebra, geometry and statistics.
IGCSE Additional Maths
0606 · optional, taken with ExtendedCovers IB algebra, trigonometry and calculus in advance.
IB AA SL
Analysis & Approaches · 150 hoursThe core of all five topic areas, including functions, calculus and statistics.
IB AA HL
Analysis & Approaches · 240 hoursAll of SL plus extension topics, with an extra exam, Paper 3.
Which route leads where
- IGCSE ExtendedIB AA SL
Well prepared.
- IGCSE ExtendedIB AA HL
Possible. Summer preparation is recommended.
- Extended + Add MathsIB AA HL
The smoothest route.
Syllabus 0607 Extended has no differentiation, so there is more to fill in before HL than after 0580.
Topic map: what is learned where
Number and algebra
- Indices and surds
- Algebraic manipulation
- Equations
- Number sequences
- Logarithms
- Arithmetic and geometric progressions
- Binomial expansion
- Remainder theorem
- Sequences and series
- Exponents and logarithms
- Binomial theorem
- Proof
- Financial applicationsremoved 2029
- Complex numbers
- Mathematical induction
- Partial fractions
Functions and coordinates
- Functions (composite, inverse)
- Graphs
- Equations of straight lines
- Quadratics and the discriminant
- Modulus
- Equation of a circle
- Transformations of graphs
- Rational functions
- Quadratic functions
- Odd and even functions
- Further rational functions
- Inequalities
Geometry and trigonometry
- Trigonometric ratios
- Sine and cosine rules
- Circle theorems
- Area and volume
- Radians
- Six trig functions and identitiesHL
- Plane vectorsHL
- Unit circle
- Double angle identities
- Trigonometric equations
- 3D geometry
- Compound angle identities
- Inverse trig functions
- Vectors in 3D (lines and planes)
Statistics and probability
- Averages
- Measures of spread
- Histograms
- Probability and tree diagrams
- Permutations and combinationsHL
- Binomial distribution
- Normal distribution
- Conditional probability
- Correlation and regressionremoved 2029
- Bayes’ theorem
- Continuous random variables
- Counting principles
Calculus
- Differentiation of polynomials (0580 only)
- Differentiation and integration
- Maxima and minima
- Kinematics
- Connected rates of changeHL
- Differentiation
- Integration and area
- Optimisation
- Kinematics
- L’Hôpital’s rule
- Integration by parts
- Volumes of revolution
- Differential equations
- Maclaurin series
HL = an IB HL topic that Add Maths covers early · removed 2029 = taken out in the new course
By the numbers: what Add Maths fills in
I compared every item in the IB AA guide with the IGCSE syllabuses.
- Already learned (same level)
- Basics only
- New in IB
IB AA SL content · 51 items
IB AA HL additional content · 32 items
Basis: IB AA guide items compared with the Cambridge 0580 and 0606 syllabuses (Extended = 0580)
Choosing HL after Extended only
HL is entirely possible. Filling in the Add Maths topics first makes the first term much easier.
Topics worth preparing early
Add Maths content, used from the first year of HL
- 1Radians and sectors
- 2Exponential and logarithmic functions
- 3Arithmetic and geometric sequences, infinite series
- 4Binomial theorem
- 5Trigonometric identities and equations
- 6Remainder and factor theorems
- 7Permutations and combinations
- 8Calculus of trig, exponential and log functions
New for everyone
Even Add Maths students meet these for the first time in IB
- Complex numbers
- Vectors in 3D
- Mathematical induction
- Differential equations
- L’Hôpital’s rule
- Maclaurin series
Recommended timing: the summer after Grade 10. Secure the eight topics on the left, then start the DP.
Students who took 0607 Extended should also prepare differentiation of polynomials.
A new IB maths course starts in August 2027
Today’s Grade 10 students (at August-start schools) are the first year group. Financial applications and correlation and regression are removed at SL and HL, and proof by counterexample and Euler’s method at HL; the exams get shorter and the IA moves to four criteria. The course structure and core topics (functions and calculus) stay the same, with no new topics.
See the full timeline and changesNot sure which maths route fits your child?
In the IB Pathway Diagnostic, we look at the student’s current courses and grades and plan the SL/HL choice and holiday preparation together.
This is an independent comparison of published course guides and syllabuses by Math with Alex. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the International Baccalaureate Organization or Cambridge.
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