I have received book B, is that correct?

It is indeed. All of our students receive a hardcopy of book B as the main course resource. You will be given access to book A (for support material) and book C (for extension work) online, via Kerboodle.

Can I buy a hardcopy of book A and C?

Although we do not feel that this is necessary, some students choose to do so, and these are widely available from retailers such as Amazon.

Is the support material only used by weaker students?

Not at all. Maths is a subject where we build on previous skills, and these skills may be forgotten over time or be entirely new. It can be helpful to look at material that revisits the topics in a little more depth than book B. A student who feels that they are unfamiliar with a topic and needs to use support material is one who is very much in control of their studies and has our full respect and admiration!

Why are the ‘problem solving’ questions harder than the examples given in the coursebook?

These style of questions, typically found at the end of each exercise, are written with the intention of helping you prepare for the harder ‘thinking outside the box’ style IGCSE exam questions. These are extension questions, where a student will have to apply their knowledge to unfamiliar contexts or draw together different topics to answer one question. Put simply, if these questions are challenging, then they are serving their purpose!

Do I have to do the extension work in book C for each topic?

Where possible, the Programme of Study will direct students to the problem-solving questions from book C. These questions are the most challenging ones on this topic and are directed at the most able of students. Please attempt these questions if you are enjoying the topic or are aiming to achieve the highest grades in your exams.

Can I study from book C instead of book B?

We do not advise this as there will inevitably be omissions. The Programme of Study follows the English National Curriculum, and book B contains material on all of these topics. We suggest that any work done from book C is in addition to book B.