Cambridge International · IGCSE 0606 · Years 10 and 11

IGCSE Additional Maths 0606 help

Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics, code 0606, is the second maths qualification that strong pupils take alongside 0580 or 0980. Cambridge describes it as designed "to stretch the more able candidates" and as a smooth transition to AS and A Level. It also has a feature families rarely hear about until results day: the grade scale stops at E. This page covers the two papers, the fourteen topics, what changed for 2025 and why the calculus has to be done by hand.

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The short answer

Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics 0606 is an advanced IGCSE from Cambridge International for able pupils, usually in Years 10 and 11. Every candidate sits two papers of 2 hours and 80 marks: Paper 1 without a calculator and Paper 2 with one, each worth half. Both papers can test any of fourteen topics, from functions and logarithms to calculus. Only grades A* to E exist. Modern Age Coders teaches 0606 live online through our IGCSE Mathematics course, in a group of 15 to 20 or 1-on-1, and the first class is free.

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Three courses for an Additional Maths candidate

Our IGCSE course carries the 0606 content. The A level course is where the same ideas continue, and the competition course stretches the problem solving.

IGCSE Maths course thumbnail

CA / 01

IGCSE Mathematics

Additional Mathematics 0606 taught with, or after, the 0580 Extended content it assumes.

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A-Level Maths course thumbnail

CA / 02

A Level Maths

Pure mathematics that continues 0606 calculus, logarithms and trigonometry.

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Maths Olympiad & Competition Course course thumbnail

CA / 03

Competition Mathematics

Unfamiliar problems for pupils who finish 0606 papers with time left over.

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The two papers

How is IGCSE Additional Maths 0606 assessed?

Two written papers of equal length and weight. The only difference between them is the calculator.

Unlike 0580, Additional Mathematics has no tiers. Every candidate sits the same two papers, and the syllabus says each "consists of questions based on any part of the content." There is no split where one paper takes algebra and the other takes calculus, so a pupil cannot hope to bank marks on a favourite topic in one sitting and avoid a weak one in the other.

Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics 0606: the two components
PaperCalculatorTimeMarksWeightContent
Paper 1Not allowed2 hours8050 per centAny part of the syllabus
Paper 2Scientific calculator required2 hours8050 per centAny part of the syllabus

Eighty marks in two hours is roughly one and a half minutes per mark, which is more generous per mark than 0580's Extended papers. The extra time is there because the marks are earned through longer chains of algebra. The assessment objectives are weighted evenly: knowledge and understanding of techniques (AO1) and analysing, interpreting and communicating (AO2) each carry 45 to 55 per cent of the qualification.

Source: Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics 0606 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027, "Assessment overview" and "Details of the assessment", from the Cambridge International 0606 page. The minutes-per-mark figure is our arithmetic.

No F or G

What happens if you fail IGCSE Additional Maths?

The result is unclassified. 0606 has no grades F or G to fall back on.

The syllabus is unusually direct about this: "Grades A* to E will be available for candidates who achieve the required standards. Grades F and G will not be available. Therefore, candidates who do not achieve the minimum mark for grade E will be unclassified." In 0580 a weak Core paper still earns a G. In 0606 there is no equivalent; a pupil either reaches E or leaves with no grade for the subject.

How 0606 grading compares with the main IGCSE, from the two Cambridge syllabuses
0580 Core0580 Extended0606 Additional
Grades availableC to GA* to EA* to E
TiersTwoTwoNone
If below the lowest gradeUngradedUngradedUnclassified
Calculator banPaper 1Paper 2Paper 1

What this means for entry

A school enters 0606 candidates because it believes they will reach at least E. That judgement rests on algebra: the syllabus assumes the whole of 0580 or 0980 content, "This includes the use of indices and surds."

A pupil who is still shaky on Extended 0580 algebra is the pupil most at risk of an unclassified 0606 result. It is better to secure that algebra first than to take both qualifications under strain.

What it means for the upside

For a pupil who is secure, 0606 is a strong signal. Cambridge says candidates achieving A* to C "are well prepared to follow a wide range of courses including Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics."

It also gives a running start on A level: logarithms, radians, the binomial expansion and calculus all appear again in the first year of sixth form.

Our first class for a 0606 candidate includes a short algebra check we wrote ourselves: rearranging, factorising cubics, index laws and surds. If it shows gaps, we say so before any Additional Maths topic is taught, because the risk of an unclassified result is too high to discover in a mock.

Fourteen topics

What topics are in IGCSE Additional Maths 0606?

Fourteen, listed by Cambridge in this order, with a note on what each asks for beyond 0580.

The 0606 content list, with our note on the step up from 0580
#TopicThe step up, in our words
1FunctionsDomain, range, inverse and composite functions, and modulus graphs
2Quadratic functionsCompleting the square, the discriminant and quadratic inequalities
3Factors of polynomialsThe factor and remainder theorems for cubics
4Equations, inequalities and graphsModulus equations and sketching cubic and modulus curves
5Simultaneous equationsOne linear and one non-linear equation
6Logarithmic and exponential functionsLaws of logarithms, solving exponential equations, natural logarithms
7Straight-line graphsTurning a non-linear relationship into a straight line
8Coordinate geometry of the circleNew from 2025: the equation of a circle and where lines meet it
9Circular measureRadians, arc length and sector area
10TrigonometryGraphs, identities and equations over a given interval
11Permutations and combinationsArrangements and selections, with restrictions
12SeriesThe binomial expansion, arithmetic and geometric progressions
13Vectors in two dimensionsPosition vectors, unit vectors and velocities
14CalculusDifferentiation, integration, areas and kinematics

Topic list from the 0606 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027, "Content overview". The right-hand column is our summary, not Cambridge's wording; the syllabus itself gives the full learning outcomes and notes.

Calculus without a formula list

The syllabus states: "No formulas will be given in the List of formulas for the Calculus section." Pupils must know the derivatives of xn, sin x, cos x, tan x, ex and ln x, the chain, product and quotient rules, and the matching integrals.

Only "an informal understanding of the idea of a limit is expected", and differentiation from first principles is not required. The weight falls on using the rules accurately, not on proving them.

Answers that lose marks on format

Cambridge lists conventions that cost marks if ignored. "A numerical answer should not be given as a combination of fractions and decimals". "When asked to 'simplify', the candidate must simplify fully", and the same applies to factorise.

On graphs, the modulus of a non-linear function "should have cusps", and values should be read to within half of the smallest square on the grid.

What changed for 2025

What changed in 0606 for 2025, and is 2028 different?

One topic in, one topic out, and a calculator ban on Paper 1. The syllabus for 2028 to 2030 makes no significant teaching change.

The 2025 revision of 0606, from Cambridge's change list
ChangeCambridge's wording
Topic removed"The Indices and surds topic has been removed from the subject content (this is now assumed knowledge)."
Topic added"A new topic on Coordinate geometry of the circle has been added to the subject content."
Calculator"Paper 1 is now a non-calculator paper, calculators are not allowed in the exam."
Standard"The questions in the examinations are the same standard as in the existing assessment."
Marking"Mark schemes have been updated to award more marks for working where appropriate"
Teaching time"The teaching time has not changed."

Two practical consequences follow. First, any past paper from before 2025 has a calculator on both papers and no circle questions, so it gives a misleading picture of Paper 1. Second, surds and indices did not disappear: they moved from a taught topic to an assumed skill, which means they now turn up inside other questions without warning. Cambridge's own teacher factsheet puts it simply: "Learners will need to practise solving problems and showing their working without a calculator."

Looking further ahead, the syllabus for examination in 2028, 2029 and 2030 says: "There are no significant changes which affect teaching." A pupil starting 0606 in Year 10 in September 2026 for exams in 2028 can use the same preparation.

Sources: "Changes to this syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027" in the current syllabus, the Cambridge "Getting ready to teach" factsheet for 0606, and the 0606 syllabus for 2028 to 2030.

Worked examples, ours

Two Paper 1 style problems, worked by hand

Both written by us at 0606 level, and both solvable without a calculator: one from the new circle topic, one from calculus.

Our first problem. A circle has equation x2 + y2 − 6x + 4y − 12 = 0. (a) Find its centre and radius. (b) Find the coordinates of the points where the line y = x − 10 meets the circle.

  1. Complete the square in x and in y: (x − 3)2 − 9 + (y + 2)2 − 4 − 12 = 0, so (x − 3)2 + (y + 2)2 = 25.
  2. Read off the centre (3, −2) and the radius 5. The sign flip inside each bracket is the step most often lost.
  3. Substitute y = x − 10 into the original equation: x2 + (x − 10)2 − 6x + 4(x − 10) − 12 = 0, which simplifies to 2x2 − 22x + 48 = 0.
  4. Divide by 2 and factorise: x2 − 11x + 24 = (x − 3)(x − 8) = 0, so x = 3 or x = 8.
  5. Find y from the line: the points are (3, −7) and (8, −2). Check: each is 5 units from (3, −2), which confirms both lie on the circle.

Our second problem. The curve y = 2x3 − 9x2 + 12x + 1 has two stationary points. Find them and determine their nature.

Finding the points

Differentiate: dy/dx = 6x2 − 18x + 12 = 6(x2 − 3x + 2) = 6(x − 1)(x − 2). Setting this to zero gives x = 1 and x = 2.

Substitute back into the curve: when x = 1, y = 2 − 9 + 12 + 1 = 6; when x = 2, y = 16 − 36 + 24 + 1 = 5. The points are (1, 6) and (2, 5).

Deciding their nature

The second derivative is d2y/dx2 = 12x − 18. At x = 1 it is −6, which is negative, so (1, 6) is a maximum. At x = 2 it is 6, positive, so (2, 5) is a minimum.

Every number here is small on purpose. On Paper 1 the factorisation of the derivative is the whole question; a pupil who cannot factorise by inspection cannot finish.

Six more practice questions, written by us at 0606 level (answers checked in Python)
#Our questionTopicAnswer
1Solve log2 x + log2 (x − 2) = 3.Logarithmsx = 4 (x = −2 is rejected)
2Find the term in x2 in the expansion of (2 + x)5.Series80x2
3Differentiate (3x2 + 1)4 with respect to x.Calculus24x(3x2 + 1)3
4Evaluate the integral of 3x2 − 2x from x = 0 to x = 2.Calculus4
5How many arrangements of the six letters of PLANET begin with a vowel?Permutations240
6A sector has radius 6 cm and angle 0.8 radians. Find its arc length and area.Circular measure4.8 cm and 14.4 cm2

Both worked problems and all six questions are ours, written on 31 October 2026, not Cambridge questions. Specimen papers for the 2025 syllabus are linked from the Cambridge 0606 page, and schools hold past papers through the School Support Hub.

Entries

Who can sit 0606, and when?

Any school pupil or private candidate who can find a centre, in June or November.

Entry facts from the 0606 syllabus
QuestionCambridge's answer
Exam seriesJune and November, plus March for schools in India
Private candidates"Private candidates can enter for this syllabus."
Cannot combine in one series withCambridge O Level Additional Mathematics 4037
Can combine withIGCSE Mathematics 0580 or IGCSE (9 to 1) Mathematics 0980 in the same series
Teaching timeDesigned around 130 guided learning hours, for guidance only
Prior studyA lower secondary maths course, with 0580 or 0980 content assumed

Because 0606 assumes 0580 or 0980, most schools teach the two side by side in Years 10 and 11, often with less lesson time for Additional Maths than for the main IGCSE. That is the gap tutoring usually fills: the main IGCSE gets the timetable, and 0606 gets what is left. A pupil who sits 0580 in June and wants 0606 later can use the November series.

Families comparing qualifications may find our IGCSE maths overview useful, and those already looking at the sixth form can read whether A level Further Maths is worth it, since 0606 is often the first sign a pupil may want it.

Progression

Four rungs to a confident 0606 paper

Additional Maths is built on algebra, so the first rung is algebra and the last is speed.

What a 0606 candidate should be able to do, stage by stage
RungTypical timingWhat should be true
1. Extended algebra secureStart of Year 10Factorising, rearranging, surds and index laws by hand, without hesitation
2. Functions and graphsYear 10Composite and inverse functions, modulus graphs, polynomials and the circle
3. Calculus and seriesLate Year 10 into Year 11The derivative and integral rules, kinematics, binomial expansion and progressions
4. Paper 1 paceFinal two termsFull two-hour papers by hand, with every step written so method marks are safe

Rung one protects the grade

With no grade below E, weak algebra is not a small cost. It is the main reason a 0606 result can be unclassified.

Pupils who like algebra on a screen may enjoy coding for IGCSE students.

Rung four is where marks are kept

Cambridge now awards more marks for working, so a page of clear steps earns credit even when the last line slips.

Classes thin out during each exam series.

The catalogue

Nine courses around Additional Maths

Grouped by when a 0606 pupil tends to need them. The free first class sets the starting point.

I

The IGCSE years

0580 and 0606 together

UK / CA1 / 01

IGCSE mathematics

Additional Mathematics alongside the Extended content it relies on.

Open the syllabus

UK / CA1 / 02

GCSE mathematics

For pupils at UK schools taking GCSE maths with 0606 as an extra.

Open the syllabus

UK / CA1 / 03

Statistics and probability

Counting and probability, building on topic 11.

Open the syllabus
II

Sixth form

Where 0606 leads

UK / CA2 / 01

A level maths

Pure, mechanics and statistics, continuing 0606 calculus.

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UK / CA2 / 02

A level further maths

Complex numbers, matrices and further calculus for keen mathematicians.

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UK / CA2 / 03

IB mathematics

For pupils moving on to the IB Diploma instead of A levels.

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III

Stretch

Beyond the syllabus

UK / CA3 / 01

Competition mathematics

Problems that reward the same algebra fluency 0606 builds.

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UK / CA3 / 02

Maths through coding

Functions, series and graphs explored in Python.

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UK / CA3 / 03

Vedic maths

Faster hand arithmetic for the non-calculator paper.

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How classes run

Algebra first, then everything else

Weekdays or weekends, flexible: choose your batch, or for a very personalised plan choose 1-on-1 at your convenience, weekend mornings or weekdays. Our teachers work from India, whose clocks never change, and each booking is confirmed in UK time.

After school

Common for Year 10 and 11 pupils.

Evening

Fits round homework for the main IGCSE.

Weekend morning

Time for a full two-hour paper.

Algebra checks

Short hand-algebra checks most weeks, because every 0606 topic rests on them.

Calculus by hand

Derivatives and integrals recalled, since no calculus formula is given in the exam.

Full working

Every step written down, to collect the method marks Cambridge now awards.

Circle questions

The 2025 topic practised with problems we write, as older papers have none.

Two-paper practice

Mixed-topic papers, since either paper can test anything.

Group or 1-on-1

A group of 15 to 20 0606 pupils, or one teacher for one pupil.

Student work

Work our students produced in class

Everyday class projects, never marked for an exam. More are in student labs.

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Fees

Fees for Additional Maths 0606 classes

One monthly fee in US dollars for families outside India. The first class is free, and payment begins only once a course and a regular slot are fixed.

Free first class

USD 0

no card required

  • A first class with our algebra check
  • A frank view of 0606 readiness
  • Booking needs only a phone number
Book it

Group batch

USD 100

a month, billed in US dollars

  • A group of 15 to 20 0606 pupils
  • One teacher through Years 10 and 11
  • Non-calculator papers every few weeks
  • Quieter weeks in each exam series
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One to one

USD 150

a month, billed in US dollars

  • One teacher for one pupil
  • Planned around both IGCSEs
  • Suits a pupil adding 0606 late
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Questions about 0606

What families ask about IGCSE Additional Maths

How many papers are in IGCSE Additional Maths 0606?

Two. Paper 1 and Paper 2 are each 2 hours and 80 marks and each is worth half of the qualification. Paper 1 is sat without a calculator and Paper 2 requires a scientific calculator.

Is a calculator allowed in 0606 Paper 1?

No. Since the revision for first examination in 2025, Paper 1 is a non-calculator paper. Calculators are still allowed and required in Paper 2.

What grades can you get in IGCSE Additional Maths?

Only A* to E. The syllabus says grades F and G will not be available, so a candidate who does not reach the minimum mark for E is unclassified.

Is IGCSE Additional Maths hard?

It is harder than 0580 Extended, because it adds calculus, logarithms, radians and series, and both papers can test any topic. Cambridge says it is designed to stretch the more able candidates.

Do you need 0580 to take 0606?

The syllabus assumes knowledge of 0580 or 0980 content, including indices and surds. Most schools teach them together in Years 10 and 11, and 0606 can be sat in the same series as either.

What topics are in 0606?

Fourteen: functions, quadratic functions, factors of polynomials, equations and graphs, simultaneous equations, logarithms and exponentials, straight-line graphs, the circle, circular measure, trigonometry, permutations and combinations, series, vectors and calculus.

Are formulas given in the 0606 exam?

A list of formulas is printed in the paper, but the syllabus states that no formulas will be given for the calculus section. Derivatives and integrals of the standard functions must be learned.

Can a home-educated pupil sit 0606?

Yes. Private candidates can enter for this syllabus through an exam centre that accepts them. The centre makes the entry and sets its own arrangements.

When are your 0606 classes?

Weekdays or weekends, flexible: choose your batch, or for a very personalised plan choose 1-on-1 at your convenience, weekend mornings or weekdays. Times are always given in UK time.

Are you connected with Cambridge?

No. Modern Age Coders is independent and has no link with Cambridge University Press and Assessment. Our examples are written by us and we do not copy Cambridge papers.

Elsewhere on this site

More for strong IGCSE mathematicians

The main IGCSE, the sixth-form options and problem solving beyond the syllabus.

IGCSE maths tuition online

Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE maths compared, tier by tier.

A level maths tuition online

The course where 0606 calculus and logarithms continue.

Further maths tuition online

For pupils who find 0606 the part of maths they enjoy most.

Is A level Further Maths worth it?

A question many 0606 families meet in Year 11.

UKMT maths challenge tutoring

The UK competitions for pupils who enjoy hard problems.

Coding classes in the UK

An index of every UK page we publish.

Related pages in this guide

Part of the guide: UK maths exam boards and specification codes

International GCSE and Cambridge International

GCSE maths

A level maths and further maths

Scotland

International Baccalaureate

More guides: UK maths year by year, Reception to Year 11 · UK selective school maths tests: 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+ · UK university admissions: maths tests and computing applications · UK maths enrichment, competitions and able pupils

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Leave a number and we will call at a UK time you choose. The class starts with our algebra check and moves into a 0606 topic, so you leave with a clear sense of readiness.

Want to read more first? Every course page shows its syllabus, how we teach explains our method, and student labs collects student projects.

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