IGCSE Additional
Mathematics,
beyond 0580.
Cambridge 0606 Additional Mathematics — the harder, optional IGCSE maths taken alongside regular 0580. Introduces calculus, advanced trigonometry and matrices — the direct bridge to A-Level Mathematics and IB Maths AA HL.
The advanced IGCSE maths. Calculus, matrices, advanced trig and algebra — taken alongside 0580 by students targeting A-Level or IB AA HL.
Add Maths is the A-Level bridge.
IGCSE Additional Mathematics (0606) is an optional, harder mathematics qualification taken alongside the core 0580 IGCSE Maths. It introduces topics not covered in 0580 — differentiation, integration, advanced trigonometric identities, matrices, vectors and set theory — and is the single best preparation for A-Level Mathematics (9709) or IB Mathematics AA HL.
Who should take it
Students targeting A-Level Maths, IB Maths AA HL, or any competitive STEM programme should take Additional Maths. The calculus foundation it builds (differentiation and integration from first principles) saves 2–3 months of catch-up at A-Level.
Why coaching matters
Additional Maths is a significant step up from 0580 — many students who score A* on 0580 find themselves struggling with 0606 because the algebraic manipulation demands are much higher. Our Add Maths mentors are the same A-Level specialists who teach 9709, so they know exactly what 0606 is building towards.
The full content we cover.
Every Times Edu Additional Mathematics mentor maps lessons directly to the official syllabus — nothing on the exam is a surprise.
Algebra
Quadratics, simultaneous equations, inequalities, polynomials.
Functions
Composition, inverse functions, modulus functions.
Trigonometry
Identities, equations, radians, sine and cosine rules.
Coordinate Geometry
Lines, circles, intersection of curves.
Calculus
Differentiation and integration — rules, tangents, areas.
Vectors
2D vectors, position vectors, scalar product.
Matrices
2×2 matrices, determinants, inverse, transformations.
Permutations & Combinations
Counting principles, binomial theorem.
Every paper and assessment, mapped.
Knowing the format is half the battle. Here is the full breakdown.
Non-Calculator
Structured questions — no calculator allowed. Tests pure algebraic technique.
Calculator
Structured questions — scientific calculator allowed.
Central Topic
Differentiation and integration appear on both papers every year.
Working & Notation
Full working and correct mathematical notation required for full marks.
Why even strong students lose marks here.
Three traps we see most often — every one is fixable with focused coaching.
Calculus without foundations
Students who jump into differentiation rules without understanding limits conceptually plateau at grade C. We build the intuition before the mechanics.
Paper 1 calculator reliance
Paper 1 is non-calculator. Students who depend on TI-84 for basic algebra fail this paper. We drill non-calculator technique weekly.
Trig identity panic
The additional trig identities (double angle, Rcos(θ+α)) are where most A candidates stall. We teach them as derivable from basic identities rather than memorised formulas.
From diagnostic to final grade.
Add Maths calculus was terrifying until my Times Edu mentor showed me it was just the same algebra I already knew, with one new idea. Final: A*. And A-Level Maths felt easy after that.
What families always ask.
Should my child take Additional Maths alongside 0580?
If targeting A-Level Maths, IB AA HL or any competitive STEM programme, yes — strongly recommended. The calculus and advanced algebra foundation saves months of catch-up later.
Is Add Maths harder than 0580?
Significantly — roughly equivalent to the first 3 months of A-Level content. Students who get A* on 0580 typically start at B on 0606 and need coaching to reach A*.
Can my child take Add Maths without being strong at 0580?
We recommend at least a 7/A on 0580 before attempting 0606. Students below that level should focus on strengthening 0580 first.
How is 0606 different from 0580 Extended?
0580 Extended covers core IGCSE maths. 0606 adds calculus, matrices, advanced trigonometry, vectors and permutations — topics not in 0580 at all.
Ready to turn Additional Mathematics into a top grade?
Book a free 60-minute diagnostic — full gap analysis, realistic grade prediction and personalised roadmap. Worth $60, free for the first 50 families.