GCSE Maths is one of the most important stepping stones to the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). Whether you’ll be taking Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA) or Applications and Interpretation (AI), the habits you build now will directly shape your success later.
GCSE revision is not just about practising past papers — it’s about developing fluency, reasoning, and confidence. The IB takes these same foundations and pushes them further, demanding flexibility and real-world application. Here’s how to prepare now for both exams and the IB challenges ahead.
Quick Start Checklist
Here’s how to revise GCSE Maths efficiently and build IB-ready habits:
- Practise every day, even briefly.
- Focus on process, not just answers.
- Analyse your mistakes — they’re gold.
- Use real exam questions regularly.
- Mix topics to build flexibility.
- Explain your reasoning out loud.
Step 1: Identify Your Weak Areas Early
Maths builds like a tower — if one block is shaky, everything above it wobbles. Before revising, spend a day diagnosing your weak spots.
Try this:
- Complete a mixed-topic paper or question set.
- Highlight every question you got wrong.
- Categorise them (algebra, geometry, statistics, etc.).
Now, create a focused revision plan to fill those gaps. IB Maths requires depth, not just surface accuracy — and filling gaps now saves you from future frustration.
Step 2: Learn by Doing, Not by Reading
You can’t “read” your way through Maths. The only way to understand is to practise — regularly.
Follow this loop:
- Attempt a question without notes.
- Check the mark scheme or worked solution.
- Identify the reasoning used.
- Redo the question correctly from memory.
This active-learning cycle is exactly what IB Maths demands: persistence, reflection, and iterative improvement.
Step 3: Understand the Logic Behind Each Method
Memorising formulas isn’t enough — you must understand why they work.
Ask yourself:
- Why do we rearrange this equation this way?
- What does this graph really represent?
- How do these formulas connect?
This approach trains conceptual understanding — vital for IB questions that test reasoning rather than recall.
Step 4: Build Formula Fluency
You don’t need to memorise every formula — focus on core ones that appear frequently:
- Area and volume
- Trigonometric ratios
- Quadratic and simultaneous equations
- Gradient and distance formulas
Write them on flashcards and test yourself daily. In IB Maths, formulas are given, but knowing them fluently helps you focus on problem-solving instead of flipping through booklets.
Step 5: Mix Topics During Revision
Don’t revise one topic for hours; mix them up.
Example:
- Monday: Algebra + Probability
- Tuesday: Geometry + Trigonometry
- Wednesday: Graphs + Data Handling
This interleaved practice improves flexibility — you’ll get used to switching quickly between different ideas, just like in IB exams where problems blend multiple concepts.
Step 6: Use Timed Practice for Exam Technique
Once confident, start practising under exam conditions:
- 90 minutes with no breaks.
- Full calculator and non-calculator papers.
- Mark and reflect afterward.
Timed practice builds stamina and accuracy — critical for the IB, where papers are longer and demand sustained focus.
Step 7: Focus on Problem-Solving Steps
The IB (and GCSE) both reward method marks, not just final answers. Always:
- Show every step clearly.
- Use correct notation.
- Write units and reasoning.
- Check if your answer makes sense.
Practising this structure now helps you approach IB questions methodically and calmly.
Step 8: Use Real-World Context Questions
IB Maths — especially AI — focuses on applying Maths to real-life situations. Start practising word problems that require reasoning:
- Finance and interest rate questions.
- Speed, distance, and time.
- Data interpretation and correlation.
Explaining your thought process clearly trains the communication skill that IB Maths examiners love to see.
Step 9: Reflect After Every Session
After each study block, jot down:
- One concept you mastered.
- One question you misunderstood.
- One strategy to use next time.
This simple reflection process mirrors IB’s reflective learning philosophy. You’ll improve faster — and understand how you learn best.
Step 10: Stay Consistent, Not Perfect
Progress in Maths comes from small, regular effort. Even ten questions daily keeps your skills sharp.
The IB rewards persistence and curiosity — not perfection. The more consistent your practice now, the more confident you’ll feel when tackling IB Maths papers.
Expert Tips for GCSE and IB Maths Success
- Don’t skip your workings. They earn marks.
- Re-teach concepts to yourself. Teaching cements memory.
- Use technology wisely. Graphing tools like Desmos help visualise problems.
- Set daily goals. One topic, one improvement.
- Celebrate progress. Every solved problem builds mastery.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I get better at Maths fast?
Focus on weak topics first and practise daily using short, focused sessions. Consistency beats long cramming sessions.
2. What’s the best way to remember formulas?
Write them repeatedly, test yourself, and use them in questions immediately after recalling them.
3. How can I improve problem-solving?
Slow down and write your reasoning clearly. Practise with multi-step questions that combine concepts.
4. How does GCSE Maths prepare me for the IB?
It develops algebraic fluency, logic, and problem-solving — the foundation for IB’s deeper, more conceptual approach.
5. What’s the difference between IB Maths AA and AI?
AA focuses on algebraic and abstract reasoning; AI focuses on data, modelling, and applications. Both value the same core logic skills you build in GCSE.
Conclusion: Build Thinking Skills, Not Just Exam Skills
GCSE Maths isn’t just about numbers — it’s about learning to think clearly, solve creatively, and stay calm under pressure. By focusing on reasoning, reflection, and real understanding, you’re building the exact skills that will help you thrive in IB Maths and beyond.
Call to Action
If you’re finishing GCSEs or MYP and preparing to start the IB Diploma Programme, RevisionDojo can help you sharpen your analytical thinking and problem-solving confidence. Learn IB-style strategies for both Maths AA and AI so you start your Diploma with clarity and control.
