Mathematics Matters!

Candidate Classes Special Edition

Unlock the power of mathematics – the key to problem-solving, logical thinking, and future success! Whether you’re a student preparing for exams or a parent supporting your child’s learning journey, this special article is packed with strategies, resources, and challenges to inspire confidence and achievement in maths. Dive in, explore, and let’s make every problem an opportunity to excel!

How to Revise Effectively…

Success in mathematics comes through understanding and practise.

• Daily Practise: Tackle a small set of questions every day.
• Past Papers: Use timed conditions to get exam ready.
• Identify Weak Spots: Don’t avoid hard topics, master them gradually.
• Marking Schemes: Learn examiners’ expectations.
• Balanced Revision: Mix between Pure, Statistics, and Mechanics.

Note: Avoid over-reliance on AI tools for homework – exams test your practice!

Recommended Resources

Students are encouraged to use the following high-quality tools:

Century Tech – personalised practice with instant feedback.

Collins IGCSE Maths Textbook – non-calculator and calculator topics (the answers are on the Year 11 Google Classroom)

Save My Exams: notes, videos, and exam-style questions .https://www.savemyexams.com/

Papa Cambridge: past papers and examiner reports.https://papacambridge.com/

Past Paper Penguin: a huge bank of IGCSE topical papers.https://pastpaperpenguin.com/

Which Course?

Core vs Extended – Quick Comparison

Core:

- Max grade = C

- Focus on foundations.

- Suitable for students who need more time.

Extended:

- Includes Core + advanced topics.

- Grades up to A*.

- Requires faster pace and deeper problem-solving.

Decision: After the 3rd October assessment, placements will be finalised.

Maths Clinics – Extra Support

Year 11: Thursdays 3.45 - 4.45 in M3, Fridays 3.45 - 4.45 in M15

A Level: Thursdays 3.45 - 4.45 in M13

Early mornings are also available by separate arrangement with your teacher!

Focus: past paper revision and problem areas. Bring your questions!

Attendance: compulsory for targeted students, optional for others.

Competitions & Enrichment

We are excited to share upcoming Mathematics Challenges:

• UKMT Senior Mathematical Challenge (SMC) – Thursday, 9 October 2025 (Year 12)
• Nairobi Academy Junior Maths Challenge – Saturday, 15 November 2025 (Years 8, 9 & 10).

Participation encourages students to stretch their skills, engage with challenging problems and enjoy mathematics beyond the classroom.

Puzzle Zone

Challenge Yourself!

Puzzle 1: A farmer has 17 sheep. All but 9 ran away. How many are left?

Puzzle 2: Find two consecutive integers whose product is 420.

(Hint: call the smaller integer n, then solve n(n+1) = 420)

Puzzle 3: Find the smallest positive number that leaves remainder 3 when divided by 7 and remainder 1 when divided by 5.

Fun Maths Facts

• Zero was invented in India over 1,500 years ago.
• A Googol is 1 followed by 100 zeros.
• Egyptians used fractions, not decimals.
• Bees use hexagons because it’s the most efficient storage shape.

Note: The solutions to these puzzles will be revealed in our next mathematics edition, so keep practising and stay tuned!

Mathematics is about problem-solving, resilience, and logical thinking. With consistent effort, every student can improve. Let’s work together – parents, teachers, and students to unlock success!

Mathematics Team