IGCSE Class 10 Syllabus: Core & Extended Guide
ConferenzaCambridge IGCSE is an international Class 10 qualification, and one thing makes it different: many subjects come in two tiers, Core and Extended, so you sit the paper that matches your level. Here is the IGCSE syllabus subject by subject, plus how to choose the right tier and prepare for it.
1The subjects at a glance
The core academic subjects in this catalogue - each with a broad, timeless overview.
1
English
Offered as First or Second Language: reading and comprehension of unseen texts, directed and continuous writing, and clear communication. IGCSE English rewards precise, purposeful writing shaped to its audience, so practise the writing tasks, don't just read.
★ High yield - a skill you use everywhere2
Mathematics
Number, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, and probability and statistics - offered at both Core and Extended tiers. Extended goes further into algebra and functions for the higher grades, and both reward steady problem practice over memorising.
★ High yield - Core or Extended3
Physics
Motion, forces and energy, waves, electricity and magnetism, and the basics of atomic physics. A practical or alternative-to-practical component tests real experimental skills, so understand the method behind each experiment, not just the result.
★ Concept + practical - Core or Extended4
Chemistry
The particle model, atoms and bonding, the periodic table, acids and bases, and organic chemistry, plus chemical analysis. The practical work is where the marks and the understanding meet - learn the tests, observations and reasoning, not just the equations.
★ Concept + practical - Core or Extended5
Biology
Cells and organisation, transport and nutrition, coordination, reproduction, inheritance and ecology. Clear labelled diagrams and precise definitions carry real marks, and Extended adds more depth for higher grades - build the vocabulary early.
★ Concept + practical - Core or Extended2Core or Extended - and how to study
The tier decides how deep the paper goes, so choose it honestly - and study for how IGCSE is marked.
Match the tier to your level
Extended opens the higher grades but assumes you're comfortable with the fundamentals. Pick the tier where you can be secure and accurate, subject by subject, with your teacher's guidance.
Learn the command words
IGCSE questions use precise instructions - state, describe, explain, calculate. Answering exactly what the command word asks is one of the simplest ways to gain marks.
Ignoring the practical skills
The experimental or alternative-to-practical papers test method, observation and analysis. Treating them as an afterthought leaves easy, learnable marks on the table.
Vague, unstructured answers
Cambridge marks specific points, not general waffle. Definitions, correct terms and clear steps score; a paragraph that circles the idea usually doesn't.
3How the year flows
A steady build toward the written and practical papers.
- 1
First stretch - understand the fundamentals
- Cover the core content in each subject and build clear notes.
- Decide, with your teacher, where Core or Extended fits you.
- Checkpoint: the basics are solid before depth begins.
- 2
Mid-year - practise the practicals
- Work through experiments and the alternative-to-practical style.
- Learn the command words and how each is answered.
- Checkpoint: you know what each question type wants.
- 3
Later - past-paper practice
- Attempt past papers at your chosen tier, under time.
- Mark against the scheme to see exactly where points are awarded.
- Checkpoint: your answers match the mark scheme's points.
- 4
Final revision - sharpen and confirm
- Target weak topics and refine timing across papers.
- Confirm your final tier choices for each subject.
- Checkpoint: confident, tier-set and exam-ready.
Tap to reveal - a quick IGCSE self-check.
Have I chosen Core or Extended honestly for each subject?Reveal
Extended unlocks higher grades but assumes secure fundamentals. Choose the tier where you can be accurate - subject by subject, with your teacher.
Do I answer to the command word - state vs explain vs calculate?Reveal
Cambridge questions mean their instructions precisely. Matching your answer to the command word is one of the easiest mark-gains there is.
Am I practising the practical or alternative-to-practical paper?Reveal
It tests method and analysis and is very learnable. Don't leave those marks unclaimed by skipping the experimental side.
Written by the Conferenza Study Desk to help learners - not to sell. This is a friendly overview, not the official document; subjects, tiers, patterns and grade boundaries can change, so always confirm the current syllabus on the official Cambridge (Cambridge Assessment International Education) website.
Practise the right way for IGCSE Class 10
Chapter-wise question banks, sample papers and workbooks for IGCSE Class 10 — everything you need to turn understanding into marks.