Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics (Specification A) (4MA1)
Develop mathematical techniques and problem-solving across number, algebra, geometry and statistics, through one of two tiers.
Specification Issue 2, November 2017
Course structure and assessment routes
- Foundation: papers 1F and 2F, targeting grades 5–1.
- Higher: papers 1H and 2H, targeting grades 9–4 and assuming Foundation knowledge. Take two papers from the same tier.
Main syllabus content
- Numbers and the number system
- Equations, formulae and identities
- Sequences, functions and graphs
- Geometry and trigonometry
- Vectors and transformation geometry
- Statistics and probability
Use Syllabus for the topic checklist. Where the qualification offers options, follow your chosen route rather than treating every option as compulsory.
4MA1 assessment structure
Use the route above to identify which components you take. Marks below are raw marks; the stated weightings determine their contribution to the award.
4MA1/1F
Foundation Paper 1
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Marks
- 100
- Weighting
- 50% of Foundation
4MA1/2F
Foundation Paper 2
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Marks
- 100
- Weighting
- 50% of Foundation
4MA1/1H
Higher Paper 1
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Marks
- 100
- Weighting
- 50% of Higher
4MA1/2H
Higher Paper 2
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Marks
- 100
- Weighting
- 50% of Higher
Key assessment information
- All papers are externally assessed. Calculators are permitted and a tier-specific formulae sheet is included. These are the linear 4MA1 papers, not a modular or UK GCE qualification.
Official sources and verification
Checked 2026-09-04 against the official 4MA1 syllabus/specification (PDF). Specification Issue 2, November 2017.
Source PDF pages: 11, 12, 13. PDF page positions may differ from printed page numbers.
IGCSEfy is an independent study aid. Check the full official document and your exam-paper instructions, especially exam-year options, equipment and centre arrangements. Older archive papers may follow an earlier syllabus.