IGCSE Mathematics (0607 / 0580)
Syllabus variants:
Cambridge Int'l Mathematics (0607) — used at HCIS, ACS Int'l, OWIS, EtonHouse, Dover Court, Dulwich and most Singapore international schools.
Cambridge Mathematics Extended (0580) — used at AIS and OFS.
Edexcel IGCSE Mathematics A (4MA1) — used at Nexus and Tanglin Trust.
Extended tier only for IB-track students. Tutor: Mr Ejaz, Mr Dee.
Whether your school uses 0607, 0580, or Edexcel 4MA1, the Extended tier is the correct choice for IB-track students. All three syllabuses cover the algebraic and geometric foundations IB DP builds on — vectors, functions, statistics, and trigonometry — though the exam structure and weighting differs between boards. 0607 (International Maths) is more investigation-based and is used by the majority of Singapore international schools. 0580 is the traditional exam-heavy Cambridge Maths syllabus. Edexcel 4MA1 follows a similar extended structure with Pearson's own paper style. At Photon Academy, we are familiar with all three and tailor lessons accordingly. We teach Extended exclusively — Core tier leaves significant IB Year 1 gaps.
IGCSE Additional Mathematics (0606)
Best for: High-ability students planning IB Math AA HL or AI HL.
Content: Calculus (differentiation + integration), logarithms, trigonometry, binomial theorem, permutations, circular measure, proof.
Tutor: Mr Ejaz.
Additional Maths is the single best IGCSE investment for a student planning IB Math AA HL. The calculus and algebra content of 0606 overlaps directly with IB AA Year 1 — students who arrive at IB AA HL having done Additional Maths typically find the first term significantly more manageable than peers who did not. Mr Ejaz, who has taught IB Math AA HL for 15+ years, considers 0606 essential preparation for AA HL and strongly recommended for AI HL.
Continues into IB Math tuition.
IGCSE Physics (0625)
Best for: Students planning IB Physics HL or SL, Engineering or any physical science.
Extended tier: Electromagnetic induction, nuclear reactions, deeper quantitative mechanics, waves, and electricity.
Tutor: Mr Ejaz, Mr Dee.
IGCSE Physics Extended builds the mechanics, waves, and electricity foundations that IB Physics HL assumes from day one. Students who arrive at IB Physics without these fundamentals firmly in place spend the first term catching up while the syllabus moves forward. Mr Ejaz's NUS Mechanical Engineering background means he teaches physics as a connected body of understanding — not disconnected topics — which is exactly what IB Physics HL rewards.
Continues into IB Physics tuition.
IGCSE Chemistry (0620) & Biology (0610)
Chemistry: Atomic theory, bonding, stoichiometry, acids, redox, electrochemistry, organic chemistry (alkanes, alkenes, esters, polymers).
Biology: Cells, enzymes, nutrition, transport, coordination, reproduction, genetics, ecology, evolution.
Both Extended. Tutor: Specialist Tutor.
IGCSE Chemistry and Biology both require a significant step up from combined lower-secondary science. The Extended tier's quantitative demands in Chemistry — stoichiometry, mole calculations, titration — and the conceptual depth of IGCSE Biology genetics and molecular biology are exactly the foundations IB DP HL builds on. We treat IGCSE Chemistry and Biology as IB preparation, not just exam preparation.
Continues into IB Chemistry tuition and IB Biology tuition.
