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B A · May/June 2024

From B to A: Hiroshi's IGCSE Maths Journey at Garden International School

Garden International School · Kuala Lumpur · Extended tier · 8 months

Hiroshi's father worked for a Japanese corporation in KL and Hiroshi attended GIS where the IGCSE programme is among the most rigorous in the country. His challenge was twofold: strong Japanese maths background but all examination work in English, and GIS's fast pace leaving him with gaps in the Extended topics introduced in Year 10. Teacher Rig worked with Hiroshi over eight months, addressing both challenges simultaneously — content gaps in functions and calculus, and English mathematical vocabulary and presentation that Cambridge examiners expect. His past paper scores moved from 68% (solid B) to 81% (A range) by March, and he held that performance through to the examination in May. He achieved A — a result that secured his UK sixth-form college placement.

"GIS is a great school but very fast. Hiroshi needed someone to fill the gaps and strengthen his English exam technique. Teacher Rig did both expertly."

— Parent of Hiroshi

Questions About This Journey

Do Japanese students find Cambridge IGCSE Maths hard?

Japanese students often have excellent mathematical skills but find the Cambridge examination format — English language answers, shown working in Cambridge style, verbal explanation within solutions — very different from Japanese exam conventions. Targeted bridging support makes a significant difference.

Could your child's story be next?

Book a trial class with Teacher Rig and let's find out what's possible.