Statistics GCSE

Exam Board: AQA

There is considerable overlap between Maths and Statistics at GCSE level. This course will greatly benefit those who want to achieve a 6 or higher at GCSE Maths. Students will study topics covered in Maths GCSE but will have the opportunity to extend these and to use them in real life situations.

Data will be collected, presented and analysed using techniques such as pie charts, cumulative frequency polygons and histograms. Data will also be analysed by using the mean, mode, median, range, quartiles, percentiles etc. Probability is also part of the syllabus. In addition, students will learn new ways to interpret data looking at topics such as seasonal trends and population.

The course then moves on to look at other uses of statistics such as financial statistics (e.g. cost indices, RPI) and population statistics (birth and death rates).

Knowledge of statistical analysis is also becoming increasingly important in the work place. Having a GCSE in this subject will greatly benefit those students considering a variety of career options such as computing, business, education media and psychology.

How the course is assessed

2 written calculator exams (1 hour 45 minutes each) Papers include multiple choice and short answer questions as well as a Statistical Enquiry Cycle Question.

Suitable Candidates

Statistics is used across the curriculum in subjects such as Geography, Science, Environmental Science, Psychology and Philosophy. Students taking Statistics GCSE will gain an advantage of a ‘second’ Maths qualification at GCSE and it will aid the transition between GCSE and ‘A’ level. Students going on to study subjects including Science, Geography, Social Sciences and Psychology at sixth form college will find knowledge of Statistics extremely useful.

Post 16 Progression Routes

Note that students who are currently in Set Newton who particularly want to study Statistics as an option course should speak to Mr. Francis.

AS or A level Maths AS or A level Further Maths

Student Comments

“Statistics allows you to use Maths in the real world.”

“Statistics gives you an important insight into how data can be manipulated. I will never look at a survey the same!”