Statistics

Head of Department:  Ms R New-Kelly

r.kelly@harrisrainham.org.uk

Statistics is a fantastic opportunity for those of you who are mathematically or logically inclined. This subject gives you the chance to study something relatively new, in considerable detail, during your GCSE years.  If you enjoy subjects that have a clear relevance to the working world you will probably find GCSE statistics very rewarding. The subject focuses on how statistics are used in the ‘real world’ and you may be surprised how widely useful they actually are. You will learn about the strengths and limitations of statistics in realistic scenarios that won’t have you begging the question “When will I ever use this knowledge again?”

What will I study

A GCSE in statistics will enable you to develop statistical fluency and understanding through:

• The use of statistical techniques in a variety of authentic investigations, using real-world data in contexts such as populations, climate, sales etc
• Identifying trends through carrying out appropriate calculations and data visualisation techniques  critically evaluating data, calculations and evaluations that would be commonly encountered in everyday life
• Understanding how technology has enabled the collection, visualisation and analysis of large quantities of data to inform decision-making processes in public, commercial and academic sectors, including how technology can be used to generate diagrams and visualisations to represent data
• Understanding the ways that data can be organised, processed and presented, including the use of statistical measures to compare data and recognising the advantages of using technology to automate processing
• Applying appropriate mathematical and statistical formulae, and building on prior knowledge in mathematics

How will I be assessed

GCSE Statistics is examined with 2 90 minute exam papers, both covering the whole course

Anything else I need to know

The skills in statistics are relevant in a broad number of subject at GCSE and beyond. They are particularly useful if you intend to pursue a career in sciences, social sciences, computing, geography, business and economics. There are plenty of jobs that involve handling statistics including epidemiologist, public affairs manager, biostatistician, research psychologist, marketing and many more! It goes without saying that it will also be of great benefit to those of you wishing to study mathematics at a higher level.