Why should I study this subject?
Statistics is about making decisions when there is uncertainty, using statistics to understand large amounts of data, and communicating the findings.
Perhaps one of the most versatile areas of maths, it gives students the skills to collect, analyse, interpret, and present data using the statistical enquiry cycle.
GCSE Statistics initially builds on many of the skills studied in Key Stage 3 and GCSE maths, but takes these mathematical ideas much further and seeks to develop an undstanding of their use.
Many new skills and statistical methods and concepts are introduced and applied to real world situations, including the communication of statistical findings.
What will I study?
The course content includes:
- Data collection – planning surveys, experiments, and sampling methods
- Data representation – charts, graphs, tables, and diagrams
- Measures of central tendency – mean, median, mode, and range
- Probability – calculating and interpreting probabilities
- Correlation and regression – exploring relationships between variables
- Statistical measures – including variance, standard deviation, and cumulative frequency
- Interpreting and evaluating data – drawing conclusions and spotting bias
How will I be assessed?
The exam board for Statistics is Edexcel and assessment consists of two externally-examined papers, as follows:
Paper 1
- Exam duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Worth 50% of final mark
Paper 2
- Exam duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Worth 50% of final mark
Are there higher and foundation tiers?
No. All students sit the same exam and study the same content, with questions designed to allow achievement across the full range of grades (9–1).
Are there any trips or enrichment opportunities?
TBC
Will this course be good preparation for post-16 study?
GCSE Statistics prepares students for post-16 study by developing strong skills in data analysis, probability, and interpreting results. It also builds logical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to present information clearly – skills that are valuable for A-levels, further study, and careers involving maths, science, or data.
