Year 9 Options Evening - Statistics

WHY IS STATISTICS IMPORTANT?

Statistics gives you the opportunity to broaden your knowledge in a key component of mathematics that is relevant to everyday life. We live in a world where data is being collected all the time and quite often you may not even realise it. The demand for statisticians who can collect, process, analyse and interpret that data is currently very high and growing. Statistics is a desirable subject for employers because of the many cross-curricula links. It is used in many subjects such as Geography, Health & Social Care, Psychology, Business, Economics, Law and Sciences amongst others. It will also help develop your mathematical knowledge and is very desirable if you are planning to study A-Levels or further.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

GCSE Statistics will cover three main areas. These are:

• The collection of data
• Processing, representing and analysing data
• Probability

You will study a variety of statistical techniques across a range of authentic investigations, using real-world data in contexts such as, but not limited to, populations, climate, sales, etc. You will identify trends through carrying out appropriate calculations and using data visualisation techniques. Through this you will understand ways that data can be organised, processed and presented. This includes using statistical measures to compare data and therefore make accurate conclusions.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

You will sit two written exams in the summer of Year 11 which make up 100% of the assessment. These are both calculator papers and the total of the two scores will provide your grade.