Statistics

STATISTICS AT GMS

Statistics is a fantastic choice for all GMS students who want to know the facts behind the figures and want to make sense of the world around them. It complements other subjects including biology, geography and business studies.

The logical, problem-solving and numerical skills gained are useful for many different areas of employment: from working with a Formula One racing team on aerodynamics, to stock market trading.

STATISTICS KS4 & KS5

KEY STAGE 4 STATISTICS (EDEXCEL 1ST0)

The GCSE Statistics foundation tier course, taught in the autumn term of Year 10, will consolidate much of the statistical learning in the GCSE Mathematics at higher tier. The GCSE Statistics higher tier course, taught later in Year 10 and in Year 11, will extend the students’ statistical knowledge and cover many of the topics taught in A-level Statistics and Mathematics.

Assessment

This newly reformed course will be assessed by two examinations; taken at the end of the two year course. Each examination will be equally weighted, with all topics potentially being tested on each paper. As the Statistical Enquiry Cycle is a major element of the course, students will complete a number of statistical investigations throughout the two year course.

There are two tiers of entry:

• Higher grades 9 to 4 (two 1½ hour examinations)
• Foundation 5 to 1 (two 1½ hour examinations)

It is expected that the vast majority of Great Marlow students will sit the higher tier examination.

Course Outline

The aim of this course is to increase students’ awareness of the role that statistical analysis can play in their lives. It deals with obtaining, representing and processing data in order to extract information and draw conclusions.

The course will cover the following areas:

• Planning a statistical investigation: hypothesis, planning an investigation, experiments/surveys, appreciation of constraints.
• Data Collection: types of data, obtaining data, census data.
• Sampling: conducting a survey/experiment.
• Representation: diagrammatic representation.
• Data Analysis: measures of central tendency and of spread.

Other summary Statistics includes Time Series, Quality Assurance, Correlation, Regression, Estimation and Probability.

Use of ICT

Extensive use is made of ICT throughout the course. Students will be able to download and install a copy of Autograph at home to support their learning.

Books/Guides/Website

It is expected that the examination board, Pearson/Edexcel, will produce a revision guide that will be available for students to buy in Year 11. There will also be a pack of past examination papers available in Year 11 to help students prepare for their two examinations.

In addition, there are a number of websites that will be used throughout the course. These include:

• www.mymaths.co.uk
• www.ons.gov.uk
• www.khanacademy.org

KEY STAGE 5 STATISTICS – Year 12 & 13 (This is a new course for 2017-19)

The reformed A-level Statistics qualification will appeal to the student who wishes to pursue study of a numerate post-16 subject, but may not want to study Pure Mathematics. It is designed to give an understanding of the calculation of statistical measures, as well as their application and interpretation, without requiring knowledge of Pure Mathematics beyond GCSE.

For example, no calculus techniques are required and questions that are essentially algebraic problems will not be set. The content has been selected to include statistical knowledge, skill and techniques, which are needed for the study of other subjects, such as biology, economics, geography, psychology and business studies.

Providing you do not wish to go on to study a degree that requires A-level Mathematics, eg Mathematics, Physics or Engineering, many students are likely to achieve a higher grade studying A-level Statistics, than A-level Mathematics.

With the reformed A-level, there will be much more emphasis on both the use of technology and in the Statistical Enquiry Cycle (SEC). As a result, students will be expected to use a graphical calculator and a number of statistical applications (eg Autograph). Students will also carry out a number of investigations during the course to help them to develop their understanding of the Statistical Enquiry Cycle (SEC).

For the majority of university degrees the A-level grade is much more important than the subject studied. Unless you wish to become a mathematician, physicist or engineer, A-level Statistics could help you get that all important university place.

How are the lessons taught?

There will be eight hours of lessons every fortnight. Students will be expected to do at least a further 16 hours of private study every fortnight.

How will the qualification be assessed?

There will be three 2 hour examinations at the end of the two year course.

• Paper 1: Data and Probability
• Paper 2: Statistical Inference
• Paper 3: Statistics in Practice (with focus on Statistical Enquiry Cycle)

GCE Statistics Reformed (Edexcel) Scheme of Work (version 2)

Year 12

Year 13