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Statistics

GCSE Statistics
Exam Board: AQA – GCSE Statistics (8382)
Head of department – Toby Farahmand

GCSE Statistics at Reading Girls’ School provides students with the knowledge and skills to collect, analyse, interpret and present data in meaningful ways. The course builds strong analytical thinking and supports progress in a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, the sciences, geography, psychology, business and economics.

Students learn how statistics are used in the real world to make decisions, identify trends and support arguments. The course is accessible, highly relevant and designed to help students become confident, critical users of data in an increasingly information-driven society.

Years 9, 10 and 11

Students begin the foundation of GCSE Statistics in Year 9, developing key mathematical and analytical skills that prepare them for the AQA qualification. Across Years 10 and 11, they deepen their understanding of statistical theory and apply methods to real-life contexts, using genuine datasets, case studies and investigative tasks.

Key areas of study include:

  • Data collection: surveys, sampling methods, questionnaires, bias, secondary data
  • Data presentation: charts, tables, histograms, cumulative frequency curves, box plots
  • Data analysis: measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode), measures of spread (range, IQR, standard deviation)
  • Probability: experimental and theoretical probability, Venn diagrams, tree diagrams, expected outcomes
  • Statistical investigations: planning an investigation, forming hypotheses, analysing results, drawing conclusions
  • Interpreting statistics: correlation, lines of best fit, misleading statistics, real-world data sources
  • Using technology: calculators, spreadsheets, digital tools to model, process and interpret data

These skills empower students to understand the role of statistics in society — from scientific testing and public health to finance, opinion polls and sport.
 

Exam Board and Syllabus Code
AQA – GCSE Statistics (8382)
Further information is available on the AQA website by searching for:
“AQA GCSE Statistics 8382”

Structure of the Course
The GCSE is assessed through two written examination papers:

Paper 1: Statistics 1

1 hour 45 minutes – 80 marks (50%)
Assesses statistical methods, data handling, and probability in accessible contexts. Includes multiple-choice, short-answer and structured questions.

Paper 2: Statistics 2

1 hour 45 minutes – 80 marks (50%)
Focuses on applying statistical techniques to more complex or unfamiliar contexts.
Students interpret and analyse data in depth, drawing reasoned conclusions.

Both papers assess:

  • The statistical enquiry cycle
  • Data collection, processing, representing, analysing, concluding and evaluating
  • Application of mathematics within statistics
  • Real-world problem solving

Homework
Students are set regular homework that may include:

  • Short exam-style questions
  • Data-handling practice using real-life scenarios
  • Probability problems and reasoning tasks
  • Interpreting graphs, charts and misleading data
  • Use of spreadsheets for investigation and modelling

Homework supports the development of secure procedural knowledge and strong exam technique.

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