St David's Catholic College | Courses

Statistics

Statistical techniques are used throughout modern industrial societies for analysis of data, to explain observations and to help make rational decisions. Modern communication techniques use statistical ideas and techniques in presenting and analysing data for public consumption.

The emphasis of the course is on using and applying statistics and hence, AQA recommends that candidates use a graphic calculator for GCE Statistics. The content of the AS specification has been selected to include statistical knowledge, skills and techniques which are needed for the study of other subjects such as Biology, Geography, Psychology and Business Studies. The A2 specification is designed to give an understanding of the calculation of statistical measures, as well as their application and interpretation.

AS Statistics is also available as a Twilight Session between 4 -6pm

AS Units (Year One)

The Advanced Subsidiary (AS) is studied in the first year. The course is divided into three separate modules which are equally weighted. They are:

Statistics 1 which contains: Numerical Measures, Probability, Binomial Distribution, Normal Distribution, Estimation, Correlation & Regression
Statistics 2 which contains: Time Series Analysis, Sampling, Discrete Probability Distributions, Interpretation of Data, Application of Hypothesis Testing
Statistics 3 which contains: Application of Contingency Tables in Real World Situations, Distribution Free Methods, Correlation

Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

Unit 1: 1.5 hour written paper sat in January
Unit 2: 1.5 hour written paper sat in June
Unit 3: 1.5 hour written paper sat in June

A2 Units (Year Two)

Students can choose to progress to the full Advanced Level (A2) In the second year of study. This contains three modules which are equally weighted:

Statistics 4 which contains: Continuous Probability Distributions, Distributional Approximations, Estimation in a Real World Context, Application of Hypothesis Testing
Statistics 5 which contains: Exponential & Rectangular Distributions, Estimation, Application of Hypothesis Testing

Statistics 6 which contains: Experimental Design, Analysis of Variance, Statistical Process Control, Acceptance Sampling

Advanced Level (A2)

Unit 4: 1.5 hour written paper sat in January
Unit 5: 1.5 hour written paper sat in June
Unit 6: 1.5 hour written paper sat in June

Statistics gives a grounding in the basic techniques used in today’s world, and is useful in many careers. It helps develop the ability to think logically and solve problems. Statistics is useful for many university courses.

It is also an advantage for: teaching, academic research and development, actuarial work and insurance, accountancy and banking, management consultancy, sales, computing, market research, medicine, genetics, civil service.

Qualification(s)

Specific Entry Requirements

Students are required to have Higher Level GCSE Maths at grade C or above.

Results

SUMMER 2010

A – C grade: 60%

Results highlight: A grades 20%

Examination Board

AQA