Skip to Main Content

Statistics

Understanding of statistics is a crucial skill for many degree courses and employment choices, particularly in the fields of research and social sciences.   Statistics A Level gives students the tools needed to analyse data and draw conclusions.  This is useful for students studying subjects such as A level Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science, Maths, Biology, Applied Science, Business Studies, PE/Sport and Economics.  It is also an ideal third A level for aspiring medical students. 

The emphasis throughout the course is on real world examples and the focus is very much on how statistical analysis can be used as a tool across many subjects.   Future careers and pathways can include Data Science, Quantitative Methods, Research Methods and Data Analytics amongst others, all of which are expanding areas. 

Students will require a graphical calculator for this course, which can be purchased through Aquinas at a discounted rate of approximately £75.

Qualifications & Assessments

Exam Board EDEXCEL
Level Level 3
Qualification A Level
Assessment Method 100% Examination
Entry Requirements Entry Requirements
Photograph of a student with a calculator

Paper 1: Data and Probability (2 hours)

Topics include:-

  • Numerical measures
  • Graphs and diagrams
  • Population and samples
  • Binomial distribution
  • Normal distribution
  • Correlation and linear regression
  • Bayes’ theorem,
  • Experimental design
  • Exponential and Poisson distributions

Paper 2: Statistical Inference (2 hours)

Topics include:-

  • Correlation and linear regression
  • Introduction to hypothesis testing
  • Contingency tables
  • One and two sample non-parametric tests
  • Experimental design
  • Sampling
  • Estimates and resampling
  • Significance testing
  • Confidence intervals
  • Paired tests
  • Goodness of fit
  • Analysis of variance

Paper 3: Statistics in Practice

Questions may be set on any of the topics within the specification, including the Statistical Enquiry Cycle (SEC).

Students can progress from this qualification to:

  • a range of different, relevant academic or vocational higher education qualifications
  • employment in a relevant sector.

In particular, this qualification provides a foundation in statistics for students seeking to undertake higher education in social sciences, biological sciences or medicine and related health studies.

Students may be surprised at just how many interesting jobs there are for statisticians. There is a long list which includes jobs in forensics, environmental science, the medical industry, market research, the sports industry and the pharmaceutical industry.

  • Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Lecture
  • Making Maths at Manchester
  • Maths Fest
  • Maths Inspiration Lecture
  • Problem Solving Course
  • UKMT Senior Maths Challenge

Related Courses

Skip Courses

Biology

Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems and from micro-organisms to mammoths. Biology is never far from[...]

Photograph of a biology student with books and some plants.

Business

Business studies students study a variety of topics related to strategy and decision making. One day you may be a manager in a business related to your chosen subject area[...]

Photograph of a business student

Economics

Economics is concerned with the activities of different groups such as consumers, businesses and governments. It examines issues which are increasingly dealt with in the media such as debt, recession,[...]

Photograph of an Economics student studying

Environmental Science

This course provides an ideal base for employment, for example, ecology and wildlife conservation, land management, town planning, architecture, forestry, geology or climatology. Students could work for a charity like[...]

Photograph of Environmental Science student studying.

Further Mathematics

This subject is for those who love maths and really want to take it further. It allows you to delve deeper into the subject in a more challenging way.

Student sitting at a desk holding a pen and smiling

Geography

Geography has modules in physical and human geography. Students develop skills in mathematics, analysis and extended writing. Practical work within the specification is one of the attractions of Geography and[...]

Photograph of a student studying Geography next to a globe

Mathematics

This course is for those who enjoy the challenges of mathematics and want an A level which is highly thought of by both employers and universities.

Photograph of an A level maths student.

Psychology

The Psychology course is an investigation into mind and behaviour. The course assumes no prior knowledge of the subject and will appeal to anyone who is interested in understanding and[...]

Photograph of a Psychology student studying
News & Blog

Latest From Aquinas

To start their Applied Business course, the Lower Sixth students visited Chester Zoo to support their Unit 2 Business Dynamics coursework. The trip provided a valuable opportunity to explore how a large, well-known organisation like Chester Zoo operates, particularly in areas such as customer experience, sustainability, and marketing strategy

Aquinas students attend a talk at Chester Zoo

It was our pleasure to welcome former MP and government minister Edwina Currie to talk to our students on Friday 26th September. Edwina enjoyed a long and varied career in public life, serving as the Conservative Member of Parliament for South Derbyshire from 1983 to 1997. During her time in government, she was appointed a […]

Edwina Currie at Aquinas College with students

I am thrilled with this fantastic set of achievements for Aquinas students who have produced another outstanding set of results. Their hard work has been rewarded and resulted in our best outcomes ever. An impressive 60% of A level results have been at the highest grades of A*, A or B, with a 99% pass […]

Photograph of students holding up their exam results.

Lower 6th students GCSE Japanese Students at Aquinas celebrated Tanabata, known as the Star Festival, on their last day of term. The celebration is based on an ancient tale of two young people who are very much in love but only allowed to meet each year on the 7th July and only if the skies […]

Photograph of Japanese students celebrating Tanabata