Embedding Statistics at A level launched
14 July 2015
Today the Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education
(ACME) and the Royal Statistical
Society have launched their joint report, Embedding
Statistics at A level, on the statistical requirements and
assessment across A level courses in Biology, Business, Chemistry,
Geography, Psychology and Sociology.
ACME and the Royal Statistical Society
collaborated on this project in recognition that statistics is
increasingly important for a range of subjects for the 14 - 19 age
group, in further and higher education and in employment. All young
people need to develop statistical literacy in order to appreciate
both the power and limitations of statistics in a range of general
and specialist contexts. Statistical techniques are powerful
tools which can enhance learners' understanding of subject content
within a range of disciplines.
The report presents findings from an analysis of statistics in
some recently reformed A levels in England. The aim was to
investigate whether these reforms will result in the hoped-for
improvements in the assessment of statistical skills.
Important issues emerged about the
quality of statistical assessment, how to ensure that statistical
skills are embedded in qualifications and how best to deliver
coherent reforms.
The report also sets out a range of
areas that would benefit from further research.
The full report can be found here.