AQA GCSE Statistics specification (8382)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA GCSE Statistics exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official AQA GCSE Statistics specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official AQA GCSE Statistics (8382) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
GCSE Statistics equips students with the skills to collect, analyse, interpret and present data in real-world contexts. It fosters statistical thinking, critical evaluation, and the use of statistical techniques across subjects such as science, business, and geography. The course supports data-based decision making and explores both theoretical and practical approaches to data, from hypothesis planning to interpretation. It also emphasises the growing impact of technology in data analysis and encourages learners to critique findings, understand variability, and communicate results effectively through the Statistical Enquiry Cycle:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
3.1 Section A
- Importance of planning: designing a clear strategy for collecting, recording and processing data
- Understanding constraints: cost, ethics, time, convenience
- Mitigating issues: population identification, non-responses
3.2 Section B
- Data types: raw, categorical, discrete, continuous, bivariate, multivariate
- Primary vs secondary data; data sources: experiments, surveys, observation
- Bias and reliability: sampling methods (random, stratified, quota), leading questions
- Data cleaning: missing values, non-responses, outliers
3.3 Section C
- Visual representation: bar charts, line graphs, histograms, box plots, pie charts
- Graph critique: scale misuse, truncated axes, misleading visuals
- Graph comparison: converting data formats, comparing medians, means, spread
3.4 Section D
- Averages: mean, median, mode, weighted and geometric mean
- Measures of spread: range, quartiles, standard deviation
- Skewness: by inspection and calculation
- Correlation: Spearman’s rank, regression lines
3.5 Section E
- Probability: experimental vs theoretical, conditional probability, Venn and tree diagrams
- Comparing datasets: using spread and central tendency measures
- Normal and binomial distributions
- Index numbers and seasonal trends
- Risk interpretation: relative vs absolute, bias in experiments
- Quality assurance, standardisation, population estimates (e.g. Petersen method)
3.6 Statistical Enquiry Cycle
- Planning: hypothesis, data choice, collection method
- Collection: primary/secondary data, sourcing and constraints
- Processing: using tech to represent and analyse data
- Interpretation: drawing conclusions in context
- Evaluation: critique, improvement, refinement:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Paper 1
- All specification content assessed
- Written exam: 1 hr 45 mins
- 80 marks, 50% of GCSE
- Tiered: Foundation (1–5) and Higher (4–9)
- Includes multiple choice, short answers, and a Statistical Enquiry Cycle (SEC) question
Paper 2
- All specification content assessed
- Written exam: 1 hr 45 mins
- 80 marks, 50% of GCSE
- Tiered: Foundation and Higher
- Includes multiple choice, short answers, and an SEC question
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge and understanding (55%)
- AO2: Interpretation and reasoning (25%)
- AO3: Evaluation of statistical methods and conclusions (20%)
Grading
- Foundation tier: grades 1–5
- Higher tier: grades 4–9 (grade 3 awarded if close to grade 4 threshold):contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA GCSE Statistics isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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