Consultations on the future of statistics at GCSE and A level
The RSS would like to encourage fellows to respond to the Department of Education and to Ofqual's consultation on the redevelopment of statistics qualifications at GCSE, AS and A Level for schools and colleges in England.
The Department for Education is consulting on the subject content (ie what should be taught), while Ofqual is consulting on assessment (how students’ knowledge and understanding should be assessed). Both are focusing on statistics at GCSE, AS and A level.
We very much hope that fellows will respond to either or both of the consultations with their own views on statistics as a subject, to show that these qualifications are valued and supported by employers, universities and others in the wider community.
The RSS response will raise its own points for improvement. Our main objection is regarding Ofqual’s proposal for all subject content to be assessed by written examination. While we recognise that good practice needs to be assured, including dealing with possible plagiarism and undue help within schools, we believe that applied aspects of statistical enquiry can only be fully addressed in practical assessment. As such, we would prefer non-exam assessment weighted with at least 20-25% of the marks. Our response will point to reformed STEM subjects such as Computer Science and Engineering, which both retain coursework projects to address practical aspects of the subject.
Both consultations close on 5 November 2015. However, if you would like to feed in to the RSS response, please send your comments to our policy and research manager, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by 28 October.
