Higher applications of mathematics - how to teach statistics effectively

In Scotland, numeracy is a key area of the Curriculum for Excellence so learners develop essential analytic, problem-solving and decision-making skills. The SQA Higher Applications of Mathematics was developed for young people to learn these skills, with statistics as one third of the curriculum. The emphasis is on the application of statistics to real-life data, and interpretation of results. Ensuring learners are confident in statistical literacy requires teachers' sound knowledge and understanding of how data can be managed and processed in a meaningful way, as real-world data rarely conform to textbook assumptions for analysis. In collaboration with the Scottish Funding Council, the University of Strathclyde has developed an SCQF level 7 award in statistics. It covers the Higher curriculum and the use of both software packages, so teachers have the statistical skills to teach this new and innovative qualification in Scotland.