This mini-lesson covers AQA GCSE PE — Use of Data: types of data (quantitative vs qualitative), how to present data in tables and graphs, and the everyday maths skills you need — mean, median, mode, range, percentages and ratios — applied to PE and sport.
Every calculation here is worth practising: examiners give marks for correct working as well as the answer. Work through each screen, answer the questions as you go and collect ⭐ stars. Press Start when you're ready.
Types of data
Quantitative vs qualitative data
In PE you collect data to monitor training and performance. There are two main types:
Quantitative data — numbers you can measure (time for a sprint, heart rate, distance jumped). Objective and easy to compare.
Qualitative data — opinions and descriptions (how a performance looked, how a player felt). Subjective but rich in detail.
Tip: if you can count or measure it, it is quantitative. If it describes quality or opinion, it is qualitative.
Quick check
Which type of data?
?A coach records each player's 30 m sprint time in seconds. What type of data is this?
Presenting data
Presenting data — tables & graphs
Choose the right chart for the data:
Tables — organise raw numbers clearly.
Bar charts — compare separate categories (goals per player).
Line graphs — show change over time (heart rate during a match).
Pie charts — show proportions of a whole (share of possession).
Always label axes, add units and give the graph a title so it can be read correctly.
Quick check
Best graph to use
?A student wants to show how a runner's heart rate changed every minute during a 20-minute run. Which graph is most suitable?
Averages
Mean, median, mode & range
Four measures summarise a set of numbers:
Mean — add all values and divide by how many there are.
Median — the middle value when the data is put in order.
Mode — the most common value.
Range — the largest value minus the smallest (a measure of spread).
Worked example — goals in 5 games: 2, 4, 4, 1, 4
Mean = (2+4+4+1+4) ÷ 5 = 15 ÷ 5 = 3.
Mode = 4 (most common). In order: 1, 2, 4, 4, 4 → median = 4. Range = 4 − 1 = 3.
Calculate
Find the mean
1A netballer scores these goals in four matches: 6, 8, 10, 8. Calculate the mean number of goals per match.
goals
Hint: mean = (6 + 8 + 10 + 8) ÷ 4 = 32 ÷ 4.
Calculate
Find the range
2A group's resting heart rates are 58, 62, 70 and 75 bpm. Calculate the range.
bpm
Hint: range = highest − lowest = 75 − 58.
Percentages
Percentages in sport
Percentages compare performance fairly. To find a percentage:
3A footballer scores 9 goals from 36 shots on target. Calculate the percentage of shots that were goals.
%
Hint: (9 ÷ 36) × 100.
Ratio
Ratios
A ratio compares two quantities. Simplify it by dividing both sides by their highest common factor.
Worked example
A team wins 12 matches and loses 8. Win : loss = 12 : 8.
Divide both by 4 → 3 : 2.
Calculate
Simplify a ratio
4In training a squad completes 20 aerobic sessions and 5 anaerobic sessions. Written as aerobic : anaerobic and simplified to lowest terms, the ratio is __ : 1. Enter the first number.
: 1
Hint: 20 : 5 → divide both by 5 → 4 : 1.
Sort it
Put each one in the right group
Tap each item, then tap whether it is quantitative data, qualitative data, or something best shown on a line graph over time.
🔢 Quantitative
💬 Qualitative
📈 Line graph best
Quick check
Reading a mean
?Two players average 5 and 9 tackles per game across the season. What does the higher mean suggest, all else equal?
Match it
Match each statement to its answer
Tap a maths term on the left, then its correct meaning on the right.
Statement
Answer
Recap
The big ideas to know
Data types: quantitative = numbers/measured · qualitative = opinions/descriptions
Graphs: bar = compare categories · line = change over time · pie = proportions
Averages: mean = total ÷ number · median = middle · mode = most common · range = max − min
Percentage: (part ÷ whole) × 100
Ratio: simplify by dividing both sides by the highest common factor
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