Year 12 Foundation Maths students are mastering data analysis, learning to spot bias and misleading visuals like distorted graphs. They are comparing surveys—which sample subsets for speed and cost efficiency—with censuses, which collect comprehensive population data for accuracy. Through case studies, they evaluate trade-offs: surveys risk sampling gaps, while censuses demand more resources. Next year, they will participate in Australia’s 2026 Census, and will be able to apply their skills to analyse real datasets. This practical experience will deepen their understanding of how national statistics inform critical policies, from school funding allocations to infrastructure planning—a vital lesson in responsible data literacy.
