Interpreting census data
Aim and introduction
At GCSE level, it is important for geography pupils to understand and interpret census data as it provides a snapshot of the UK’s population; how characteristics of that population change over time and between places. It offers pupils an opportunity to analyse patterns of data at different scales.
For this StoryMap, data has been extracted from the ONS website and within the StoryMap itself.
This StoryMap has been designed to be self-guided, with tasks to complete throughout so that pupils can work at their own pace. However, it can be used as part of a structured learning programme to fit within a scheme of work.
Specification links
AQA
3.2.1c Urban change in cities in the UK leads to a variety of social, economic and environmental opportunities and challenges.
3.2.2d Major changes in the economy of the UK have affected, and will continue to affect, employment patterns and regional growth.
3.4.3 Numerical skills
3.4.4 Statistical skills
3.4.5 Use of qualitative and quantitative data
Cambridge IGCSE
6. Changing populations
Edexcel A
Topic 4: Changing cities. Integrated skill (5) Interpreting population pyramids.
Edexcel B
Topic 2: Development dynamics. Integrated skill (2) Interpreting population pyramid graphs for countries at different levels of development.
Topic 3: Challenges of an urbanising world.
Topic 5: The UK’s evolving human landscape. Integrated skills: (1) Use and interpretation of UK population pyramids form different time periods (2) Use of census data sets to understand changes to the UK’s population
Edexcel IGCSE
Topic 6: Urban environments
9.2 The level of development and human welfare varies globally and has had a range of consequences.
9.2 (4) Interpret population pyramids using demographic data.
Data and information research skills
Eduqas A (WJEC)
2.1: The urban-rural continuum in the UK
2.2: Population and urban change in the UK
2.3: Urban Issues in contrasting global cities
2 Statistical skills
Eduqas B
1.1: Urbanisation in contrasting global cities
1.2: Urban and rural processes and change in the UK
2 Statistical skills
OCR A
1.2 People of the UK
2.2 People of the Planet
3. Geographical Skills
OCR B (from 2025)
7.1.How is the UK changing in the 21st century?
9.Geographical Skills