The Royal Statistical Society Centre for Statistical Education (RSSCSE) started the CensusAtSchool project in 2000

It aims to:

• Involve students in collecting data about themselves and improve understanding of a data gathering process, its purpose and benefits to society;

• Foster a positive attitude to statistics through using real data that is of interest to students;

• Enhance the process of statistical enquiry across the curriculum;

• Encourage effective Information and Communication Technology (ICT) teaching and learning, including the use of the Internet;

• Provide access to large and meaningful data sets;

• Make comparisons between the student responses in different countries.

Since 2000 several other countries have embraced the project with necessary adjustments to reflect local culture and traditions. These countries include; Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada and now, in 2009, Ireland. In 2007 an International Committee was established and the Phase 8 questionnaire contained 11 international questions included in all five main countries questionnaires. This enables closer and valid comparisons to be made between the children participating in CensusAtSchool. Three international workshops have already taken place -- in Melbourne, Australia in 2007; Los Angeles, USA in 2008; and Durban, South Africa in 2009. Do visit the websites of the participating nations and have a look at their projects and the excellent curriculum ideas and resources they have provided.

The worldwide database, which contains well over a million responses, can be sampled over the Internet for use in creating teaching and learning materials. It enables teachers and pupils across the world to enhance their data handling skills leading to improved statistical literacy and thinking. The involvement of different countries vastly increases the potential for exchange of information between school-aged children and is a unique way to assess global, social and other changes. It has the added bonus of providing ICT opportunities, and is motivational for both teachers and children alike.

The website at www.censusatschool.com provides access to all resources and each country’s own CensusAtSchool website. Do take a look and get involved. The project is totally free to all Irish Schools and offers a unique and different experience for your pupils.