AS/A2 Critical Thinking

AS / A2 Critical Thinking

WHY TAKE CRITICAL THINKING?
Critical Thinking provides opportunities to develop deeper thinking skills, evaluate information and arguments, whilst developing your own ability to make decisions and draw conclusions based on evidence and using logic. It develops skills that can be used in A level or vocational areas, work and further academic study.

WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF STUDY?
A variety of materials such as newspapers, internet articles, adverts, films and current affairs programmes will be discussed and conclusions drawn about the presentation of arguments and their strengths and weaknesses. You will also construct your own arguments. In credibility exercises you will consider the reliability and credibility of witnesses in a variety of scenarios, and explore issues such as corroboration, vested interest, reputation and expertise. At A2 you will be applying the thinking to ethical issues concerned with science, religion, politics, society, business, economics and ethics. You will also build on skills developed
at AS and look at complex arguments.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I NEED AND DEVELOP?
You should have a good standard of written English and a willingness to discuss and debate. You need to enjoy tackling thought provoking problems. You will develop the ability to analyse and evaluate your own and others' beliefs in a range of contexts. You will also learn how to generate and express your own arguments clearly.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
All four units are assessed by written exams that consist of a mixture of multiple choice questions, data response questions and short essays.

PRIESTLEY EXTRA
Critical Thinking students participate in a wide range of enrichment activities in College where they can use and practice analytical thinking skills. Students will have the opportunity to attend a Critical Thinking conference in Manchester to develop and extend their skills. Debate and argument about current affairs is a key part of the course.