AS/A Level Critical Thinking

A Level Critical Thinking

Why choose Critical Thinking?
The ability to think carefully and clearly is a crucial life-skill and Critical Thinking aims to hone and refine this skill. One of the great benefits of the subject is that it is totally skills based and will equip you to perform better in all your other subjects.


Teaching and Learning Styles
Critical Thinking could be defined as reasonable, reflective thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do. In order to develop this ability you will learn how to:
identify the elements of an argument (ie the conclusions, reasoning, assumptions)
evaluate evidence
evaluate reasoning
present arguments in a clear, logical and coherent way.
You will be given handouts covering essential skills and you will be given plenty of opportunity to develop these skills in a variety of interesting and relevant contexts. Discussion and debate play an important role in this course.

Course Demands

Critical Thinking is taught in one 1 hour 20 minute lesson per week. A minimal amount of homework will be set. The course is especially recommended for students with five or more GCSEs at grade A, and for all students taking Philosophy and Ethics AS/A level.


Assessment
AS is assessed through two examinations, both 1 hour 30 minutes long. Paper 1 is the foundation unit containing questions about how to recognise good and bad arguments and how to interpret reasoning and evidence. Paper 2 requires you to assess claims from source materials, draw inferences and write your own arguments.

Students can now progress to A2, where they will build on their analytical skills to tackle complex scenarios. We will study the application of moral principles in resolving difficult real life dilemmas. We will use graphs, charts and simple probability in our assessments. We will consider the relevant criteria needed to make effective judgements. A2 is assessed by two exams taken in June.


Progression Opportunities
Critical Thinking is valued by all universities, especially Oxford and Cambridge. It is particularly useful for students going on to study Law, History, Philosophy, Economics and Medicine. Many universities are now introducing thinking skills tests as an entrance requirement for some courses, and Critical Thinking is an excellent preparation for these.