Critical Thinking A Level

Critical Thinking A Level
Prospectus Code (FTB90) Barnstaple
Length of Study
AS Level one year.
A Level two years.
Entry Requirements
Cost
The travel costs for an optional revision conference in London.
The cost of an AS and A2 exam board endorsed textbook, which are approximately 18 each:
OCR AS Critical Thinking authors Lally Matthews, Rowe & Thwaites Publisher Heinemann ISBN 978-0-435235-89-5
OCR A2 Critical Thinking Heinemann ISBN 978-0-435235-901
The Programme
A skills based course which helps you to develop logical reasoning by examining lively controversial arguments. It helps you to develop skills to assess the credibility of evidence and tackles problem solving by using principles to resolve contemporary dilemmas. Multiple choice questions are used to test thinking skills similar to those required by university entrance tests. Finally it teaches you how to use these logical reasoning skills to develop your own strong arguments.
The Programme Content
AS Level
Unit 1: Introduction to Critical Thinking - identifying the components of an argument and assessing the credibility of conflicting evidence in a dispute. This examines the arguments used in cases of dispute in such controversial issues as DNA and crime prevention, happiness and wealth etc.
Unit 2: Assessing & Developing Arguments - analysing, assessing and developing arguments.
Unit 3: Ethical Reasoning and Decision Making - identifying problems and dilemmas, using principles to solve these in areas such as human and animal rights, the environment and medical science.
Unit 4: Critical Reasoning - a synoptic unit that analyses and evaluates more complex arguments as well as developing your own arguments.
Progression / Careers
Critical Thinking AS and A2 Level, tests skills similar to those required by the university entrance tests eg Law - LNAT, Bio medics - BMAT, medicine - UKCAT, TSA - Oxbridge Thinking Skills admissions test etc . Studying Critical Thinking can therefore enhance your skills in these areas and increase chances of success in these tests. Universities, especially Oxford and Cambridge, value the subject as evidence of independent clear thinking and strong reasoning.
Critical Thinking is useful for a wide range of degree courses where logical reasoning and problem solving are important skills. Employers such as the police, social services and the media also value the independent thinking that Critical Thinking encourages.