Critical Thinking
AS Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking teaches important skills such as:
- The identification of reasons and conclusions.
- The identification of assumption and flaws in arguments.
- Assessment of the credibility of evidence
- Evaluation of the structure, strengths and weaknesses of arguments.
These skills are directly relevant to subjects such as English, History, Geography and Religious Studies, and Law, where essays and written coursework have to be produced. Because critical thinking helps to develop analytical and evaluative skills, it can be applied to any subject or discipline.
Course Content
Critical Thinking is about developing skills rather than acquiring knowledge, so it can be delivered in 1 or 2 lessons per week. Thus makes a good 5th AS level.
As well as skills development, we have many debating and discussion sessions, often based on current topics, which enable students to develop their self confidence.
There are also many on-line resources and software for use in developing Critical Thinking skills. There is also plenty of exam practice, which you are mostly expected to do in your own time.
You will find yourself in a class with a varied set of people, all clamouring to express their opinions.
Assessment
The AS critical thinking exam consists of two one and a half hour units. The first unit (50% of marks) covers the language of reasoning. You will begin to analyse arguments and assess the credibility of evidence in a variety of forms. For unit 2 (50% of marks) you will have a series of multiple choice questions and short structured questions aimed at developing your evaluation of arguments and evidence. You will also begin to construct your own arguments.
Entry Requirements
Five grade Cs at GCSE coupled with an enjoyment of discussion and an intellectual challenge.
The Next Step
Critical Thinking can give you the edge here, because leading universities and medical, veterinary science and law schools are increasingly turning to their own admission tests to differentiate between good and outstanding candidates. These tests rely heavily on Critical Thinking skills.
Student Views
"A big help with my other subjects."
"It has made me listen more carefully to people."
"I can now win arguments with my mates and even my mum!"
"I actually want to go to lessons because we don’t just sit and listen or write things down."
