Critical Thinking is a ‘Gifted and Talented’ course that is offered by invite to those students who have achieved the highest average GCSE score across all their subjects. Taught expediently on (usually) 3 periods a fortnight Critical Thinking is a challenging course that will test the most able of minds. An exciting subject, Critical Thinking is skill based rather than content driven and encourages you to see the world differently. As you get to grips with the skills of the course you will start to think – think actively and to solve problems independently. Fascinating as an academic discipline Critical Thinkers will find themselves applying their skills to their other subjects and to the important questions of life.
The 2 Units of Critical Thinking AS Level require you to understand how arguments are constructed and work (very useful) and to evaluate their relative merits and flaws. In addition you will learn to evaluate how evidence is presented and ask questions of the credibility of arguments. Teaching will involve a thorough theoretical grounding followed by the application of CT skills through case studies and eventually exam practice.
If you are invited to attend Critical Thinking leave your pride at the door and be ready for an academic challenge that will make your brain ache! Prepare to dazzle your friends and family with the power of your reasoning and apply your skills to your AS levels and impress your subject teachers.
Awarded the same UCAS points as other AS Levels, Critical Thinking could be a clincher when applying for the most sought after University places. Anecdotally, Critical Thinking is useful for applicants to Oxbridge and the ‘top’ universities as well as competitive subjects such as Law and English. Some ‘brave’ students opt to continue their studies to full ‘A’ Level (6 this year) where they are supported but receive no formal teaching – they just think about thinking about it!
Exam Board: AQA
Teaching Staff: Miss C. A. Foden
Course Requirement: By invite based on GCSE average points score