AS GCE in Critical Thinking undertaken as Independent learning by Year 12.

The value of the course is that the skills are transferable across the curriculum and link to many of the tests that universities are given students as a means to entry. The course also has the added benefit of giving students an extra AS level that can be used to help gain an advantage over other students in the quest for university places or careers.

Unit 1 – Credibility of Evidence

This unit is designed to give candidates an introduction to judging credibility skilfully and therefore links well with subjects such as History, English and Sociology as well as careers such as law, the media and politics. The skills looked at include corroboration of sources, the source’s reputation and the nature of the source.

1 AS Exam of 1 hr 15mins – Structured questions on one of more sources.

Unit 2 – Assessing and Developing Argument

This unit assesses the relevance and adequacy of analogies, flaws and assumptions in developing arguments. The skills include identifying when an argument is an assumption and what can be considered a circular argument.

1 AS Exam of 1 hr 45mins – 20 multiple choice questions.

Guidance is given via workbooks, Enrichment Days, the school MOODLE system and critical thinking websites.