critical thi nki ng
AS/A2 Critical Thinking
Why Study Critical Thinking? Critical Thinking involves the development of higher level thinking skills. It will enhance your thinking ability generally and will have beneficial effects in the other subjects you are studying.
AS/A2 Critical Thinking EXAM BOARD: OCR
meet the students
The college will offer the OCR specification in Critical Thinking, the nature of which is summarised below.
SPECIFICATION AIMS Critical Thinking can be defined as a form of
Studying: Critical Thinking, Government & Politics, History, Sociology
I enjoy the discussion aspect of Critical Thinking. We regularly debate topical issues and study opposing arguments in relation to the exam. Carmel is a friendly, accommodating college and there are a lot of resources available to students. Teachers are always willing to put extra time and effort into helping students. After I leave Carmel I want to complete a degree in Sociology & Politics and eventually work in journalism.
meet the tutors
• evaluate reasoning of different kinds, including common and important species of reasoning; • make connections and synthesise information and arguments;
reflective reasoning which analyses and evaluates information and arguments by
• generate their own arguments and express them clearly.
applying a range of intellectual skills in order to reach clear, logical and coherent
ANNA GETTINGS Bellerive
• recognise and evaluate assumptions;
This Critical Thinking specification provides opportunities for students to:
judgements within a given context. This specification gives students opportunities to: • identify the component parts of an argument; • understand the importance of examining knowledge and beliefs critically; • recognise, analyse and evaluate their own and others’ beliefs and knowledge claims in a variety of contexts;
• demonstrate and apply a wide range of thinking skills (especially reasoning skills) in a range of contexts; • develop an ability to transfer these skills and make connections; • integrate ideas and develop concepts; • use arguments; • make judgements and evaluate evidence; • examine questions from a broad standpoint.
Conference with Dr Roy van den Brink-Budgen
What support will I receive? An extensive range of resources is available in this subject, including:
• Outstanding tutor support • Critical Thinking conference with Dr Roy van den Brink-Budgen
MICHAEL GRIFFITHS Head of Department
• Student workbooks • Library texts
KARL SMITH ED SWANN NICOLA NEWTON
Critical Thinking is not a new subject. The ideas and concepts that comprise its study were developed from philosophy and education. It is an essential part of university study.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? This AS qualification is divided into 2 units: Unit 1: Introduction to Critical Thinking - the language of reasoning and assessing the credibility of evidence. Unit 2: Assessing and Developing Argument – identifying flaws and assumptions, drawing conclusions, analysing and presenting developed arguments. The course is assessed by examination in January (1 hour 30 minutes) and May (1 hour 30 minutes). There is no coursework in this subject. All units are externally assessed with the assessment set and marked by OCR.
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES This specification requires candidates to: • Analyse critically the use of different kinds of reasoning in a wide range of contexts; • Evaluate critically the use of different kinds of reasoning in a wide range of contexts; • Develop and communicate relevant and coherent arguments clearly and accurately in a concise and logical manner.
meet the students
meet the students
OLIVER HOLMES Cardinal Heenan
JAMES SIMPSON De La Salle
Studying: Critical Thinking, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths I study Critical Thinking as part of the Gifted and Talented programme at Carmel. It’s a really interesting subject which develops your skills and teaches you lots of new ways to look at things. I enjoy the relaxed and sociable atmosphere at college. My tutors are friendly and supportive and I’ve had very good careers advice and guidance on applying to university. The Oxbridge Conference at Haydock Park was also extremely useful to me as I hope to read Chemistry at Oxford University when I leave.
Studying: Critical Thinking, Geography, Maths, Further Maths, Physics In Critical Thinking the debates we have in class are very interesting and entertaining. It’s a good way to polish your arguing skills! Whilst studying at Carmel I have also enjoyed being President of the Student Council and being part of the People and Planet group. The college has a really friendly atmosphere; the teachers are approachable and give you a positive attitude towards doing your best. When I leave I hope to study Computer Science at Imperial College of Durham University.
Programme of assessment WEIGHTING UNIT
LEVEL
1
AS
2
AS
3
A2
4
A2
UNIT TITLE
Introduction to Critical Thinking
Assessing & Developing Argument Ethical Reasoning & Decision Making Critical Reasoning
MODE OF ASSESSMENT
DURATION
AS GCE %
Written Examination
1 hour & 30 mins
50
Written Examination
1 hour & 30 mins
Written Examination
Written Examination
ADVANCED GCE %
25
1 hour & 30 mins
50
25
1 hour & 30 mins
-
25
-
25
WHAT DOES CRITICAL THINKING INVOLVE?
meet the students JORDAN WILLIAM The Bluecoat
Studying: Critical Thinking, English Combined, Film Studies, Maths, Media Studies I enjoy studying Critical Thinking. You are encouraged to express your own views and take part in class discussions. Carmel is a great place to study. There are lots of facilities for students like the brand new computer suites and student work bases and there is a relaxed and friendly atmosphere around college. Earlier this year I took the opportunity to visit America with the Film and Politics departments. It was brilliant fun and very educational. When I leave Carmel I hope to study Creative Writing or Film Studies at university.
more information Course Specification is available from the OCR Exam Board Website:
www.ocr.org.uk
Critical Thinking is the analytical thinking which underlies all rational discourse and enquiry. It is characterised by a meticulous and rigorous approach. As an academic discipline it is unique in that it explicitly focuses on the processes involved in being rational. These processes include: analysing arguments; judging the relevance and significance of information; evaluating claims, inferences, arguments and explanations; constructing clear and coherent arguments; forming well-reasoned judgements and decisions. Being rational also requires an openminded yet critical approach to one’s own thinking as well as that of others. Critical Thinking is just as much a vital academic skill as good reading and writing. In many A Level exams a high percentage of marks are awarded for reasoning and evaluation.
Subject tutors aim to develop students' critical ability as part of the teaching of their specialist subject. Critical Thinking differs in that it focuses directly on improving your thinking skills enabling you to transfer these skills to your other subjects and everyday life. Critical Thinking therefore complements any AS/A2 programme as the skills you develop can be applied to essays, coursework and exams. It will also be beneficial when presenting yourself at job and university interviews. Many prestigious universities use critical thinking-type tests for prospective students and the academic rigour required is the focus for Medicine and Law course entrance tests. Studying Critical Thinking at AS Level will therefore be a useful preparation for these tests.
Why study Critical Thinking? • It is useful • It is interesting • It is fun It will enable you to: • Understand and analyse what other people say and write • Decide whether other people’s reasoning is strong or weak • Assert your own point of view and argue convincingly This will help you in your other studies and your life to: • Make rational decisions • Give reasons for your own beliefs and actions • Write logical, structured pieces of work • Attempt to answer questions where you do not know the answer.