AS/A2 Level 2013 Entry
Critical Thinking1987-2012 •
Critical Thinking involves the development of higher level thinking skills 25 Years
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Enhances thinking ability generally and has beneficial effects on individuals other subjects you are studying
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Outstanding tutor support and resources are available
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Useful preparation for the entrance tests at prestigious universities
of inspiring
1987-2012 25 Years of inspiring individuals
Jessica’s Perspective The main thing I enjoy about Carmel is that you are encouraged to take a more independent and active approach to your learning, yet help is always available if you need it. The passion that the teachers have for their subjects is impressive, and this really motivates me to try my best in each lesson. Critical Thinking stimulates you to think about things in an analytical way, and apply this thinking to a whole range of real life, contemporary and sometimes controversial topics. It has definitely helped me to express my beliefs in a clear, logical way, and has encouraged me to see things from different perspectives. Carmel is a really great place to meet new people with similar interests to you. There’s never a dull moment here, with plenty of exciting opportunities to get involved with outside of studying. After Carmel, I hope to study Medicine.
AS/A2 Critical Thinking Exam Board OCR 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 reflective reasoning which analyses and evaluates information and arguments by applying a range of intellectual skills in order to reach clear, logical and coherent judgements within a given context. This specification gives students opportunities to:
This Critical Thinking specification provides opportunities for students to: •
demonstrate and apply a wide range of thinking skills (especially reasoning skills) in a range of contexts;
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develop an ability to transfer these skills and make connections;
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integrate ideas and develop concepts;
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use arguments;
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make judgements and evaluate evidence; examine questions from a broad standpoint.
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identify the component parts of an argument;
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understand the importance of examining knowledge and beliefs critically;
What support will I receive?
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recognise, analyse and evaluate their own and others’ beliefs and knowledge claims in a variety of contexts;
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recognise and evaluate assumptions;
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evaluate reasoning of different kinds, including common and important species of reasoning;
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make connections and synthesise information and arguments;
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generate their own arguments and express them clearly.
An extensive range of resources is available in this subject, including: •
Outstanding support from enthusiastic teachers
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Detailed course notes and revision materials regularly updated to include contemporary issues
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Student workbooks
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Library texts
Jessica Southward St. Cuthbert’s Studying: Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Critical Thinking
Meet the Tutors Michael Griffiths Head of Department Peter Murphy Paul Morrow Ed Swann Nicola Newton
2012 Results
A*-B A*-C A*-E
A2
59% 77% 100%
AS
35% 57% 95%
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. The assessment is set and marked by OCR.
Martin’s Perspective For me the best thing about going to Carmel is the independence it allows you in comparison to secondary school. Because we have some lessons free it requires more discipline than school, and consequently I feel I have developed skills in independent learning through going here. Also if you like a challenge, the work is just that, as it requires understanding of a subject in addition to knowledge. In A2 Critical Thinking, we analyse articles on current topics, and apply ethical systems to things like governmental decisions. Studying it has made me more aware of current affairs.
Nana’s Perspective At Carmel I really enjoy the friendly atmosphere and the extensive support offered by tutors and staff to help you achieve academic and personal growth. I like Critical Thinking because it helps me to develop skills of well-reasoned arguments and assessing information which is a very useful skill for life. I’m really impressed by the number of resources available to assist us at Carmel. After Carmel I intend to go to university and further my knowledge of the world.
Assessment Objectives This specification requires candidates to: •
Analyse critically the use of different kinds of reasoning in a wide range of contexts;
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Evaluate critically the use of different kinds of reasoning in a wide range of contexts;
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Develop and communicate relevant and coherent arguments clearly and accurately in a concise and logical manner.
Nana Ankrah St. John Bosco Arts College Studying: Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Textiles, Critical Thinking
Martin Maguire De La Salle Studying: Philosophy and Religion, Maths, Physics, Further Maths, Critical Thinking
Programme of Assessment Unit Level Unit Title
Mode of Duration Assessment
Weighting AS GCE% Advanced GCE%
1
AS
Introduction to Critical Thinking
Written Exam
1 hour 30 mins
50
25
2
AS
Assessing & Developing Argument
Written Exam
1 hour 30 mins
50
25
3
A2
Ethical Reasoning & Decision Making
Written Exam
1 hour 30 mins
-
25
4
A2
Critical Reasoning
Written Exam
1 hour 30 mins
-
25
Ben’s Perspective Carmel College is a great place to study for your A Levels. Staff in all subjects are always willing to offer support whenever it’s needed, you will meet a huge variety of new people and the facilities are of a really high standard catering for a wide range of courses. When I was first offered Critical Thinking I was unsure of what the actual subject would involve, but saw it as an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, and I’m glad I made the decision to take it as a fifth qualification. The course itself involves things like picking apart arguments and assessing the credibility of sources or claims. This may sound strange at first, but everything you learn applies to a huge range of areas throughout life. When I leave Carmel I intend to go on to university to study Physics, and I know that Critical Thinking will be an impressive part of my application. On the whole Carmel could be a key component on the pathway to your future, just as it is for me.
Ben Connolly The Sutton Academy Studying: Law, Politics, English Lit, History, Critical Thinking
More Information Course Specification is available from the OCR Exam Board website: www.ocr.org.uk
What does Critical Thinking involve? 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 open-minded 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 through detailed discussion of contemporary issues. 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