Introduction
Across your A Level studies you will encounter a variety of arguments within your subjects, some of which will be more convincing than others.
The aim of AS Critical Thinking is to develop your ability to argue and assess arguments. You will build up the skills needed to: identify arguments, conclusions and the reasons given to support them; identify where assumptions have been made and flaws or weaknesses in reasoning; assess the strength of evidence given in support of an argument and the credibility of witnesses; construct your own arguments to support or challenge other arguments.
In the second year these skills are further developed as well as introducing students to ethical reasoning skills where students will be expected to debate and apply their skills to dilemmas in moral ethics.
Further Details
The examination assesses your ability to think critically, not your ability to remember facts and figures. However, it is crucial that you come to lessons prepared to analyse arguments presented in recent news stories, as well as more general texts.
Critical Thinking can complement a wide range of other courses and is an integral part of the AQA Baccalaureate qualification.
Progression Options
As part of a wider programme the course provides an excellent basis for progression to any career or university course. The skills developed in this course are particularly useful for the LNAT and BMAT assessments, and entry to other highly competitive academic courses.
The A2 course will be available subject to demand
