Course Description
This course is not primarily dedicated to learning facts, the emphasis is on teaching analytical and thinking skills, not a corpus of knowledge. It is intended to teach students how to think rather than what to think.
AS Level, students learn to recognise reasoned argument and its contexts, and interpret and evaluate reasoning. They will build an identification of evidence, ambiguity and persuasive language within reasoning; recognise bad reasoning and counter it with cogent responses.
Through this they will acquire basic vocabulary associated with reasoning.
Students at AS will learn ways in which information or evidence can be presented; basic methods of numerical and statistical reasoning; identify patterns and correlations; plausible explanations and how to judge what can (and cannot) be safely inferred from information or evidence. They will learn how to use information and data to draw conclusions and construct reasoned arguments.
A2 Level, students will be using the skills and language acquired in the AS modules, but the arguments and evidence will be more complex. They will explore the concepts, issues and problems involved more deeply. They will learn how to use and understand a greater range of specialist language, and construct more complex arguments themselves.
Benefits
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Critical Thinking teaches students transferable skills helping them approach tasks in other subjects with more confidence. Outside school these skills will help them in putting across their view point effectively or assessing other people’s claims, be it politicians, teachers, or parents.
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The ability to evaluate arguments is an essential skill to have for scientists, lawyers and almost all other professionals.
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The entry exams for Law school and Medical School require Critical Thinking skills.
“As the only person in my
school required to work
so independently, I am
grateful to Nelson Thornes
for providing me with this
unique experience. It has
shown me what motivation
and perseverance can
achieve, and my attitude
towards study has matured
significantly since I started
out in AS”
Joseph Shapiro, Bishop Ramsey School. |
