Click on the links above to take you to the resources for class. Read on down below to find out more about what exactly Critical Thinking is. 

We live in a world that bombards us not only with information, but also with opinion. Tabloid newspapers scream their headlines at us, clamouring for our attention as the talk radio show gives voice to yet another rant, while the latest opinion poll is flashed up on screen on Sky News…

In the midst of all these perspectives being thrown at us, how can we sift past the opinions expressed? How can we objectively analyse the information and arrive at our own considered opinions?

The AS Critical Thinking course is designed to help you do just this. Critical Thinking is the study of reasoned argument. You will learn how to analyse and develop arguments and consider the factors that compromise arguments. You will examine a range of issues from a range of contexts – the sciences, arts and humanities, the social sciences – and be introduced to an analytical framework that will enable you to reflect more constructively on you own and others’ reasoning. The course encourages curiosity, inventiveness and imagination.

This video will give you a bit more of a feel for what exactly Critical Thinking is.

 The kind of student who will benefit from this course is the pupil who takes an interest in general events in the world in which we live and who enjoys healthy debate and interaction with others. You will be happy about airing your views in front of your peers and adults, yet respectful of those with whom you disagree. You will be good as self-motivation and organisation, and will have a high level of ability to manage your own time and work.


Critical Thinking & your university application

Critical Thinking is a full AS exam and so is worth UCAS points. Having said that, not all universities view it in the same way: 

University of Ulster 

The UU, which is a points based university, views Critical thinking just like any other AS exam and it is worth the same UCAS points in any application you make there.

Queen's University 

QUB, which is a grades based university, would not give Critical Thinking the same value as other more traditional AS exams (mainly because, as they see it, it's not a content based exam). They would, however, consider it in a 'tie-break' situation, where two students might have the same A2 grades and one had an AS in Critical Thinking as well, it may sway the decision in that case.

Universities on the mainland

Any UCAS points based university will likely take the same attitude as UU. Any grades based one will likely be like Queens. However, it is certainly worth checking with any uni that you have in mind at this stage to confirm their attitude.

One Russell Group universtiy puts it like this on its admissions criteria outlined on its website:

"General Studies and/or Critical Thinking are never made part of the offer. Additional academic qualifications (especially GCSEs and AS-level results) may be taken into consideration in determining offers, particularly when deciding between applicants of otherwise equal merit. However, in most cases, these factors are of secondary importance in comparison to predicted (or achieved) grades at A2 (or equivalent), the vibrancy of the personal statement and the strength of the reference."

Critical Thinking for potential medics or Oxbridge applicants

Altough neither QUB nor the Oxbridge universities accept Critical Thinking on the same terms as other AS exams (see above), students who have done Critical Thinking in previous years have found the skills they have picked up in class invaluable when it came to the entrance exams for Oxbridge and the UKCAT tests that QUB asks medicine applicants to sit (anyone sense a touch of irony here...?!?) This means that, even if Critical Thinking may not qualify as one of you AS grades, it still can be a very useful subject for those thinking of medicine or the hallowed halls of Oxford or Cambridge.

General skills that Critical Thinking teaches

The study of this course will enable you to develop your fair-mindedness, independence of thought, a healthy degree of scepticism, confidence in reasoning and intellectual courage. The skills you pick up here will either reinforce the critically analytical skills you’re using in your other subjects, or will sit alongside your other subjects and broaden your skills base. As a result, you will build your confidence to prepare you well for more intellectually challenging university courses, as well as for life and future employment.

AS Critical Thinking is delivered as follows:
  • The main class is Wednesday periods 8 and 9 and everyone attends that.
  • This is supplemented with one more tutorial period with Mr Hamill. This will be in smaller groups and will allow you to apply the material covered in class.
There will be some homework outside of this, but, as Critical Thinking is not a content based subject, you should find the work you have to do outside of this class time to be minimal and managable. 

If you are interested in this subject and would like to discuss it further, please feel free to speak to Mr Hamill.

 
Make a Free Website with Yola.