Critical Thinking

Additional Information: This qualification is a compulsory part of the AQA Baccalaureate. Lessons are timetabled for two one-hour sessions per week. Exams: AS Unit 1 Introduction to Critical Thinking 1½ hours Part A: The Language or Reasoning Part B: The Credibility of Evidence Unit 2 Assessing and Development Argument 1½ hours Part A: Multiple Choice Part B: Analysing and Evaluating Argument Part C: Developing Your Own Arguments Where will this qualification take me? The study of AS Critical Thinking is the study of argument. The skills which you develop are transferable. They will help you to write logical, structured essays as well as enabling you to make rational decisions, give convincing reasons for your own beliefs and actions and to decode whether other people’s views are strong or weak. What will I be doing on the course? There will be ample opportunity for debate whilst acquiring the skills which will help you to pass the exam. An interest in current affairs and issues is an advantage.

For full time students the course will form part of a larger programme of study which consists of timetabled sessions, enrichment activities, work experience and private study time. To achieve this a student will normally be asked to select from columns of the 6th Form matrix in each year of study. If a student falls below this programme requirement they may be classed as part time by some external agencies and may be required to pay fees for their tuition and/or exams. Please check with the tutor at interview that the subjects you have selected form a full-time programme. Every full time 6th Form student will have a personal tutor and will study a tutorial programme. The tutor will be responsible for the pastoral care of the student and for the tracking and monitoring of their progress on the course. This subject can be selected on its own for part time study for which tuition fees may be payable (please consult Student Services for fee concessions). Part time students may also be required to pay exam fees. You may have the opportunity to go on trips during the year. A small charge will be payable for these visits.

Open to second year A Level students only

Progression from GCSEs will normally be to AS Level (or equivalent vocational course) or to employment. Progression from AS Level will normally be to A2, and then on to employment or Higher Education

97.1% pass rate A* - E at A2 in June 2012, with 100% pass in 18 subjects