What is Critical Thinking?
Critical Thinking involves the development of higher level thinking skills. It 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 is one of th more intellectually demanding A-level subjects. If, however, you work to high academic standards, this is a subject that you will find both challenging and extremely rewarding.
What other subjects go well with Critical Thinking?
Critical Thinking combines well with the full range of A-levels. It enhances the skills that are required to do well in the Humanties and Social Sciences. It also enables students who are undertaking solely Science subjects to develop and extend academic prowess in other vital areas.
What will I gain from studying the subject?
Through undertaking this course, you will learn how to: understandand the importance of examining knowledge and beliefs critically; recognise, analyse and evaluate your and others' beliefs and knowledge claims in a variety of contexts; recognise and evaluate assumptions; evaluate reasoning of different kinds, including common and important species of reasoning; make connections and synthesise information and arguments; generate your own arguments and express them clearly.
Critical Thinking will enhance your thinking ability generally and will have beneficial effects in the other subjects you are studying. It's particularly valuable for students intending to apply to a range of prestigious universities including Oxbridge, Durham, London and Warwick. Success in this qualification is increasingly taken into consideration by Admissions Tutors for all competitive degree courses.
Do I have an aptitude for the subject?
Critical Thinking involves extensive textual analysis so proficiency in English is a crucial prerequisite. Source materials are drawn from a wide range of media and thus an interest in the world around you is encouraged.