Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking has traditionally been a post-16 subject, available at AS level and A-level and studied in addition to other post-16 subjects for only one lesson per week. However, at Macmillan we now also offer an AS-level Critical Thinking course to Key Stage 4 students as an alternative to other option subjects.
Students learn to identify when a persuasive argument is being made, to analyse the argument that is being used and to criticise any such argument where appropriate. This enables students to improve the quality of their own arguments and gives them the skills with which to resolve dilemmas where opposing arguments are a problem.
These highly transferable skills are much sought after by universities and employers. They may also help student achieve more in other subjects.
Department Staff
| Name | Position |
| Dr R Moran | Head of Department |
| Mr David Telfer | Teacher of Critical Thinking |
| Miss E Hill | Teacher of Critical Thinking |
Syllabus
Students study OCR AS and A2 Critical Thinking
At AS level there are two modules:
- Introduction to Critical Thinking
- Assessing and developing argument
Students who successfully complete the AS course can study the A2 course in year 13 leading to a full A-level. There are two further modules at A2:
- Ethical Reasoning and Decision Making
- Critical Reasoning
Students showing particular aptitude may be entered for the Advanced Extension Award.
