Critical Thinking

  • Are you argumentative?
  • Do you ever wonder if everything you read is lies?
  • Do you want to spend time researching a subject of your choice?

Pathway at 14

This is an academically challenging and exciting choice and we are delighted to include it in the options this year. It will allow you to progress to more advanced study in Year 10 as well as giving you the opportunity to move beyond the confines of the traditional curriculum to study, in depth, an area that you are particularly interested in. The academic courses will be supplemented by additional sessions to broaden your cultural horizons in order to begin preparing you for application to leading universities, including Oxford and Cambridge and competitive courses such as Medicine and Law. The course comprises of 2 elements: AS Level Critical Thinking and Level 2 Extended Project Qualification, which is the equivalent of a GCSE.

AS Level Critical Thinking is a popular course in which you consider the nature, structure and quality of different arguments as well as composing your own responses to key current affairs issues. You will also consider the credibility of different forms and sources of evidence. The study of AS Level Critical Thinking directly benefits the study of many other subjects including Science and History and the course is assessed entirely by examination.

The Extended Project Qualification is a fantastic opportunity for you to deepen or develop an interest in a specific area. You will select a topic based on your own interests and research it to produce a final piece of work. Previous topics have included architecture, Roman military tactics and the cultural impact of individuals in the 1950/60s. While the onus is very much on you to carry out independent research, you will be assigned a mentor who can monitor your progress and guide you where appropriate.

Benefits beyond 16

You can move on to either A2 Critical Thinking or the Extended Project Level 3 in Year 12 and you will be able to apply to university during the course of Year 13 with the qualification already completed.

The Extended Project will help you to develop the independent learning skills that are necessary for success at ‘A’ Level.

AS Level Critical Thinking complements the study of all subjects that require analysis and evaluation.

Benefits beyond Post 16

AS Level Critical Thinking and the Extended Project are highly valued by leading universities and those who have taken the qualification early may be rewarded in the applications process.

The Extended Project is exceptionally good preparation for the independent learning skills that are required by universities. It also allows you to undertake the in depth reading on a subject that leading universities are looking for.

AS Level Critical Thinking is excellent preparation for many of the entrance examinations required by universities for courses including Medicine (BMAT and UKCAT) and Law (LNAT).