Critical Thinking is a skills-based rather than a content-based AS Level. It develops the ability to interpret, analyse and evaluate ideas and arguments and can support thinking skills in all subject areas, from arts and humanities to sciences. Critical Thinking is the analytical thinking which underlies all rational discourse and enquiry. It is characterised by a meticulous and rigorous approach.

As an academic discipline, it is unique in that it explicitly focuses on the processes involved in being rational. These processes include:

·         analysing arguments

·         judging the relevance and significance of information

·         evaluating claims, inferences, arguments and explanations

·         constructing clear and coherent arguments

·         forming well-reasoned judgments and decisions.

Being rational also requires an open-minded yet critical approach to one’s own thinking as well as that of others. The study of Critical Thinking will equip you with reasoning skills to use in life, work and further academic study. It provides opportunities to think deeply, and in a structured way, about issues that are key to participating in society, e.g. ethical questions, political and cultural issues and issues of personal responsibility. It enables you to make reasoned decisions that are based on evidence and argument rather than assumption and prejudice.

Exam Board / Specification:  OCR  H052

Entry requirements:  GCSE English Grade B. GCSE Average of 7.0 or above. No previous knowledge of Critical Thinking is required.

Exam Units:

Unit 1: F501 Introduction to Critical Thinking.

• The Language of reasoning
•  Credibility

Unit 2:  F 502 Assessing and Developing Argument

• Analysis of argument
• Evaluating arguments
• Developing one’s own reasoned arguments