Critical Thinking is a skill based subject which develops a student’s ability to assess the credibility of a source and analyse arguments; it is all about evaluating and reasoning.
Course Structure
Critical Thinking at AS level is made up of two modules which both end with a 1½ hour paper.
Module 1: You learn how to identify different parts of an argument and decide whether sources are credible or biased.
Module 2: You develop skills that you learned in Module 1: you evaluate arguments; and develop your own well-reasoned arguments.
TGGS offers two routes to take Critical Thinking:
Route 1 allows Year 12s to fast track the course, being taught during 2 periods per fortnight. It is best for students that wish to apply to an Oxbridge University or study Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Sciences, PPE or Law. This route is very demanding on students.
Route 2 is to fast track during Year 13. It means that students can have more time to spend on it as there is more space in the timetable and it means that there is less pressure on the student. Also, Year 13s tend to have more intellectual maturity that could help gain better results. It also means that during Year 12, a student can focus more on their AS subject choices, extended project and community activity.
Past Results
Torquay Girls’ has a very strong track record of excellent results in Critical Thinking, with the majority of girls gaining a pass in the subject and many achieving the coveted As and A*s.
|
%
|
2005
|
2006
|
2007
|
2008
|
2009
|
2010
|
2011
|
National
Statistics (%)
|
|
A*
|
|
|
|
|
|
6
|
12
|
4.2
|
|
A
|
7
|
0
|
14
|
46
|
33
|
41
|
26
|
10.9
|
|
B
|
29
|
0
|
29
|
23
|
33
|
34
|
41
|
22.0
|
|
A*/B
|
36
|
0
|
43
|
69
|
67
|
81
|
79
|
37.1
|
|
C
|
21
|
28
|
29
|
31
|
13
|
6.5
|
17
|
28.2
|
|
D
|
29
|
28
|
14
|
|
3
|
12.5
|
4
|
22.0
|
|
E
|
14
|
28
|
14
|
|
14
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
Pass Rate
|
100
|
84
|
100
|
100
|
97
|
100
|
100
|
97.5
|
|
U
|
|
16
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
2.5
|
|
Total
|
14
|
7
|
7
|
13
|
30
|
32
|
46
|
|
Provisional:2011 re-marks and retakes pending
National Statistics: A level CT Times 20th August 2010 (AS figures N/A). Female Candidates only.
OCR Specification for AS Level Critical Thinking here.
Summary Brochure for OCR AS Level Critical Thinking here.
