Critical Thinking and Independent Research

Head of Department: Maureen Odendaal. Email: m-odendaal@epsomcollege.org.uk

This subject helps students to:

  • Analyse and evaluate information
  • Decide whether evidence is credible
  • Solve problems more easily
  • Communicate more effectively
  • Think more methodically
  • Argue more coherently.

Universities find it difficult to distinguish between top candidates. This course is a useful ‘extra' - although it will not be required as part of a university offer it will:

  • Give a competitive edge to potential candidates for Oxbridge and other top universities
  • Teach skills to enhance analytical and evaluative skills needed in other subjects

It is difficult to get a top grade in Critical Thinking, and students who do not have a strong work ethic are advised not to take it.

Course Outline

There will be two 50 minute lessons per week, and these will involve learning new ideas, intense discussion and then the translation of these into well developed and logically written answers.

The OCR Syllabus (H052) is skills based and has minimal content. It teaches the art of argument analysis and evaluation, using the tools of reason and logic; it involves the teaching of skills which allow the student to gain a much deeper understanding into the dynamics of being human. The student will gradually become much more aware of issues which underlie the obvious, and will consequently become much more able to process information effectively.

The AS course has two modules, ‘Introduction to Critical Thinking (40%) and ‘Assessing and Developing Argument' (60%). These are assessed by written examinations only and consist of short structured questions and a multiple-choice section.

Teaching Methods

A variety of teaching methods are employed, but since content is minimal, a necessary component of the lessons is enthusiastic participation by students, who are encouraged (within reason) to disagree with the status quo. Lateral thinkers and the naturally tangential may find a welcome at long last! Since the subject involves a written exam, an essential part of the course is learning to write coherently, and in depth, therefore work outside of lessons is a necessary part of the course. Prep will be set each week and it must be completed to a high standard.

Requirements and Subject Combinations

There are no prior knowledge requirements to this course; anyone wishing to improve their skills can do it, however it should be remembered it is one of the most difficult subjects and is it is very difficult to gain A grade. Students will be able to opt for either for this subject or for Young Enterprise. Entry to YE is limited so anyone wishing to take both can enter for both and then decide once applications to YE are complete at the beginning of Michaelmas term in Lower Sixth.

The Future - Higher Education and Careers

Success at AS level will only enhance an application to any university and will provide a competitive edge. Participation in these classes should also help students who may wish to take the additional exams, such as BMAT and LNAT, which are now being demanded by top universities in some subjects such as Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Law. Increasingly, Critical Thinking Tasks form part of the assessment and selection process for Senior Managerial posts.