Examining Board – AQA
Subject Content
AQA Critical Thinking is characterised by the careful, reflective consideration of reasoned argument; and of the beliefs and claims that comprise arguments.
A course leading to this qualification will present students with information, opinion and argument from a range of contexts – the sciences, arts and humanities, social sciences – as well as topics of general interest and concern. It will develop skills and encourage attitudes which complement their other studies across the curriculum, and help prepare them for the academic and intellectual demands of higher education, as well as future employment and life in general. Critical Thinking is predominantly a practical, skills based discipline. No specialist knowledge of particular academic subjects is required. However, a course in Critical Thinking introduces students to a range of concepts, terms and techniques that may be new to them, and which will enable them to reflect more constructively on their own and others reasoning. The following specification lists and explains these skills and concepts, and offers guidance to teachers on introducing students to them. Following this specification should be stimulating and enjoyable. It encourages curiosity, open-mindedness, inventiveness and imagination, as well as being rigorous in its methods. There should be room for humour, and for serious feelings and emotions, and an acknowledgement of the part these play in influencing people and shaping their beliefs. It should encourage students to respect the views of others, even when they are not inclined towards them, nor likely to be persuaded by them.
Methods of Study
AS Modules
At AS, the specification is a general introduction to the subject of Critical Thinking. Students have the opportunities to develop the skills of analysis and evaluation, and to present some of their own reasoning. Students are then assessed on their ability to make critical responses to information and its sources, and to draw reliable conclusions from it:
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Unit 1: Foundation Unit
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Unit 2: Information, Inference and Explanation
A2 Modules
At A2, the specification enables students to develop and extend the foundation skills and apply these to more complex and challenging materials. Students learn how to use argument and evidence to justify beliefs, opinions and claims to knowledge and then present a reasoned argument leading to a decision:
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Unit 3: Beliefs, Claims and Arguments
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Unit 4: Reasoning and Decision Making
Methods of Assessment
AS Modules
Unit 1 – CRIT1
Critical Thinking Foundation Unit
50% of AS
25% of A Level
1 hour 30 minutes written examination 70 Marks
Section A: Source related short answer questions.
Section B: Extended writing questions requiring candidates to present their own reasoning on a subject related to the source material.
Available in January and June
Unit 2 – CRIT2
Information, Inference and Explanation
50% of AS
25% of A Level
1 hour 30 minutes written examination 70 Marks
Section A: Short answer questions requiring extracting and interpreting information, assessing claims and conclusions, drawing inferences and offering explanations.
Section B: One question requiring candidates to argue for or against a short statement or proposal.
Available in January and June
A2 MODULES
Unit 3 – CRIT3
Beliefs, Claims and Arguments
25% of A Level
1 hour 30 minutes written examination 70 Marks
Section A: Short answer questions related to source material expounding a belief, theory or hypothesis.
Section B: Extended writing questions related to short but complex arguments or persuasive texts.
Available in June only.
Unit 4 – CRIT4
Reasoning and Decision Making
25% of A Level
1 hour 30 minutes written examination 70 Marks
Questions based on a Case Study that will be part pre-released and part contained in the examination paper.
Available in June only.
AS Award 1771
A Level Award 2771
Entry Requirements
No prior knowledge of this subject is required. This course will build upon some of your knowledge and understanding of key concepts examined in KS3 & 4. Standard College Entry requirements apply.