Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking was introduced at Finborough School to combat the growing concerns amongst universities and employers, that students and prospective employees are unable to perform tasks which require logical reasoning and communication skills when they finish senior school. Most good secondary schools have introduced the course to ensure that students go forward either into the work place, or to university, equipped with the thinking skills required for such activities as report writing and producing dissertations. Finborough School is no exception to this rule.
The basis of Critical Thinking teaches a student to methodically analyse and evaluate argument, recognize strengths, flaws and bias in argument, and draw logical conclusions, whilst disregarding irrelevancies or inaccuracies, using topical examples.
Critical Thinking also teaches the basics of the skills necessary to achieve the high levels of response in essay answers which are required for the top AS and A2 level grades. Critical Thinking is especially useful for students who want to study Law, History, English and the Social Sciences at university.
Critical Thinking is a compulsory sixth form subject – although it is up to the student whether or not they choose to take the formal AS level examination. This is offered in two modules, one at the end of the lower sixth and the second at the end (or in some cases earlier) of the upper sixth.
