Critical Thinking

Course Description

Critical Thinking will sharpen your mind and elevate your reasoning abilities. Equip yourself with the tools to think clearly, argue persuasively, and solve problems effectively, preparing you to navigate the complexities of today's world with confidence and clarity.

This course is for students who have big ideas, are creative and out-of-the box thinkers and doer; it is designed for everyone who wants to sharpen their thinking skills and apply them in everyday life. 

What will students learn about?

• Conspiracy Theories: ‘Is the earth flat?’ ‘Was the moon landing a fake?’ ‘Are there aliens in Area 51?’. Students evaluate a range of conspiracy theories to assess the strengths of the arguments from the established ideas against the thinking used to support a conspiracy theory.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): how have we recreated the human mind? Not everyone is comfortable with AI and the potential impact of this technology in society. Students will learn how to use AI and navigate it safely and infer the possible jobs that would be made obsolete in the future as AI becomes increasingly sophisticated and ubiquitous. Students will also explore the human impacts of AI.
• Predicting the Future: the emergence of technology and big data has had a significant impact on how we predict future events, such as the ‘Gamblers fallacy’ and ‘Prisoner’s fallacy’.
• Solving the Problems of Tomorrow: as our way of life changes, new challenges must be overcome. In this option, students assess the thinking behind the solutions used to better our lives and the way we do things.
• Blind Justice: students participate in a mock murder mystery through engaging scavenger hunt activities and must solve the case using critical thinking skills. A mock trial and jury will also be established.

What will students learn to do?

• Evaluate Arguments: Develop the ability to analyse and assess arguments critically, identifying logical fallacies and biases.
• Solve Problems Creatively: Enhance your problem-solving skills by learning to approach challenges from multiple perspectives and think outside the box.

• Make Informed Decisions: Cultivate the habit of making well-reasoned decisions based on evidence and sound reasoning.
• Communicate Effectively: Improve your communication skills, learning to present ideas clearly, persuasively, and logically.

How will students be assessed?

Students will be assessed through a variety of assessment styles, such as their coursework and hand-in submissions. Students may be able to submit an assessment task based on their own passions and interests.

Record of School Achievement

Satisfactory completion of 100 or 200 hours of study in this course during Stage 5 (Year 9 and 10) will contribute towards students meeting their mandatory hours however it will not be reflected on the student’s Record of School Achievement.