We rely on newspapers, television, radio, and literature for much of our information about the world around us. How do we decide whether or not a source is reliable? How do we decide what makes an argument strong? Given difficult decisions to make, where do we begin? Critical Thinking is a skills-based course, which may help with university applications, careers that demand an analytical mind (such as law, journalism or politics), a future workplace and life in general.

This varied and stimulating course highlights the pressing problems of the 21st century; the water crisis, unchecked population growth, life in a squatter settlement, the global food crisis, the sustainable management of our cities and much more. Students are introduced to the realities of life in a wide range of countries, both rich and poor, using a wide range of resources. A variety of visiting speakers with their own personal experiences and perspectives, add an important dimension to learning and the internet and newspapers keep students focussed on the current situation worldwide. Students have the opportunity to pursue their own particular interests and share their own experiences and views in the classroom. This course provides an enriching and up-to-the-minute view of the world around us, with personal input from some stimulating outside speakers.

You may take this course whether or not you take other science subjects at A level - what matters is that you’re keen to confront, challenge and evaluate contemporary issues and dilemmas involving science and technology, including infectious diseases, evolution and the universe! Science in Society has an invigorating mix of technical and artistic thinkers keen to explore how science is portrayed in a social context. This course is relevant to a variety of careers, whether it be media, journalism, science, medicine, engineering, management or politics.

This is a university-style dissertation designed to allow students to develop a wide range of higher-level skills such as research, problem-solving, synthesis, evaluation and presentation. Students will extend and improve their own learning and performance as critical, reflective and independent learners by exploring in depth a cross-curricular topic of their own choice. Students are allocated a mentor and can present their work in the form of a dissertation or artefact. You will be given the chance to perfect your ability to plan, research and evaluate a topic that is of personal interest to you and demonstrate to universities that you have in-depth transferable skills and experience of independent study.