Course Syllabus

The aims of the Thinking Skills course are:
• To give candidates a specific and transferable set of skills for solving problems, critical thinking and reasoning.
• To encourage candidates to apply these skills to realistic scenarios.
• To develop candidates’ abilities to understand and engage confidently in argument and reasoning.

For a more in-depth view of the course and its makeup, please consult the official University of Cambrige syllabus.

Course Overview: 

Course Assessment

Students will end the course with a two-paper exam in May/June:
Paper 1: Problem Solving

• 30 multiple choice questions, each made up of a stimulus, a question and 4 options – only one of which is the correct answer.
• Paper 1 tests skills PS1–PS10.
• Calculators are allowed.

Paper 2: Critical Thinking

• Three structured answer questions.
• For question 1, the candidate evaluates evidence.
• For question 2, the candidate uses reasoning in a scientific context.
• Question 3 requires the candidate to evaluate and present an argument.
• Paper 2 focuses on skills CT1–CT12.

Course Outcomes

Students passing both papers in AICE Thinking Skills AS are awarded an AS-Level in Thinking Skills. Consult with your guidance counselor or the AICE Coordinator for further direction. 

Classroom Expectations

Every student has the right to learn in a safe and socially comfortable class and the obligation not to interfere or disrupt the learning or environment of others.  The following class rules are intended to help foster the best learning environment possible:

1. Be in your seat and begin working on the WARM-UP when the bell rings. 
2. All electronic devices must be off or silenced, and out of sight prior to entering the classroom. 
3. Raise your hand and wait to be called on to ask questions and/or make comments.
4. Have all required materials with you every class.
5. All assignments are to be completed with integrity and with all work shown. ALL WORK submitted digitally will be checked automatically for plagiarism. 
6. Always respect each other and each other’s property. 
7. Students may not open the classroom door to ANYONE.
8. Student ID must be worn at all times. Admission to the classroom may be denied if this rule is not followed.
9.  The door to my classroom remains locked throughout the school day.  If you come to class without a pass after the tardy bell has sounded, you will receive an unexcused tardy unless you have a pass.
10. No one stops working until I collectively stop the class for the day. The bell will dismiss students.
11. Take care of your personal affairs (restroom, guidance office, etc.) before school and between classes.  If you have a medical condition that is cause for frequent bathroom usage, please provide your administrator with a medical excuse from your physician. 

County and school-wide rules are always in effect (refer to Code of Student Conduct) 

 Homework Policy

There may be homework assigned EVERY NIGHT. many assignments may be completed online.  Please utilize the computers in the media center during your personalization period (study hall), before school, after school, or during lunch if needed. 

Reviewing each day’s work, including terms, is also considered homework, and is to be performed after every class.

Late Work Policy

ALL CAMBRIDGE COURSES AT NORTHEAST FOLLOW THE SAME LATE POLICY:
During the first nine weeks, late work will be accepted up to 48 hours late, and will incur a 25% penalty. After the first nine weeks, no late work will be accepted.

Acknowledgement

When you have read and understood these rules, please click and complete Receipt of Syllabus