Learning Goals

For your reference, the specific learning objectives for each lesson is outlined below.

L1: Section II Philosophy and Preparation Approach 

• Understand how Section II GAMSAT is assessed.

• Understand how to develop an effective Section II preparation strategy.

• Know where to access different resources and how they might assist in developing essential Section II skills.

• Recognise the utility of an ideas bank.

• Recognise and appreciate the advantages of a philosophical approach towards Section II.

• Learn the foundations of essay-writing in Section II

  
  

L2: Interpreting Stimuli

• Understand how to breakdown and critically engage with any given S2 stimuli in an inquisitive and curious manner.

• Learn how to construct a nuanced contention/thesis from the given prompts

• Recognise how to apply the concepts of interpretation within an exam setting.

• Appreciate the utility of an Ideas Bank.

• Learn how to plan and structure a Section II essay.

• Learn how to independently practice and refine this skill.

L3: Generating Ideas

• Gain an appreciation of basic logic and reasoning.

• Learn how to generate multiple ideas and appropriate examples to support a thesis/contention without relying on pre-existing knowledge or experience.

• Learn how to develop ideas along particular lines of reasoning.

• Learn how to integrate the interpretation of stimuli with the generation of ideas.

• Appreciate how to draw upon and engage with available resources to further understanding and knowledge.

• Appreciate the role of an Ideas Bank in the generation of ideas.

• Gain a deeper understanding of planning, structure, and their applications.

• Learn how to independently practice and refine this skill.

L4: Logic, Reasoning, and Structure

• Recognise and understand the features of sound logic and reasoning in SII essay writing.

• Appreciate the importance of logical structure in the presentation of generated ideas.

• Understand how to develop nuance and specificity in logical reasoning.

• Understand the importance of logical direction when explaining ideas.

• Learn how to logically present and signpost generated ideas.

• Learn how to logically organize generated ideas into a coherent and convincing argument.

• Appreciate how logical reasoning may inform the construction of examples.

• Learn how to refine and improve upon an Ideas Bank.

• Learn how to independently practice and refine this skill.

L5: Expression and Language

• Understand the basic structural elements of a sentence.

• Learn how to interpret and break-down advanced sentences.

• Learn how to independently construct complex sentences, following a step-by-step process.

• Understand how expression may support the presentation of logic and reasoning.

• Appreciate how expression may convey nuances in certainty/uncertainty.

• Understand how to optimise precision and accuracy in language and word choice.

• Appreciate the subtle distinctions between synonymous terms.

• Appreciate the difference between abstract vs concrete communication.

• Learn how to independently practice and refine this skill.

L6: Critical Appraisal

• Appreciate the importance of critical appraisal and self-reflection as strategies for self-improvement.

• Understand the role of the Critical Appraisal Tool in supporting self-reflection and self-regulated learning.

• Learn the basics of self-reflection to support self-motivated improvement.

• Learn how to apply the Critical Appraisal Tool to identify areas of improvement.