The truth about University Foundation Year
View(s):Do you know that there are many University entry qualifications in the world other than A/Levels? To name a few –Year 12 (Australia), High School Diploma (America), International Baccalaureate (Europe), STPM (Malaysia), Senior Certificate (India), Senior Middle Year 3/Year 12 National University Entrance Exam (China), and the University Foundation Year (UK/Australia). All these qualifications serve the exact same purpose – to allow entry into an undergraduate degree. It is clear that requiring A/Levels to enter University is a myth as that would mean students completing other qualifications around the world would be denied entry into a degree!
Why is the University Foundation Year a smarter choice for your child?
First and foremost, University Foundation Year programmes are specialized university entry qualifications specifically developed by prestigious universities. These University Foundation Year programmes are internationally recognized and accepted by top universities in countries such as Australia, the UK, New Zealand,USA, Canada, Singapore and Malaysia as an entry qualification into undergraduate degrees.
The risk of failing the exam or not getting the entry into a top university is lower than through the traditional exam-oriented approach of A/levels. Students have the chance to score high marks through practical learning based scoring system throughout the one year teaching period. 90% of our students get into top universities around the world. But with A/Levels students need to not just pass but score very high level of grades (ei; 3A,3B) to get into world’s best universities.
The University Foundation Year focuses on both content and teaching method. The University Foundation Year’s syllabus and content, set by university academics, are equivalent to A/Levels while the teaching method mirrors that of international universities. Classes are interactive like in university with assignments such as research, group projects, and presentations done throughout the semester and exams conducted every 4 months. Thus students are more effectively prepared for University studies Furthermore, via the university portal, students access teaching aids and online university library facilities. The university style of teaching ensures students develop their own learning skills and training to become independent thinkers who are better equipped to succeed in university.
As international university studies are conducted in English, competence in the language is vital for success. The University Foundation Year includes a compulsory English course focusing on the development of listening, speaking, writing, research and thematic study skills. The coursework undertaken throughout the semesters includes oral presentations, listening comprehension tasks, argumentative and expository essays, research projects and thematic study (important for handling case studies at university level). This diverse range of activity gives students comprehensive exposure and a sound practical grasp of the language and associated communication skills.
With the University Foundation Year final grades are based on class work, assignments and exams across 2 semesters of 4 months each, thus risk is spread evenly throughout 1 year. With A/Levels, final grades are based only on final exams at the end of 2 years or the two exam sessions at the end of every year in the case of some London A/Level exams. Furthermore, University Foundation Year students can redo any single unit in the next available semester to increase their scores thus reducing their risk in terms of time. Receiving unsatisfactory Local A/Level results means resitting all subjects one year later while with London A/Levels, students wait at least 6 months for resits.
ANC Education offers the only University Foundation Year in Sri Lanka awarded by a top 100 University in the world. This programme can be completed in one year, thereby saving money and time. While studying with ANC, your child will be supported in every aspect of their studies, and related aspects of their personal life. From small group tutorial classes and study guides, through to help with all aspects of life outside college hours – your child will be in the best hands. ANC Education’s academics are highly motivated and experienced lecturers who are all approachable and eager to support and provide additional attention as needed.
Situated in the heart of Colombo, The ANC City Campus comprises over 75,000 square feet in two contemporary six storey buildings with capacity for 2,000 students. ANC houses 30 lecture rooms and 2 special purpose rooms, all of which are equipped with modern education facilities including computers, audio-visual equipment, comfortable seating and air-conditioning. State of the art computer equipment is available in two specialised computer labs. The Library and Resource Centre’s physical library of approximately 5,000 volumes is supplemented by online access to virtual volumes (electronic books) and CDs. Wi-Fi access is available throughout our buildings and students with PDAs or notebook computers are able to download material directly.
The University Foundation Year is a choice available to all students after either O/Levels or A/S Levels. Please call us on 077 38 444 38 to make an appointment with experienced student counselors or international university academics.
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