It is that time of the year when we witness the euphoric voice of the cuckoo and a cheery spirit amongst everyone. It is also that time of the year when the results of the O/L Examination is released and parents set about pondering further education for their children. Many students tend to stick to the conventional approach and pursue the Advanced Level programme.

Focussing one's attention on 3-4 A/L subjects over a period of 2 years, amidst constant visits to private tutors, is definitely the well-trodden path; however, only a minute percentage gets the opportunity to enter state universities this way. After two long years, the vast majority find themselves at the end of a blind alley and are naturally disillusioned.

Nowadays, when it comes to choosing the route to your child's university education, there are alternatives. One predominantly popular and well established path is through a fast-track Foundation Programme spanning a period of 8 months. Not only does it provide your child with a head start in higher education, but it also equips him/her to face a challenging degree programme that lies ahead.

APIIT, a name synonymous with quality in higher education, offers a unique Foundation Programme designed to maximise your child's achievement and to prepare him/her for the degree programmes at its City Campus. Quality assured by Staffordshire University UK, the programme takes advantage of a variety of approaches to teaching and learning including lectures, small-group tutorials, discussions and project work.

The curriculum of this intensive course has been conceptualised to nurture IT and Business capabilities in your child. The programme is not limited to just imparting Mathematics and IT skills, but goes beyond conventional programmes to focus on teaching communication and language skills whilst also instilling a culture of professional outlook and behaviour; this facilitates a smooth transition of your child's educational aspirations to the next level.

The standards of teaching at APIIT are second to none in the Island. The highly qualified panel of full-time lecturers together with the visiting and part time lecturers from the state universities and industry provide a solid platform for your child's educational pursuits. The constant guidance and feedback from their mentors ensures that your child reaches his/her full potential.

The APIIT City Campus is the best resourced in the Island with modern facilities ranging from state-of-the-art computer laboratories to an IT enabled library service. The treasure trove of information in the library goes far beyond one's expectations while the high powered workstations in the laboratories with free email accounts, wireless internet access and file storage ensures that your child will always stay abreast with the latest advances in technology.

As much as emphasis is placed on a comprehensive academic curriculum, the APIIT City Campus addresses the need for social interaction and recreational activities. Guided by their teachers, students take charge in putting their leadership and organising skills to use through sport, social and recreational events within and outside the campus, providing a wealth of exposure and experience and preparing one and all for the world of work.

Your child also has the luxury of going in for an internship to get a feel of what it's like to be in the industry halfway through the degree programme. At the end of the degree programme, your child leaves APIIT not just as a graduate, but as a professional ready to take on the role entrusted by an employer or to set up his/her own company. Past APIIT graduates bear witness to this claim holding high profile placements in the industry and operating successful ventures.

While there may be no shortcuts to success, there certainly are smart ways to fulfil one's aspirations! The APIIT Foundation Programme provides a fine opportunity to your child to obtain a highly acclaimed British university degree and launch on a successful career.

By Muradh Mohideen
Final Year Student of APIIT