Deciding what you or your child should do after O Levels has never been easy but opting for the most obvious answer may not be the right solution, says Peter Corker, former Head of Undergraduate Recruitment at the University of Liverpool and Associate Director of the University of Warwick.
Think university, think A/Levels. They go together like curd and treacle. But being traditional does not necessarily mean it's most appropriate and maybe now is the time to take a fresh look at university entrance - especially when you think about the risks involved in taking or re-taking A/Levels.
Leaving aside the very small percentage of students securing a place in Sri Lankan universities, the potential pitfalls associated with A/Levels are too numerous to list, right down to simply having an 'off day' on examination day. And for all the time invested in re-sitting A/Levels, the likelihood of improving grades by anything more than a very small margin is extremely low, leaving many students no further forward.
As with many other things in life there is no single best solution but surely, as concerned parents, we would wish to be informed about all the options. That is why Foundation Programmes, the 'new kid on the block' as far as university entrance goes, deserve a serious look.
Their most obvious advantage is that from start to university entrance, they normally take just one year to complete, whereas A/Levels can swallow up almost 3 years for the same process. Many offer progression routes into a wide range of universities.
The NCUK International Foundation Year, for example is accepted at 20 top drawer UK universities and the Monash University Foundation Year enjoys wide acceptance in Australia and in Malaysia. Foundation programmes normally take course work and assignments into consideration when determining the final grade.
Some, too, offer that most precious of advantages, the guarantee of places at overseas universities on successful completion of the course. And not everyone is in a great rush to get overseas.
Many would like to take the first year of their degree in Sri Lanka at a much lower cost and with the support of family and friends. A good provider will offer this option, often referred to as Diploma.
Features such as these put holders of appropriate Foundation qualifications at a clear advantage. As university entrance the world over becomes increasingly competitive, the value of a guaranteed place cannot be overstated. With costs spiralling, too, never was it more important to follow a route that will lead to employment in a professional career as rapidly as possible. And as visa regulations tighten around the world, the security of working with providers who are expert in arranging transfers to international universities ensures that time and effort will not go waste.
As little as one hour of your time could provide the answers and save your and your children time, money and heartache. Reserve your seat today for the 1 hour life changing seminar at 10 am and 1 pm at Cinnamon Lakeside on Saturday April 3 2010.
It is surely an occasion that every caring parent with children after O/Levels will wish to attend. Call 0777 66 22 44 or 0777 66 22 55 today to reserve your place at this most vital event where international experts will be on hand to ensure you have all of the facts. |
E-mail
