What is the purpose of our orthodox Advanced Level studies? Quite obviously it is the examination that provides results for the admission into university education. It is the primary route to university and a continuation of the Ordinary Level examination. It equips students through the provision of greater detail, in addition to what they have learnt at the O/Ls, thus preparing them to face the complex A/L exams. It is a two- year process and a rather costly affair in this country with tuition and additional lessons.

What if parents were told that there was an option which is shorter in duration, less costly and more specific to University education? Would that not be a better option? Well that is the Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY). It is a 10-month programme designed by Monash University that provides the students with a ticket to Monash University in Melbourne, any of its global universities or any other university in Australia.

In today's society, where competition is at its highest, the most effective route to the best universities is a programme that saves time and better target destination. In general, A/L requires another 2 to 3 years of high school after O/Ls including waiting time and exams. Further, many university systems in the world do not require 13 years of schooling, as is the case for students completing local A/Ls in the Sri Lankan system, to begin their undergraduate (Bachelor) education. Students will find they can apply for university entry with their O/Ls and MUFY. A post MUFY student who is barely 17 will be ready and, in fact, better geared to survive the process of University education in comparison with a 19 - year old post- A/L student. MUFY gives you the added advantage of having your destination in mind before you start the process.

The curriculum in MUFY is one of the most advanced Australian curriculums and on par with modern teaching methods. This system is "student centered" rather than "teacher centered" which is, unfortunately, the system that makes up the A/Ls. It is a programme that focuses on the process rather than the product. Each day in the 10-month programme is a new learning experience which enhances the knowledge, skills and creativity of students. Just because it's a 10-month programme it is not inferior to the two- year AL programme. MUFY is considered equivalent to Local, UK A/Levels and IB Diploma and is recognized by many prestigious universities in Australia, UK and Malaysia as an entry qualification to university.

A key focus of the MUFY programme is on what the student learns as against the traditional focus of final examination. The continuous assessment process provides this evaluation and contributes to 50% of the final mark. Students are evaluated on activities like project work, group studies, case studies, field trips, research work etc. which assist them to develop their own learning skills, training them to do such independent work in the university.

The universities, too, expect students to do their own learning, but, unfortunately, A/Ls hardly provides that training, it is more theoretical and exam oriented and, at the end of the day, result oriented. Students can excel in A/Ls by not attending school at all and simply relying on tuition classes. Even practical tests in the A/L system are merely a practical paper! MUFY programme students, on the other hand, have ample practice and exposure to laboratory work to try for themselves to assess the real picture of the situations. They learn through their own interests and efforts and are not spoon-fed. It is a system that entertains the interests of the students, that enhances the curiosity, and broadens their thinking.

The MUFY programme has been tailor made for success at university level. It is studying the basics of University. Everything learnt will be used in university, unlike in the Advanced Level, where most of the learning seems to go unused. A/L covers a lot of areas and students spend a lot of time studying these areas but in university most of them are simply forgotten theories.

MUFY's overall aim is to one day be a recognized entry qualification to any university in the world. It is a well-designed programme that is currently going international in a big way. It is a curriculum that is reviewed annually to give students the best learning experience. MUFY maintains very high standards and produces some of the finest outcomes.

Naufaloon, M
Academic Head
Monash University Foundation Year
Monash College
Colombo, Sri Lanka
For Appointments: Please call 0777 44 99 55 ,
0777 66 22 44