Description
The Foundation Program is a non-credit course which is a pre-requisite to begin academic studies. Bayan College offers three levels of English language learning in the Foundation Year. Within the program and at all levels (1, 2, and 3), students focus on learning or improving their English language skills — listening, speaking, reading, and writing. In addition, students are also required to study Mathematics, IT, and Study Skills.
The Foundation Program, designed in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Higher Education and OAS GFP (Oman Academic Standards for General Foundation Program), is conducted in three semesters of approximately 14 weeks each. Each level supports the next, helping students become more proficient in each skill. Each level has its own syllabus for paired skills (Reading & Vocabulary, Grammar & Writing, and Listening & Speaking), internationally benchmarked with CEFR. Each level and skill carries designated hours and lectures, and progression depends on performance in level tests.
Aim
The program aims to develop and prepare students’ linguistic proficiency to meet the requirements of academic programs and specializations. The Foundation Program course outlines align with the mission and vision of the College to produce responsible, knowledgeable, and well-prepared graduates who contribute to Oman’s higher education and human resource development. At the Foundation level, students are trained in English, Math, and IT to equip them for academic success.
Placement Test
To gain entry to Foundation studies, incoming students are required to take an internationally benchmarked placement test which covers all English language skills along with IT and Math. The placement test determines each student’s starting level. (For further details refer to the Student Handbook.)
Note: Incoming students with an IELTS score of 5.00 are placed directly into their academic studies. Students with IC3 or ICDL certificates are exempted from Foundation IT courses.
Assessment
Non-credit bearing courses (such as General Foundation Program courses) do not affect a student’s GPA. However, it is a pre-requisite to pass all Foundation courses (with a grade of 50% or higher) in order to progress to the next level of the General Foundation Program.