DESCRIPTION
The Foundation program is a non-credit course which is a pre-requisite to begin the 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 namely, listening, speaking, reading, and writing. In addition, students are also required to do Mathematics, IT, and Study Skills.
The Foundation program which is 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 with each semester having duration of approx. 14 weeks. Each level supports the next, and as the students’ progress, they become more proficient in each skill. Each level has its own designed syllabus for paired skills (i.e. Reading & Vocabulary, Grammar & Writing, and Listening & Speaking), which is internationally benchmarked with CEFR. Each level and skill carries designated hours and lectures, and the progression depends on the performance in level tests.
AIM
The program aims in developing and preparing students’ linguistic proficiency to meet the requirements of the academic programs and their specializations. The Foundation program course outlines are aligned with the mission and vision of the College for its students to be responsible, knowledgeable, and well prepared graduates who will have key roles in the higher education infrastructure in Oman and making major contributions to the development of human resources. Thus, at the Foundation level, students are trained in English, Math and IT to equip them with the demands of academic pursuits.
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 tests. The placement test determines each new student’s starting level. (For further details refer to Student Handbook)
Note: Incoming students with an IELTS score of 5.00 are placed directly into their academic studies. Students with IC3 and 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 considered a pre-requisite to pass all the Foundation courses (with a grade of 50% or higher) in order to progress to the next level of General Foundation Program.
