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The aim of the Foundation Programme is to prepare you to gain the necessary English Language proficiency and study skills for your further studies. You will also be offered Mathematics, Information Technology and Communication skills; which will prepare you for your future professional life.
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Entry into the Foundation Programme
You will receive a placement test on entry to the Foundation Programme consisting of grammar, vocabulary, listening, writing, reading and speaking interview when required. You will also be assessed on your needs in IT and Maths. The result of the placement test will place you into the correct level.
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Study Duration
The Foundation Programme is spread across 3 Levels. The duration of the first two levels is 14 weeks each. The final level-Level 3 runs for 13 weeks and includes an IELTS preparatory course of 6 weeks at the end of which the students have to sit for an English Language Test.
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Academic Advisors
You will be allocated an academic advisor who will devise an individual study plan and help you with any queries of academic nature. All teachers are well qualified and experienced and they provide a supportive learning environment.
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A ) English Language Course.
The course is based on the IELTS guidelines with modules designed to impart language competency and to develop and improve the academic skills of the students.
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Grammar in Context presents grammar in a contextualized manner. It combines overt grammar instructions with contextualized reading, writing and communicative activities. This enables students to practice and internalize new language structures.
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Study Skills: Acquisition of these skills will enable the student to accomplish certain study requirements involved in academic activities. These skills include time management, using the internet to study, giving presentations, note-taking and research skills. In The Self Access Centre (SAC) students are advised on necessary study skills and encouraged to adopt effective study habits.
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Communication Skills in English is designed to hone the communication abilities, as related to English, which is necessary for both workplace and society. Students are required to work in groups to create needs assessment, perform tasks, present outcomes, express their opinions and make recommendations.
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Class Readers: This module prepares students for extended readings. It is another opportunity for students to practice reading outside the classroom setting. It will enable students to acquire more vocabulary, enrich their language with more structures and inculcate independent study habits. The Self-Access Centre is equipped with a variety of appealing graded readers, these will be assigned by individual tutors in accordance with the individual or group needs of the students. |
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B ) IELTS Preparatory Course
A course of 6 weeks towards the end of Level 3 with modules designed to enhance and supplement the skills acquired in the previous levels. To be able to exit the foundation programme, you need to attain an IELTS equivalent score of 5 out of 9. |
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Academic Reading :This module equips the students with the requisite reading strategies to read and comprehend academic texts. In addition, it provides learning opportunities for vocabulary building and grammar.
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Academic Writing: This module initiates the academic writing process and cultivates the ability to write extended essays, interpret and describe various charts, tables and diagrams. It develops the ability to write descriptive, argumentative and analytical essays.
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Communication Skills in English enhances previously acquired Listening and Speaking skills. Students are exposed to a higher level of academic exercise and are required to initiate discussions and start short conversations using the relevant extensive vocabulary appropriately. |
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IT and Mathematics
The Foundation Programme offers 142 hours of Math and IT. Students take the Math Module in Level 1. The IT module is offered along with the IELTS training programme in Level 3. These two modules aim to: |
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Equip students with the Computing and IT understanding and skills necessary to source, process and communicate information. |
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Ensure that students are equipped with the Mathematical understandings and skills necessary to meet the cognitive and practical requirements of higher education studies in a variety of disciplines. |
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| Post Foundation English Programme: |
After successful completion of the 3 Foundation programme levels, the English Language Centre continues to assists the students progressing into specialization units. Honours Programme students are required to score an overall band score of 6 in the in house IELTS. Along with their specialization units, students whose score are between> 5 < 6 will have 4 hours of English within a period of two years. They will continue with the four hours of English until they obtain the IELTS equivalent band score 6 or above.
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Resources:
The English Language Centre is well-equipped with resources that facilitate for students their pursuit of English Language competence. Computer Aided Language Learning (CALL) and library resources enrich and ease learning and promote independent learning.
The Language Centre’s Self Access Centre facilitates autonomous learning and keeps students abridged with a wide range of resources and multimedia facilities. Informed use of learning technology, user-friendly arrangement of learning material and ready access to personalized tutor advice are cornerstones of SAC’s major plus point, namely a contemporary and highly-engaging learning environment .
With its well-laid out curriculum, integrated course content, effective teaching and educational resources the English Language Center’s Foundation Programme truly gives a cutting edge to the students.
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| * Muscat College awards a certificate after successful completion of the programme. |