Our Foundation courses were established in 1995 and continue to be strong and innovative meeting the requirements of universities and of the UK Border Agency.  The courses are reviewed each year to ensure consistency in meeting not only the student’s academic needs, but also to provide students with the skills (independent and team orientated) necessary for their transition to university.  Our Foundation courses are accredited by NCFE and inspected by OFSTED.   The courses follow two paths a 10-Month course and an Accelerated 7-Month course. 

The marks structure for the course is as follows:

1^st Exam:  Preliminary exams are used for assessment only.  The overall final result consists of each subject being weighted as shown below.  Included in the percentage by subject are coursework, portfolios (where necessary), practicals (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), and the final exams (with the heaviest weighting being given to the final exams).  Awards of Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction with Honours are only awarded when students meet the following criteria:

·         Subject Weightings:

o   Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics:  25% each

o   ICT and English:  12.5%

·         Achievement:

o   Pass: 50 to 59%

o   Merit:  60 to 69%

o   Distinction:  70 to 79%

o   Distinction with Honours:  80% and above

·         Attendance:  Students must have a 90% or above attendance rate in order to receive an award.

·         Completion of work:  Students must complete all coursework on time and have handed in at least 90% of class work / portfolio work on time.

Student Support and Guidance

Each student is given guidance in tutor groups and then individually for their university application through UCAS and assistance at the end of the year with university placements.

Each student has a personal tutor throughout the academic year to provide not only academic support, but also pastoral care. 

Extra lessons are arranged when necessary to support the progress of students.  The students have the opportunity to use 3 student common rooms and a computer lab area in order to facilitate study groups and a community atmosphere.

Students are provided with a social program consisting of various opportunities to improve their social skills and to broaden their horizons through sport, the arts, travel and friendly competition.  Students are encouraged to attend special talks and lectures in various places throughout the UK during the academic year.

Teaching Staff

The teaching staff on the Foundation programs are all highly qualified and experienced teachers who strive to empower their students with the confidence and skills needed to achieve their best and to prepare for university and their future careers.   The teachers set high standards and stick to them while assisting the students in their own individual needs and learning styles. 

NCFE Accreditation

As the NCFE has agreed to be our awarding body, the students will also receive certificates from NCFE.  One will be an award certificate and the other break down of credits for each module (transcript).  The certificate will state: Pass, Merit, Distinction and Fail.  St. Andrew’s will still be providing our certificates to meet the needs of the universities for marks: certificate and transcript.  (From 2009)

Certificates

St. Andrew’s, Cambridge provide the students with a certificate of completion of the course and also a full transcript of the course with explanations to the calculations on the reverse of the transcript.  Students will also receive a certificate and a transcript from the awarding body NCFE. 

Summary of Syllabus Content for Each Subject: 

Biology:

Chemistry:

Mathematics:

ICT:

General Studies:

The General Studies classes are conducted by the Head of Science and aimed at broadening the students’ perspectives on current changes and advancement across the Sciences.  Study skills are also emphasised as well as exam preparation. 

English:

English is approached on an individual basis with each student being tested with in-house IELTS exams or on the basis of previous achievements such as a C or above grade in GCSE or IGCSE English or a proven IELTS / TOEFL grade. 

The IELTS classes are established by level and designed to meet the needs of the student at that level and to progress at a satisfactory pace onto the next level in preparations for the IELTS exam.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and Academic Essay classes are provided for students who have completed their requirement for university entry.  Once a student has proven the requirement has been met, the student is transferred into one of the aforementioned classes in order to continue to make progress towards the academic writing skills that will be required at university. All students taking EAP and study skills lessons will be entered for the CAE examination in March of each year.

Hours of Study per Week