The British School of Bahrain is offering pupils around the kingdom the opportunity to prepare for university life with a fast track route to furthering their education abroad, writes May Al Mousawi.
The University Foundation Programme (UFP) is a one-year intensive course that could open doors to a wide range of universities in the UK. It is designed as an alternative to the conventional A-Level route, which takes two years to complete.
The full-time bridging programme will commence in September and is open to all nationalities who have completed the Bahrain Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Tawjihiya) and want to study overseas.
It is a modular course that is designed to prepare students for entry into Bachelor degree courses and guarantees acceptance on an undergraduate degree level at UK universities, as well as some colleges and universities in Australia, Canada and the US.
Head of the UFP and Business Studies teacher at BSB, Mr Khalil Ahmed, said: “We know there is a high demand for it in the country. The programme is equivalent to two and half A-Levels and will be taught by British qualified A-Level trained staff.
“Once the pupil has completed the programme they can apply to any university and will be guaranteed a place. It is also flexible because if they did this course in a certain university they would need to stay in the institution to undertake their bachelor’s degree regardless if they wanted to or not – with the UFP they can apply anywhere once they have completed it.
“The course is BD6,500 which is a quarter of the cost you would be paying if you were taking the course in the UK. In all, it is cheaper with guaranteed places, flexibility, and easier transition as well as giving an option of where you want to go.
“It is an intensive course. It is not an easy choice at all. It is for people who are committed and able and really want to go abroad to further their studies.
“The unique thing about this is that it is based in Bahrain but you can apply anywhere once you’re done.”
The programme is now partnered with the UFP UK, which means it has access to more than 85 universities in the UK that will automatically accept applicants.
The UFP provides six different programmes including business, economics and finance, law, social sciences, pharmacy and engineering (all disciplines).
Applicants must have completed a high school diploma with an 80 per cent pass (3.3 out of 4 GPA), received a level 5 in their International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test score and provide previous school reports.
An arts preparation course at the BSB will be provided to those who wish to join in April and is aimed to improve levels of English.
Applicants will be surrounded by British staff, must undergo a ‘learning to learn’ induction programme which teaches the specific learning style and develop it to ensure a high academic level that will prepare for university.
They will also be supported throughout their university application process including personal statements, IELTS and living abroad.
“The key here is the transition,” said Mr Ahmed. “Although the students will be taking six modules, three core modules and three modules that will be focusing on their major, we will always be there to support them with their university choices, applications and adjusting to living in another country.”
Asser Ismail, 20, recently registered for the engineering programme after he moved back to Bahrain from Canada where he spent 18 months trying to adjust with no support system. He said: “The UFP is the first in Bahrain and is an excellent way to qualify in something you want to do.
“While I was in Canada I was living alone and had no support. I think the UFP will help prepare me to study abroad – at least I can do my foundation year around family and friends.”
The school will also provide counselling and career advice prior to the course for students who are unsure of what they want to study at university level.
Classes are likely to take place in the afternoons and some weekends to ensure no disruption to the delivery of the course.
The UFP team is planning on visiting schools with a road show to introduce the programme to potential applicants. It was also be exhibiting at this week’s EDUTEX (Education & Training International Exhibition) at Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre which ends tomorrow.
For more information email ahmedk@thebsbh.com, call 17610820 or visit www.bsbhfoundation.com
When a hotdog craving strikes, it may be tempting to grab a frankfurter from one of the kingdom’s fast food joints instead of devouring the frozen ones.
But if your cravings are as frequent as mine, then you can make a trip down to Mega Mart and purchase a special offer of four packs of six beef or chicken Khazan branded frankfurters for only BD2.
Fair enough, you need to buy the bun and add the toppings yourself but the end result is far cheaper and can be much tastier.
A hotdog from many of the hole-in-the-walls around the kingdom can cost up to BD2 just for one … how about feeding a family of 24 for the same price, and not to mention, you can make it just the way you like it.
A cooked sausage is an all year-round favourite so you can stick it in the freezer and save it for the many lazy Saturdays to come.
