Foundation Programs
Foundation ProgramÂ
The Centre for Preparatory Studies (CPS) offers Foundation Program that prepare students for success in their future diploma and degree studies at CBFS. These programs focus on strengthening core competencies in English Language, Mathematics, and Information Technology, equipping students with the essential skills to thrive in higher education.Â
Built on a communicative and collaborative philosophy, the programs encourage learning by doing, active participation, reflective practice, and meaningful application of knowledge. Students are supported by qualified and experienced faculty who provide the tools and guidance needed to engage in effective learning.Â
Foundation ProgramÂ
The Centre for Preparatory Studies (CPS) offers Foundation Program that prepare students for success in their future diploma and degree studies at CBFS. These programs focus on strengthening core competencies in English Language, Mathematics, and Information Technology, equipping students with the essential skills to thrive in higher education.Â
Built on a communicative and collaborative philosophy, the programs encourage learning by doing, active participation, reflective practice, and meaningful application of knowledge. Students are supported by qualified and experienced faculty who provide the tools and guidance needed to engage in effective learning.Â
CBFS
Graduate Attributes
Knowledgeable
Possessing a solid academic foundation and subject expertise.Â
Effective CommunicatorÂ
Able to express ideas clearly and confidently in diverse contexts.Â
Critical ThinkerÂ
Using reasoning and problem-solving to make informed decisions.
Socially ResponsibleÂ
Skilled in using technology effectively and responsibly.
Lifelong Learner
Committed to continuous personal and professional development.Â
Digitally Literate
Demonstrating integrity, respect, and responsibility within the community.
General Foundation Programme – Minimum Entry RequirementsÂ
Admission to the General Foundation Programme (GFP) is open to
- High School Graduates: Students who have achieved a minimum score of 60% in high school are eligible to enrol.
- Bank Employees: Applicants from the banking sector who do not meet the 60% requirement may still be considered for admission, based on their relevant years of work experience.
Placement TestÂ
The adaptive online placement Cambridge English Placement Test (CEPT) is used to allocate students to appropriate cohort for English language trainingÂ
| Test Score | CEPT Test Level | Proficiency aligned with Unlock course book series | Coursebook CEF Levels | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – 20 | Pre-A1
A1 | Cohort 1 | Beginner >
Elementary | Unlock Basic Skills & Literacy |
| 21 – 33 | A1/A2 | Cohort 2 | Elementary >
Pre-Intermediate | Unlock Reading & Writing Level 1 |
| A2/B1 | Unlock Reading & Writing Level 2 | |||
| 34+ | B1 | Cohort 3 | Pre-Intermediate >
Intermediate | Unlock Reading & Writing Level 3 |
| B1/B2+ | Unlock Reading & Writing Level 4 |
New students are also required to sit in-house placement tests for Mathematics and IT and, depending on scores, may be exempted from attending specific level courses for these subjects; for example, IT 1 or IT 2 in Cohort 1, or Mathematics 1 in Cohort 1, or Mathematics 2 in Cohort 2.Â
GFP Shifts
The GFP operates two daily timings
| Session 1 | Break | Session 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 - 10:50 | 10:50 - 11:40 | 11:40 - 01:25 |
| 04:00 - 05:00 | *06:00 - 06:30 | 06:30 - 08:25 |
*Break timings will vary according to call to prayer.Â
While every effort is made to accommodate student preferences, final allocations are made based on student numbers, class size and classroom availability. Accommodates students in full-time employmentÂ
GFP Course Subjects 

The following table outlines the subjects and hours for each level of the CPS GFP
| Proficiency Level | Wks | English | IT | Maths | Hrs/Wk | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trimester Cohort 1 | Beginner
Elementary | 6 | 20 | 20 | ||
| 6 | 20 | 20 | ||||
| Trimester Cohort 2 | Elementary
Pre-Intermediate | 6 | 16 | 4 | 20 | |
| 6 | 16 | 4 | 20 | |||
| Trimester Cohort 3 | Pre-Intermediate
Intermediate | 6 | 16 | 4 | 20 | |
| 6 | 18 | 2 | 20 |
Assessment
All continuous assessments and final assessments are conducted in the college. The CPS GFP assessment system is structured as follows
| Cohort 1: English Language | IT 1 | IT 2 | Math 1 | Math 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous assessment | 40 | ||||
| End-level Examination | 60 | ||||
| Total: | 100 |
| Cohort 2: English Language | IT 1 | IT 2 | Math 1 | Math 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous assessment | 40 | ||||
| End-level Examination | 60 | 100 | 100 | ||
| Total: | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Cohort 3: English Language | IT 1 | IT 2 | Math 1 | Math 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous assessment | 40 | ||||
| End-level Examination | 60 | 100 | 100 | ||
| Total: | 100 | 100 | 100 |
*Break timings will vary according to call to prayer.Â
While every effort is made to accommodate student preferences, final allocations are made based on student numbers, class size and classroom availability. Accommodates students in full-time employmentÂ
The CPS GFP Road Map
The following illustrates the student path through the GFP .The pass for progression and graduation from the GFP are followsÂ
Unless exempted from a course after meeting course requirements through the relevant placement test, to graduate from the GFP, students are expected to successfully complete all components: English Cohort 1, English Cohort 2, English Cohort 3, Maths 1, Maths 2, and IT1 and IT2.Â