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Programs

Centre for Preparatory Studies

0Centre for Preparatory Studies

Introduction

Mission

The mission of the CPS is committed to equipping its students with the skills required in English Language, Mathematics and Information Technology to perform and contribute effectively as active, critical thinkers in the academic environment of the college’s diploma and degree programmes; and to become productive, capable and responsible graduates who will add value to the community and society as a whole.

Philosophy

The CPS philosophy for students to progress in English, Mathematics and Information Technology adopts a communicative, collaborative approach to teaching and learning, emphasizing the following: learning by doing; learning through active participation; learning through reflective practices; learning through meaningful production; and learning through exposure to sustainable, portable skills that can be applied at different levels of complexity in a variety of situations. This philosophy is driven by a qualified, experienced and supportive staff who provide the tools and skills necessary to enable students to engage in effective learning.

Graduate Attributes

Each CPS course has course specifications which outline the skills and content of the level. Each cohort comprises Learning Objectives, the means by which students practise to fulfil Learning Outcomes which, in turn, contribute to students demonstrating many of the competencies required in achieving CBFS Graduate Attributes. These attributes are as follows:

1) being Knowledgeable;
2) being an Effective Communicator;
3) being a Critical Thinker;
4) being Digitally Literate;
5) being a Lifelong Learner;
6) being Socially Responsible.

CONTACT DETAILS

  • Thomas Brett
    Acting Director
    Centre for Preparatory Studies
    Tel: 22059748
    Email: lailas@cbfs.edu.om
  • Ms Salma Yahya Hamood Al Hasaini
    Campus Co-ordinator
    Tel: 22059746
    Email:salmay@cbfs.edu.om
  • Ms Waad Al Harrasi
    Campus Co-ordinator
    Tel: 22059747
    Email:waad@cbfs.edu.om
General Foundation Programme Minimum Entry Requirements
  • Students scoring 60% in high school are eligible to enrol in the GFP Programme.
  • Bank employees not meeting the 60% requirement are considered for GFP admission based on years of work experience.

 Students can use the departmental website to communicate feedback: elc@cbfs.edu.om

Placement Test

The adaptive online placement Cambridge English Placement Test (CEPT) is used to allocate students to appropriate cohort for English language training

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.

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

Session 1 Break Session 2

04.00-05.00

*06.00-06.30

06.30-08.25

*Break timings will vary according to call to prayer.

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 employment

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 IT1 IT2 Math 1 Math 2

Continuous assessment 40

       

End-level Examination 60


     

Total: 100


 
Cohort 2: English Language IT1 IT2 Math 1 Math 2

Continuous assessment 40

       

End-level Examination 60

        100


100

 

Total: 100

        100


100

 
Cohort 3: English Language IT1

 IT2

Math 1

Math 2

Continuous assessment 40

              

End-level Examination 60

         100  

100

Total: 100

         100  

100

The CPS GFP Road Map

The following illustrates the student path through the GFP .The pass for progression and graduation from the GFP are follows :

 

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.