abbey college cambridge international foundation programme 2015 2016

International Foundation

Programme

www.abbeycambridge.co.uk

Contents Welcome from the Head of the International Foundation Programme 1

What is the International Foundation Programme 2

University Destinations 3

Business, Economics & Accounting Pathway 4

Engineering Pathway 8

Science & Pharmacy Pathway 12

Trips and Activities 16

Term Dates and Fees 2015—2016 17

Student Success 18

What our Current Students Say 21

Student Life 23

Our new campus 24

What is the International

Foundation Programme?

Abbey College Cambridge is an independent sixth form

college that offers the very best education and boarding for

international students.

Gavin Copland; Vice Principal Academic and

Head of the International Foundation Programme

1

“I am pleased to welcome you to Abbey College Cambridge and to our

renowned International Foundation Programme! Our team of experienced

teachers, many with professional backgrounds in Economics, Management, Biochemistry

and Engineering, are here to guide our students through this one-year intensive

pre-University course. We provide one of the most versatile and dynamic Foundation

Programmes available, with our students going on to a wide-range of prestigious Russell

Group UK Universities. I very much value and enjoy leading our International Foundation

Programme students and teachers and look forward to welcoming you into our successful

and highly-achieving community.”

1

The International Foundation Programme was created as an alternative to A

Levels to meet the needs of those students who desire a more specific

pre-university experience. Students who perform well on the IFP are able to

progress to a wide selection of universities.

Our International Foundation Programme is a one-year, full time course

preparing international students for direct entry into a number of British

universities. Students can choose from our three subject pathways, each of which

includes Core Skills and Pathway-specific modules:

Business, Economics & Accounting

Engineering

Science and Pharmacy

There are 350 students at the college who are from over 25 countries.

They are united in their ambition: to enter one of the top universities in

the UK. Together with the well-qualified, professional staff of the

college we form a true learning community dedicated to outstanding

achievement for all. Students at Abbey Cambridge speak of the college

as being like a family: all students are made to feel very welcome in

lessons, in sports and clubs and in boarding accommodation, where

they make new friends and thrive in the international environment of

the college. The track record of Abbey Cambridge students speaks for

itself. Our results have established the college as one of the very best in

the UK.

2

University Destinations What do the percentages mean on the International Foundation Programme? Every

subject is graded out of 100%. Below are some of the previous university offers given to

students studying the Foundation programme and the percentages they should achieve:

The University of Manchester

Accounting & Finance

University of East Anglia

Biomedicine 75% 67%

University of Sheffield

International Business Management

City University London

Civil Engineering 75% 65%

University of Birmingham


University of Reading

Biomedical Science 70% 65%

Durham University

Business Management

University of Sussex

Economics & Finance 70% 65%

Royal Holloway


University of Brighton

Civil Engineering & Construction

Management

70% 50%

Lancaster University

Finance & Management

University of Hertfordshire

Business & Marketing 70% 60%

University of Leeds

Management

Kingston University

Business Management 70% 60%

University of Leicester

Business Economics

University of Westminster


University of Surrey

Biomedical Science

Coventry University

Financial Economics 70% 55%

Swansea University

Materials Science & Engineering

Anglia Ruskin University


University of York

Business Management

London Metropolitan University


3


Pathway

Course Outline

Term 1

Business

Economics

Mathematics for Business, Economics & Accounting

Accounting

Core Skills

Term 2

Business

Economics


Accounting

Core Skills

Term 3

Business

Economics


Accounting

Core Skills

4

The course is aimed at developing a critical understanding of organisations, their markets and the

process of adding value. Participants will be made aware of the different and varied influences that

affect business. The course stresses that participants should understand that business draws on a variety

of skills to meet these constantly changing influences. Participants will be encouraged to see that

business competition varies from organisation to organisation whether the organisation is large or

small, manufacturing or service; local, regional or national; or profit making or non-profit making.


Pathway

5

Term 1

Business - Starting up your own business and looking at successful

entrepreneurs and the skills required to be a success. You will also cover

analysing the market and identifying sources of funding for business

start-ups.

Economics - Microeconomic concepts regarding problems of resource

allocation, the operation of the price mechanism of demand and supply,

production costs and why markets fail. The different sectors of the

economy are highlighted and the benefits to businesses of expansion.

The theoretical knowledge you will gain of markets is applied to

specific industries namely agriculture, the labour market and particular

Mathematics for Business, Economics & Accounting - You will start by

reviewing some basic skills, relating each topic to how they might be

applied in a Business context. You will lean a technique called iteration

which is a numerical method used to find a numerical solution and be

introduced to the basic principle of Calculus and how to apply the

techniques to problems involving minimisation and maximisation in a

business-related context. Throughout the term the emphasis will be on

Accounting - You will learn how to process documents and prepare and

display accounting statements. Areas in Accounting will include

business documents, books of original entry, cashbook, double entry

book keeping, bank reconciliation statements, preparing final accounts

for a Sole Trader business.

Core Skills - This is ICT based; learning word and Excel, assessed by an

applied practical. You will practice and develop relevant skills, for

example effective note-taking and compiling a bibliography.


Pathway

6

Term 1

Term 2

Business - You will cover measuring the success of a business and

identifying opportunities to improve the business through topics

such as training and motivation and analysing the marketing mix of

a company, in order to see how it can develop its business.

Economics - Macroeconomics. The broad economic objectives of

economic growth, unemployment, inflation and the balance of

payments are reviewed: what causes the rate of national output, a

comparison between economies and the benefits and costs of

economic growth.

Mathematics for Business, Economics & Accounting - Statistics and

probability. You will learn some of the basic techniques used to

describe and compare one- and two-variable data sets. You will

then look at “time Series” and moving averages, techniques widely

used for forecasting in the business world. The emphasis in this

statistics module will be on actively carrying out experiments for

collecting data and using real life data sets with a Business context.

At the end of the module you will learn how to write a statistical

report and how to use Excel for analysing data. You will have the

opportunity to apply the techniques you have learnt by producing a

piece of assessed coursework.

Accounting - You will learn how to make adjustments to final

accounts. Prepayments and accruals, Recording bad and doubtful

debts, Recording and calculating depreciation, and Preparing

accounts for a limited company. Explain, and distinguish between,

rights and bonus issues and record the journal and ledger entries.

You will also learn about the role of the auditor .

Core Skills - This looks at presentations and the use of PowerPoint. You

will study a range of examples of oral presentations and examine the

devices used in them. You will participate in oral presentations

guided by professional speakers and develop the skills of analysis

and critique.


Pathway

7

Term 1

Term 3

Business - You will complete an evaluation of larger companies and

corporations, analysing potential investments and measuring the

efficiency and profitability of companies. You will also look at more

complex production techniques and streamlining efficiency within

organisations. Finally you will look at maintaining effective

relationships between employers and employees.

Economics - The third term assesses the factors contributing to

globalisation and the advantages and disadvantages of international

trade. You will examine the case for and against the single currency in

the Eurozone before looking at the role and functions of financial

institutions in the UK and the extent of international financial

connectivity between economies; and how the regulatory system can be

formed to prevent the recurrence of the financial crisis of 2008.

Mathematics for Business, Economics & Accounting— This term focusses on a

branch of mathematics called Decision Maths, a relatively new area of

Mathematics which has many practical applications widely used in the

Business world. The techniques you will study include Linear

Programming; a method used for solving minimisation and

maximisation problems, Critical Path Analysis; which is a technique

used in project scheduling and an introduction to Game Theory which is

widely used in both the Business and Political world. The work we

cover this term is an enjoyable area of Mathematics which can be

applied directly to many aspects of the business world and will give you

an insight into the mathematics behind some of the techniques

employed by companies.

Accounting - You will learn how to be able to analyse and evaluate financial

statements; how to prepare statements and use systems involved with

inventory. You will calculate and interpret the different management

accounting ratios, examine the use of ICT in accounting and explain and

apply accounting concepts.

Core Skills - You will create and present an oral presentation, which is

formally assessed.

Course Outline

Term 1

Physics

Chemistry

Maths for Engineering

Core Skills

Term 2

Physics

Chemistry

Maths for Engineering

Core Skills

Term 3

Physics

Chemistry

Core Skills

Engineering Pathway

8

This course is designed for students who want to go on to study Engineering at university. The

course considers in detail Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Solids and Fluids. These form the

building blocks of most Engineering courses at University.

Engineering Pathway

9

Term 1

Physics—During this tem you will study electric circuits and how they

are applied to electrical engineering. You will learn about magnetism

and the link between electricity and magnetism. You will then design

and build an electric motor and a moving-coil loudspeaker.

Chemistry – You will look at the arrangement of the atom and perform

chemical calculations using a very special number in chemistry -

Avogadro’s number. You will then apply what you have learned about

bonding and intermolecular forces to describe the unique properties of

water; and examine the structure and bonding in proteins and DNA.

You will carry out a special research project regarding fossil fuels and

the hydrogen economy; and consider different methods proposed to

Mathematics for Engineering - In the first term you will review and extend

your skills in the areas of algebra, arithmetic, coordinate geometry and

trigonometry. You will be introduced to radian measure for angles,

natural logarithms, Arithmetic and Geometric series, and the Binomial

expansion.




Engineering Pathway

10

Term 2

Physics - Mechanical and structural engineering. This includes you

studying motion graphs, the equations of linear motion and forces,

energy and power. You’ll also learn about the physical properties of

solids and liquids and their importance in designing buildings and

ships or flows in pipes.

Chemistry - The Periodic Table. You will learn about the chemistry

of the Alkali metals, Alkali Earth metals and Halogens and carry our

flame tests and observe the distinctive colours given out by different

compounds. You will also study reversible reactions and the different

factors which affect the speed of chemical reactions. For your special

research project in this term, you will delve into environmental

chemistry and be able to explain how pollutants can cause damage to

the environment.

Maths for Engineering—The second term focusses on Calculus and

Numerical Methods. You will look at Differentiation from first

principles, and learn the various techniques for differentiating

functions that will be required for a degree in Engineering at

university. You will see how integration can be interpreted as the

area under a curve, as well as learning the techniques required for an

Engineering degree. You will see how the techniques in Calculus can

be applied to practical situations in Mechanics, in particular to

contexts where acceleration is not constant.



devices used in them. You will participate in oral presentations

guided by professional speakers and develop the skills of analysis

and critique.

Engineering Pathway

11

Term 3

Physics - This term we will look beyond the earth to study how

engineering can be applied in space! This means we’ll be looking at the

circular motion of orbits in gravitational fields. In this term we’ll also

develop your practical skills for engineers as you design and complete

your own practical.

Chemistry - You will study organic chemistry such as the chemistry of

hydrocarbons and the properties of different functional groups such as

alcohols, carbonyl compounds and carboxylic acids. There are several

practical tasks to complete; carrying out reflux and distillation

techniques and describing the preparation of aldehydes and carboxylic

acids. The second half of the term focuses on separation techniques and

IR and NMR spectroscopy. In the special topic for Term 3, you will apply

concepts learned in spectroscopy to research into forensic science; where

you will complete a case study to evaluate how these methods are used

in real world scenarios.

Mathematics for Engineering - The third term focusses on Vectors,

Matrices and Complex Numbers. You will look at basic Vector algebra

and then apply these techniques to 2-dimensional problems in

Mechanics. You will learn what a Matrix is and how it can be applied to

transformations. You will be introduced to the imaginary number i, and

a complex number, and learn how to carry out arithmetic using the

complex plane. You will also get a glimpse into how these might be

useful in the context of Engineering.


formally assessed.

Course Outline

Term 1

Mathematics for Science and Pharmacy

Biology

Chemistry

Core Skills

Term 2


Biology

Chemistry

Core Skills

Term 3


Biology

Chemistry

Core Skills

Science & Pharmacy Pathway

12

During the course students look at complex problems and their application to real world

situations. Students build and develop their knowledge of chemical principles through both

practical and theory based work.

Term 1

Mathematics for Science and Pharmacy - In the first term you will

review and extend some techniques and concepts in the areas of

algebra, arithmetic, coordinate geometry and trigonometry. You will

be introduced to radian measure for angles, natural logarithms,

Arithmetic and Geometric series, and the Binomial expansion.

Biology - You will learn how important biodiversity is to life on Earth

and to the sustainable development of human society, you will study

the evolutionary origins of biodiversity and discuss how scientists

study and evaluate biodiversity. You will learn about the importance

of biodiversity both to natural ecosystems and to human development

and threats to biodiversity including excessive exploitation of natural

resources, habitat destruction and pollution.

Chemistry - You will look at the arrangement of the atom and perform

chemical calculations using a very special number in chemistry -

Avogadro’s number. You will then apply what you have learned about

bonding and intermolecular forces to describe the unique properties of

water; and examine the structure and bonding in proteins and DNA.

You will carry out a special research project regarding fossil fuels and

the hydrogen economy; and consider different methods proposed to

reduce our carbon footprint.





13

Term 2

Mathematics for Science and Pharmacy-The second term focusses on

Calculus and Numerical Methods. You will look at Differentiation from

first principles, and learn the various techniques for differentiating

functions that will be required for a pharmacy or science related degree

at university.

Biology - “The variety of life on Earth”. You will learn about the

molecules, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids – three of the key groups

of macromolecules essential for life. The cell, the basic unit of life, and

the structures within the cell. You will study how cells communicate

with each other by means of hormones and develop an understanding

of how scientists use their understanding of cell communication to

discover new medicinal drugs. In the second part of the second term

you will study DNA, the molecule responsible for inheritance, and how

genes control the way cells function; genome sequencing, genetic

Chemistry—The Periodic Table. You will learn about the chemistry of the

Alkali metals, Alkali Earth metals and Halogens and carry our flame

tests and observe the distinctive colours given out by different

compounds. You will also study reversible reactions and the different

factors which affect the speed of chemical reactions. For your special

research project in this term, you will delve into environmental

chemistry and be able to explain how pollutants can cause damage to

the environment.



devices used in them. You will participate in oral presentations guided

by professional speakers and develop the skills of analysis and critique.


14

Term 3

Mathematics for Science and Pharmacy - This term focusses on Statistics

and probability. You will learn some of the basic techniques used to

describe one- and two-variable data sets. You will be introduced to

the basic laws of probability and random variables. You will then

look at several probability distributions including the Normal,

Poisson, Binomial and Chi-squared distributions. At the end of the

module you will learn how to write a statistical report and how to

use Excel for analysing data. You will have the opportunity to apply

the techniques you have learnt by producing a piece of assessed

coursework.

Biology - “Health and Disease”. In the final term you will gain an

appreciation that health is more than just the absence of disease. You

will learn how human health can be compromised; developing an

understanding of the physiology of the human body leading to an

understanding of the symptoms of disease and the development of

effective treatments. In the second part of the term you will

undertake a practical investigation; planning, and collecting and

analysing data.

Chemistry - You will study organic chemistry such as the chemistry of

hydrocarbons and the properties of different functional groups such

as alcohols, carbonyl compounds and carboxylic acids. There are

several practical tasks to complete; carrying out reflux and

distillation techniques and describing the preparation of aldehydes

and carboxylic acids. The second half of the term focuses on

separation techniques and IR and NMR spectroscopy. In the special

topic for Term 3, you will apply concepts learned in spectroscopy to

research into forensic science; where you will complete a case study

to evaluate how these methods are used in real world scenarios.


formally assessed.


15

Trips & Activities

16

The International Foundation Programme encourages new experiences of

British life and culture. During the course, students are given the chance to

attend several trips and activities which support personal development and

encourage students to try new things, as well as bringing an enjoyable

dimension to studying at Abbey Cambridge. Students choose where we go and

what we do— it is integral to us that student’s views are listened to.

Trips to iconic British landmarks - such as the Houses of Parliament, the

London Eye and the Bank of England as well as fun trips

Study trips to the British Library and the British Museum

Outside motivational speakers and careers advice and support

A special leaving ceremony with awards, trophies and prizes

‘The variety of exhibits at the Tate Modern was breathtaking, and the

students curiosity and immersion in the experience was wonderful to see.’ -

Head of Upper Sixth

“The Foundation trip to the British Library enabled students to put the theory

of research into practice. I am confident that the visit will have improved their

grades in the research skills unit” Head of Lower Sixth

Term Dates and Fees 2015 - 2016

autumn term

Start of term: Wednesday 2 September

Half term: Monday 26 October - Friday 30 October

Last day of term: Friday 11 December

spring term

Start of term: Monday 4 January

Half term: Monday 15 February - Friday 19 February

Last day of term: Thursday 24 March

tuition fees

September 2015 - June 2016

£26,000

summer term

Start of term: Monday 11 April

Half term: Monday 30 May - Friday 3 June

Last day of term: Friday 24 June

17

Valentine ORJI from

Nigeria

Business, Economics

an

d

Ac-

cou

nti

ng:

87

%

Destination: University

of Southampton to study

Economics and Manage-

ment Sciences

“My Abbey College Cam-

bridge journey has been a

wonderful ride; one of com-

munity and togetherness, a

family, I shall never forget an

Student Success Valentine ORJI from Nigeria

Business, Economics and

Accounting: 87%

Destination: University of

Southampton to study

Economics and Management

Sciences

“My Abbey College Cambridge

journey has been a wonderful

ride; one of community and

togetherness, as a family. I shall

never forget an experience worth

reliving, the abundance of

knowledgeable variety present at

Abbey College Cambridge has

been one of solemn inspiration

driven by the love of learning

and the pursuit of outstanding

achievement for all.”

7 18

Student Success LI Dandan from China

Science and Pharmacy:

85%

Destination: University of

Manchester to study

Chemistry

“Dandan is a great

contributor to Abbey

Cambridge and was awarded

for this. Dandan took part in

many Abbey Cambridge

activities and seized every

opportunity to further her

learning.”

8 19

Student Success ZHANG Lei from China

Engineering: 84%

Destination: University of Warwick

to study Mathematics

“Lei was commended for her

positive and valuable

contributions in class. Lei took

part in many Abbey Cambridge

activities including Maths Club,

Badminton Club and Table

Tennis. Lei was a hardworking

and determined student and was

awarded the Foundation Student

of the Year 2014.”

9 20

What our students say Our current students express their views on the International Foundation

Programme at Abbey Cambridge:

21

LIAO Junlang

"My classmates are the

best and are always willing

to help each other."

Blerina SALA

“I like the International

Foundation Programme

because of the quality of

teaching offered to the

students.”

Oluwatosin JEGEDE

“The IFP allows us to learn

while not putting stress on

us and allows us to have

good relationships with our

teachers.”

Obianuju OKONKWO

“The International


incorporates fun with the

learning process, so learning

is fun!”

What our students say Our current students express their views on the International Foundation

Programme at Abbey Cambridge:

22

WU Jiawei



because it can help me go to

a good university.”

IENG Sunsovisal

“Teachers are very helpful

and supportive.”

Oghenefejiro Ogugua

MACAULAY

“All our activities are

closely monitored and there

is constant communication

between our teachers and

parents.”

LI Chunyang



because we have met lots of

nice staff.”

Student Life Students at Abbey Cambridge experience a diverse and interactive range of

activities and events

23

May Ball 2015

Charity Fair 2015

Speak English Week High Tea 2015

Themed Assemblies Horse-riding Club

Our New Campus Abbey Cambridge is dedicated to helping students from across the

world achieve the personal, social and academic growth needed for

success in the best of the UK's universities.

The demand for places at Abbey Cambridge is very high and we have

responded to this by building a new, state-of-the-art campus in

Cambridge which opens in September 2016.

24

The new campus will include:

120 ensuite students bedrooms on-site, and a further 230 rooms within a 5 minute

walk

Onsite restaurant serving all student meals, with a Starbucks coffee bar

8 state-of-the art laboratories

35 classrooms equipped with the latest learning technology

Art studio

Music rehearsal rooms and performance spaces

25

“To be a community energised by the love of learning

and the pursuit of outstanding achievement for all”

www.abbeycambridge.co.uk [email protected]

abbey college cambridge international foundation programme 2015 2016

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