Introduction

The King Saud University Preparatory Year English Programme is a unique opportunity for students to improve their English language skills alongside other key skills such as Maths and ICT. The continuing importance of English in the increasingly global world makes this language element vital to the Preparatory Year Programme.

 

The Syllabus

In its purpose built teaching centre, students will receive 20 hours of intensive tuition with their teachers each week. Beginning with a focus on general English, the first semester uses one of the best known and most successful coursebook series from world famous publisher Cambridge University Press; Interchange. Before any teaching can begin, each student is thoroughly tested using online placement tests, before being allocated a class according to their current English level. Once this has been done, the teacher can ensure that all lessons are tailored to the level of each class and therefore create a better learning environment.

 

This initial stage of the course is designed to give the students a strong foundation in the language, improving their command of English as well as improving their vocabulary, reading, writing and communication skills. In the process of improving these skills, students will also develop their confidence in the language and also their presentation skills. These all contribute to the life skills of the student and help to prepare them for their future studies and careers beyond KSU. As the course progresses, and students reach a higher level of English, the focus will switch to the academic side of the language. This will involve preparing students for the style of language they will need for their future studies.

The final assessment for the course is the highly regarded International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which is used as a qualifying test for students wishing to attend university in many countries including the UK and Australia. Specialist material will be used to prepare students for this test with the aim of reaching an IELTS score of 5.0 by the end of the year.

 

Advanced Technology

Technology will play an important role throughout the whole of the English course with teachers using the latest in interactive whiteboard software in the classroom, as well as dedicated computer laboratories utilising the latest language software. In particular, the innovative programme, Bell English Campus, will be available to all students providing tailored supplementary activities for each level of the course, with each student having their own individual study module.

 

Staff

 

          

The course is run jointly by Bell International and Obeikan Research and Development. Bell International has over 50 years’ experience in English Language Teaching with teaching centres all over the world including the UK, China, Malta and Qatar. Bell brings all of its knowledge and skills to this new project and has developed a new syllabus specifically for KSU students. The project’s Academic Manager, Keith Ellis, is a highly experienced teacher and manager with great knowledge of the needs of Saudi students. Keith is supported by two highly qualified and experienced coordinators and a team of 64 teachers from all over the world. Together, their education and experience will ensure that the students are given the best possible start to their studies at KSU, and that they widen their opportunities in KSA and beyond.

  

 

Preparatory Year Deanship

Intensive English Program

Student Assessment in English 140-150

• Attendance: A student must maintain regular attendance of at least 85% of classes every semester. If a student exceeds 15% of absence, he/she will be deprived from entering the final exam in that course and, as a result, get a DND grade in the course (i.e., Denied). The 15% absence includes absence for sickness, whether supported by sick note or not.

• A student is required to maintain a GPA of 3.0 out of 5.0 as a minimum accumulative average in order to graduate from the Preparatory Year Program.

• The minimum passing grade in a course is D = 60%.

• PYP is two semesters plus one in case of failing a course. In case of failing a course or more in the second semester, a student can study for one more final semester in order to pass that course(s).

• 10% of the total 100% of the grade in English 140, 145 & 150 has to be dedicated to assessment of self-learning activities.

• The total grade of English 140, 145 and 150 is distributed according to the following:

  • 10% for self-learning activities

  • 10% for continuous assessment (including class participation, quizzes, in-class written assignments, and presentations)

  • 40% for midterms (two midterms; 20% each)

  • 40% for the final exam

  • Total = 100%

• In English 140, 145, and 150, 15% of absence is 45 hours each semester (an hour=50 minutes). If a student is 10 minutes late, he's/she's recorded absent for that hour (one hour = 50 minutes).

• Based on Placement Test results, students are placed in six English language proficiency levels. The placement test carries no marks and plays no part in the end of semester assessment.

• Final exams will be standardized (i.e., all students take one final exam regardless of proficiency level. They will be KET and PET Tests. Midterms, however, will be based on proficiency levels.

• The first semester’s final will be based on level 3 (KET Test).

• Advanced level students (levels 5 and 6) will be required to take IELTS in semester one and get a 75% reduction of studying hours in the second semester as a consequence given that they score 5 or more in that exam. They will follow a 75 hour ESP course.

• Level 4 students should take IELTS in semester two. If they achieve band 5, they will then get a 50% reduction of studying hours for the remainder of the semester, and follow an ESP course (Study 75 Hour ESP Course).

• Level 3 and lower level students to be decided. However, their final exam for semester 2 will be a level 5 exam (IELTS or PET Test).

• In the first semester IELTS qualifies for the two midterm exams, continuous assessment and the final exam. IELTS scores have to be converted into percentages, and then added to the remaining 10% points of self learning.

• IELTS counts in the second semester as the two midterm exams and the final. They will still need to meet the requirements for continuous assessment, ESP, self-learning and attendance in semester 2, naturally.

• Partial exemption for IELTS students will only occur in semester two even if IELTS is taken in semester one. No exemption in semester one.

• Students who take IELTS and score 5 and above any time in semester two get a 50% reduction in contact hours immediately.

• Students who do not or cannot take IELTS in semester two will be tested in the final based on a level 5 exam (PET Test), since it’s the minimum required outcome of the program.

• Student progress from one level to another will be based on their scores in midterms and finals. In addition, some students will be downgraded or upgraded according to their performance in class (continuous assessment) based on their teachers’ recommendations.

• Students in the second semester are put in classes based on their levels and colleges.

• Students who fail 140 in the first semester have to register for 140 in the second semester and take KET as a final exam. However, they can take PET (or even IELTS) but at their own expense. If they pass either PET or IELTS, they can register for 145 or 150 in the summer, which for them will only be made of ESP and thereby complete the PY year. (The same applies for new 140 students)

• If 140 students pass KET in the second semester, they take 150 in the first semester of the following year.

• Students who join the program in the second semester and already have scored 5 or more in the IELTS, study only ESP in the same semester.

• In semester 2, level 5 or above in IELTS means 80% towards final grade, the remaining 20% to be made up of ESP test, continuous assessment, and self-learning. 4.5 will equal 75%, and each further half grade a further 5% reduction.

 

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