University of Leicester Foundation Programme

Some of you who read this site will be approaching your 'A' - level exams, and then hopefully you will progress on to University. In an ideal world you will get your first choice placement, in a less then ideal world you will maybe get your second or third choice, and if things could have gone a little better then you may take a chance with the "clearing" system. Hopefully whatever the outcome you tried your best. But what happens if you can't get into a University, what do you do then?

Let me tell you about something I came across, the "University of Leicester Foundation Programme" (ULFP). When I did my 'A'-Levels first time round, some of my tutors were less than helpful (the school and teachers shall remain anonymous), and at one point I was actually told that I was "wasting my time" and "rubbish at maths" (the real reason actually wasn't that I was rubbish at maths, it was due to a lot of external circumstances which made it impossible to study). So I abandoned hope of going to University. Later, I realised that I wanted to pursue a career in "computers" and decided to do a degree, but was rubbish at maths, right?

I called the University of Leicester, and they helpfully mentioned this ULFP thing, went along to Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College, told them about my inability to do mathematics and was worried about failing the year long course. They asked me to carry out a test (quite a large booklet!), and pointed out that doing a "Foundation Year" was not an easy way into University. They weren't kidding! I had never done that amount of mathematics before, but after a year with the help and support of the staff there (most notably Rosie, Jim, Bill, Frank, Barbara, John and Geoff), I actually got very good at it, passed the foundation year, and then obtained my BSc Computer Science Degree. So much for being "rubbish"! It was just that I hadn't had good supportive teachers before who took time out to explain things to me.

So you have heard the "success" story, but let me just make sure that you understand a few things before you decide to take this route. It is not easy (understatement)! In fact, that first year at WQEI was as tough as the final year at University. You have to do a lot of work. If you struggle with certain topics, the teachers will help you out, but you have to help yourself by making the effort to do extra work. Many people who face something they don't understand tend to avoid it from then on, and this is isn't the answer. If you are willing to make the effort then so are they. Another thing to consider is attendance. It isn't a drop-in centre, and if you make the commitment to do the course you have to be prepared to spend a lot of time there. Failure to attend most if not all of the lectures carries a risk of not being allowed to continue your studies at the Univeristy.

If you would like to know more about the foundation programme, you can call WQEIC on 0116 223 1900 (open from 8am to 5pm), or call the University of Leicester on 0116 2522522.