Many people would agree that they have absolutely no clue what Polytechnic Foundation Program (PFP) means since it’s a relatively new program. Thus, many presume that all Secondary 4 Normal Academic students will proceed to either ITE or Secondary 5 after their N Level examination and go on to their tertiary education. However, times have changed, and the Polytechnic Foundation Program has been in place as an opportunity for Sec 4 Normal Academic students. In my opinion, as a Polytechnic Foundation Program student, it was one of the best decisions I have made. Therefore, in this article, I will share more about PFP, my experience, and my journey throughout the program.
So, what’s PFP? Well, PFP is a one-year foundation program for those Secondary 4 Normal Academic students that have passed with flying colors in their N Level examination. This program is available in all 5 polytechnics and also in NAFA. Furthermore, it offers almost every diploma course that is available in the polytechnics. To qualify for an entrance into PFP, there are some requirements to fulfill. Firstly, your Maths, English, and three other subjects (EMB3) should have a maximum raw point of 12. In addition to that, your English should be a B3 or less depending on the courses you decide to choose. Lastly, your EMB3 should be within the range of an A1 to a B3. When you qualify for PFP, your teachers will provide you with a letter of the entrance after the O Level exam results are out in which will tell the courses you can enter and the password to the website of application. From there, students have to choose their top 5 choices and submit them before the deadline. After a few weeks, the results will be released, and if there is a need for an appeal, you can appeal, and those results will come out in another few weeks. Around March, a letter from your Polytechnic will be sent to you via mail/email stating details about the Orientation and admin matters that are needed before you start school. After that, in early April, the Orientation will occur, and at the end of April, the school will officially begin.
In my story, PFP has its fair share of highlights and challenges. Throughout this past year, I was provided with many opportunities to make new friends and learn new things despite the Covid-19 pandemic. One way I made new friends was by being a part of the PFP Ambassadors. The PFP Ambassadors is a group where PFP students make new friends and plan for Orientation for the latest batch of students. This allowed me also to learn new skills in the process. On the other hand, PFP also has its fair share of challenges. For example, there will be new subjects you might have to learn, and various submissions of projects and assignments can be near each other. Thus, it is vital to plan your time well to ensure work is done well and submitted on time.
Nevertheless, here are some tips for those students that intend to join PFP or have joined PFP. Those who intend to join PFP, ensure that you choose your courses wisely, as you might get any of the courses from your five choices. For those who are embarking on their journey end of this coming month, try to practice your Maths, Sciences, Additional Maths, and even Principles of Accounts (if you took them). All this would be of good use when you start classes in April. Always ensure that you plan your time wisely, check your mails and learning portals. This ensures you are up to date with any information provided by the teachers during the school semester. On that note, when doing assignments and projects, do make sure you check your work with the rubrics, as it will allow you to note where you went wrong. Lastly, ensure you enjoy every bit of time during your PFP journey. It is only a one-year program; the friends and memories you make during that period of time are something you might not be able to get in your other Polytechnic years.
Personally, life in PFP has been such a fruitful and phenomenal journey. It’s allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself to do things, learn new skills, gain new friends and the list goes on. Despite the tough times, the good times had always made sure to compensate for those bad times. On a final note, those intending or who have got into PFP, enjoy your time and study smart, and you will be fine.
Nisha‘s blog 