At St Francis Xavier’s College, we believe that it is vital to offer a broad and balanced curriculum to meet the needs of all learners. Our students are encouraged to follow a pathway that best suits their aspirations and our curriculum offers a pathway for every body whether it be traditional A Levels, BTEC’s or a combination of both. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the world of work, higher education and for life in today’s modern Britain.
Intent
To develop
- A love of learning that results in students making good progress in all their subjects.
- Achieving students who are able to leave 6th Form and make a positive transition to their post-18 choices.
- Confident individuals who are able to live out the mission of the College,’ Life in all its fullness’ and lead happy and fulfilled lives.
- Responsible citizens who can make a positive contribution to our College community, parishes and society in general.
Our curriculum is designed to meet the individual needs of each student underpinned by our fundamental Christian ethos and values. Students study subjects that are tailored to their interests and future aspirations. Students are guided in this process by their teachers but also our independent careers advisor who will help them make decisions of what to study that are based on their future intentions.
Implementation
We aim to provide a climate that encourages students to fulfil their true potential, where each student feels valued and supported.
KS5 Transition
In Year 11 there is a consultation between the College, students and parents/carers about the courses and pathways to be followed from Year 12 onwards enabling the choice of subjects for Key Stage 5 to be well informed. Students will be carefully guided to make appropriate decisions for their 6th Form studies. We will also include our careers guidance officer in this process where each Year 11 student will have a careers meeting to help them decide on future options. In order to make informed choices students are also invited to attend a taster day where they get the opportunity to sample 6th Form lessons of subjects that they are keen to study so helping them make informed decisions that are appropriate for them.
St Francis Xavier’s College has a very rich and diverse 6th Form curriculum where we are able to offer three broad and distinct pathways. Purely academic, purely vocational, and a combination of both. This allows students complete flexibility and the opportunity to study a wide range of courses that complement their future aspirations and talents. We offer 17 A levels , 4 BTEC’s and 2 Cambridge Technicals. Our curriculum is further enhanced with the opportunities of further study at St Julies, our collaborative partners where students have access to further A Levels and BTEC’S.
Students undertake 3 Level 3 qualifications and have access to 6 lessons contact time per week per subject plus an additional personalised study period per subject to maximise success. Personalised study periods are held in the 6th Form common room or LRC where students are expected to do some independent study specific to their subjects they are studying.
Students who fail to achieve a grade 4 or above in GCSE English or Mathematics resit these subjects with two allocated timetabled lessons per week.
Curriculum Impact
In 2018 96% of our learners went on to sustained education, employment or training.
In 2018 71% of our disadvantaged cohort went to university.
In 2018 12% of our university applicants successfully transitioned to a Russell Group university.
Our retention rates are at the national average. Students that do leave mid-course are successfully supported by our independent careers advisor and monitored to ensure they are successful in securing employment or an apprenticeship before leaving us.
