SIXTH FORM
At St Francis Xavier’s College you will find a Sixth-Form with traditional values, where students
are guided carefully in their work by a team of very experienced teachers with a successful track
record. The Times newspaper lists St Francis Xavier’s College as one of the most successful in
the country.
At St Francis Xavier’s College you will find you have a modern environment with ready access to
the very latest technological aids to study in and out of normal school hours.
At St Francis Xavier’s College you will be helped to pass from the age of compulsory education to
the world of higher education or employment in a way which will encourage you to work hard, to
achieve the best results you can and to take full advantage of the social life of the College.
St Francis Xavier’s College is a Roman Catholic school but admission into the sixth-form is not
restricted to Roman Catholics.
St Francis Xavier’s College works closely with partner schools in the Collaborative Partnership.
This allows students to access courses at those centres which are not provided by St Francis
Xavier’s College. Transport is provided for students to those centres between lessons. Details of
the courses available at the other centres will be provided during the Sixth Form Open Evening.
This arrangement is part of the collaboration arrangement for Post 16 Education across the city.
ST FRANCIS XAVIER’S COLLEGE
DE LA MENNAIS VITH FORM CENTRE
BEACONSFIELD ROAD
WOOLTON
LIVERPOOL
L25 6EG
Tel No: 0151 288 1000
Fax No: 0151 288 1001
Email [email protected]
www.sfx.liverpool.sch.uk
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ST. FRANCIS XAVIER’S COLLEGE SIXTH FORM
Introduction
St Francis Xavier's College was founded in 1842 by the Jesuit Order in association with
Stonyhurst College, Lancashire. It was located in Salisbury Street, Everton, until 1961 when it
transferred to its present attractive twenty-six acre site at High Lee, Woolton. In 1990 it opted out
of local-authority control and became a grant-maintained school. The college was granted
Technology College status from April 1996. In September 1999 it became a Foundation School.
In September 2000 the De La Mennais Sixth Form Centre was opened. The College acquired
Specialist Status as the first Mathematics and Computing College in the City in September 2005.
The Sixth Form Common Room has been refurbished in 2009 to incorporate a supervised study
zone.
Over the years the College has developed a very strong Sixth Form with an extremely high
reputation for academic success. Students have the distinct advantage of belonging to a school
dedicated to the ideals of the Christian faith with a tradition of academic success. The college
also possesses excellent sporting, information & communication technology (ICT), resource and
social facilities. Girls were first admitted in 1989 and are now an integral part of the sixth form.
Aims
The Sixth Form at St Francis Xavier's College provides the means for students to continue in fulltime education after the age of sixteen. Students in the Sixth Form are able to further their studies
in accordance with their abilities, aptitudes and career intentions. Advice and guidance are
available to all applicants with regard to choice of AS & A Level courses, G.C.S.E courses and
BTEC courses. Guidance is also available to Students with regard to Higher Education and
careers after the age of eighteen. The College has one of the best records in the City for ensuring
progression post 18.
The Sixth Form offers a very wide range of subjects which may be studied to various levels. It is
the aim of the Sixth Form to enable any student to realise his or her potential.
The majority of students in the Sixth Form usually aim to acquire the necessary qualifications for
entry to Higher Education. The school has close links with universities and each year in excess of
95% of students are successful in getting on to degree courses. We were delighted to receive
notification from the DfE in July 2013 that St Francis Xavier’s College is listed as number seven in
the top ten in the country for the proportion of students going on to Higher Education from nonselective schools.
The Sixth Form also caters for students who may not wish to go on to Higher Education but who
wish to secure the best possible qualifications for subsequent employment. For each student
careers guidance is readily available from Mr Fay, our Careers Planning specialist.
Recent Quotations from Archdiocesan and Ofsted Reports (2013)
“Achievement in the sixth form is good. Curriculum changes for next year and advice and
guidance offered to the current Year 11 are in place to ensure good rates of progression through
to Year 13.”
“Teaching in the sixth form is good and supports well the good achievement seen during the
inspection and the school’s data.”
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“The extent to which pupils contribute to and benefit from the Catholic Life of the school is
outstanding.”
Facilities
Since St Francis Xavier’s College has a long tradition of Sixth Form education, excellent facilities
have been built up over the years.
The Sixth Form Learning Resource Centre with ICT facilities has a very large collection of books
to provide background material for all subjects on the curriculum. There are also an increasing
number of new and popular titles in the fiction section. Books can be borrowed under a normal
library system. Students may use the computers for classwork tasks, homework or coursework.
A very wide and varied range of periodicals is always available. The Sixth Form LRC with ICT
facilities is available for supervised private study which is staffed during school hours. The newly
created Study Zone is also available for supervised study and has ICT facilities.
For students taking science subjects the college has excellent track record. Over many years the
Science Department has achieved outstanding success in preparing candidates for entry to
degree courses in medicine, dentistry and the various branches of engineering, pharmacology,
pharmacy, genetics and veterinary science.
The Sixth Form has also established an enviable reputation for success in languages and arts
subjects. The Geography Department have established a weather satellite receiving station as
well as extensive information technology equipment. In fact, all Advanced Level subjects are
taught in specialist rooms, usually with information technology equipment available. Over the
years much success has been achieved in preparing candidates for entry to degree courses in
law, modern foreign languages, classics, art, music, business studies, media studies, ICT,
philosophy and ethics and in BTEC courses in Business Studies and Sport.
Higher Education
Advice on Higher Education is available from the Director of Sixth Form, Assistant Director of
Sixth Form, Pastoral Assistant and 6th Pastoral and LRC Officer throughout Years 12 & 13. Visits
to local universities and colleges are organised each year prior to applications to Higher
Education. Speakers will arrange to talk to students about the universities and college application
system (UCAS), completing the application form and interview techniques. Advice on degree
courses is also available in the Learning Resource Centre which contains prospectuses of most
universities and colleges. Access to details of universities and colleges and of how to apply is
available through the computer system available. The LRC Officer is able to direct students to all
this information. Much information is also available on the many varied degree courses available
(e.g. medicine, dentistry, law, media studies etc). In addition, a tutorial system is in place to
support students applying for Higher Education. All students now applying to university use an
Electronic Application System operated through the school network, and have the assistance of a
mentor from Liverpool University. Future Focus events in Year 12 prepare students for University
application procedures. Oxford University success is an established aspect of the Sixth Form.
Sport
St Francis Xavier’s College has extensive sporting facilities and playing fields. Football is popular
throughout the school with many teams representing the college in inter-school matches. Games
are played on Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons (during the Autumn term) and SFX
is very successful at this level.
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Cricket is another popular sport in the Sixth Form with two teams representing the college. As
well as matches against other schools, overseas opposition have regularly played here at SFX
against our sides. Both cricket and football teams have toured the country playing matches.
In fact, even after Sixth Form students have left the college they have still been able to carry on
playing with the teams organised by the Old Xaverian Club in both football and cricket.
SFX College also boasts its own gym and squash courts increasing the sports available to Sixth
Form students. Sixth Form girls have involved themselves in netball, badminton, running and
weight-training at SFX.
Music and Drama
St Francis Xavier’s College has an extremely talented orchestra and choir and many enthusiastic
groups and soloists, who perform at school functions. Sixth Form students are most welcome to
join any of these groups. Drama also appears prominently as an extra-curricular activity. There is
a programme of regular performances, productions and Band Nights. Sixth Form students are
most welcome to participate and are actively encouraged for certain starring roles!
Other Activities and Opportunities
There are many other activities and opportunities for Sixth Form students to take advantage of.
They include the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, the production of the school newspaper
(SFXTRA) the annual MICA project for industry and the Debating Society. A current member of
the SFX Debating team has also achieved success in the National Debating team.
Community and Higher Sports Leaders Awards are available through the P.E. Department.
Students are actively encouraged to take advantage of these extra-curricular activities to promote
their personal as well as academic developments.
Sixth Form Centre
A purpose-built Sixth Form centre, separate from the main school, was opened in September
2000. This centre includes a number of key features, such as purpose built Sixth Form
classrooms; a Sixth Form Learning Resource Centre with ICT facilities for quiet individual study
and the new Study Zone. All members of the Sixth Form are encouraged to make best use of the
facilities presented to them. Many representatives have toured the Sixth Form centre to see for
themselves, and used it as an example for other schools.
Common Room
All members of the Sixth Form have membership of the Sixth Form Common Room. Sixth Form
students may use the common room during morning break and lunchtime. Sixth Form students
also enjoy many other privileges which include being allowed off-site during morning break and
lunchtime as well as being allowed to leave at 2.30pm when they have no timetabled lesson at the
end of the day. In return Sixth Form students are expected to show responsibility and maturity in
their studies. It is the aim of the college that each and every Sixth Form student fulfils his or her
potential.
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Study Zone
All students receive 5 taught hours of lessons per subject each week. They also attend a 6 th hour
of supervised study per week in the newly refurbished Study Zone, equipped with ICT facilities
and internet access. The study zone is fully supervised at all times.
Sixth Form Pastoral Team
Within the Sixth Form a great deal of emphasis is placed upon pastoral support. Students are
placed in small form/tutor groups (15-20 students). Personal tutors are allocated to all students
applying to university. The pastoral team within the Sixth Form is headed by Mr Prescott, Director
of Sixth Form and Ms Finlay - Assistant Director of Sixth Form, Mrs Al-Hadithi and Mrs Hughes Sixth Form Pastoral & LRC Officer, and Mr Gardner - Pastoral Assistant. Mr Flowers is the
Deputy Headteacher with responsibility for Key Stage 5.
Applications
If you wish to continue your education in the Sixth Form at St Francis Xavier’s College you should
study the information on the following pages and then complete an application form. This will not
commit you to any particular courses or subjects. You are free to change your mind later if you so
wish, provided room is available in your revised option. You might decide to amend your choice in
the light of your GCSE results in August. However, it is important that your final decision is
agreed by Friday 22nd August, before you return to start Year 12.
If you are already a pupil in St Francis Xavier’s College your application will only be accepted if
you have a good record concerning conduct, attendance, punctuality and work ethic.
External Applications
Students who are currently completing a course of study at a school/college other than SFX are
welcome and encouraged to apply to the Sixth Form. In recent years there has been a significant
increase in the number of external applicants – both male and female.
If you are applying from another school you will be required to complete the enclosed application
form and forward this to the school along with a photocopy of your most recent school report.
Early applications are advisable. Following receipt of your application you will be contacted and
invited for a tour of the school and interview. Successful applicants will then be offered a place on
condition of them meeting the course entry requirements.
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Courses available in the Sixth Form
The range of subjects on offer in the sixth form is wide but not all combinations of subjects are
available or are, in fact, desirable. You may choose ONE subject from EACH of the boxes D, E, F
and G. Option Blocks will be finalised once all applications have been received.
Box D
Box E
Box F
Box G
Art
Music
English Literature
ICT (AS)
French
English Literature
16th Century
History
ICT (BTEC)
Physics
Modern History
Biology
Business Studies
BTEC Business
(Single)
Maths
Philosophy and
Ethics
Biology
Psychology
Technology
Chemistry
BTEC Business
(Double)
Maths
Spanish
Physics
Chemistry
Geography
Modern History
Further Maths
ICT (AS)
BTEC Sport
(Double)
Latin
BTEC Sport
(Single)
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Pathways
There are five pathways you can follow, selecting subjects from 3 or 4 boxes as shown
above. The points system is explained below the Pathways.
The Pathways are:Pathway 1 (Four AS Subjects)
Entry Requirements for Pathway = 392 DfE points from your best 8 GCSE subjects including the
entry requirements for the individual subjects
A selection of 4 AS subjects, one from each Box D,E,F and G
A grade C or above is expected in English and Maths
Pathway 2 (Three AS Subjects)
Entry Requirements for Pathway = 276 DfE points from your best 6 GCSE subjects including the
entry requirements for the individual subjects
A selection of 3 AS subjects, from 3 of Boxes D,E,F, and G
Pathway 3 (Combination of 2 AS subjects and 1 BTEC subject)
Entry Requirements for Pathway = 258 DfE points from your best 6 GCSE subjects including the
entry requirements for the individual subjects
A selection of 2 AS Subjects and 1 BTEC Subject, one each from three of Boxes D,E,F, and G
Pathway 4 (Combination of 1 AS Subject and Two BTEC subjects)
Entry Requirements for Pathway = 252 DfE points from your best 6 GCSE subjects including the
entry requirements for the individual subjects
A selection of 1 AS Subject and 2 BTEC Subjects, one each from three of Boxes D,E,F, and G
Pathway 5 (BTEC Route)
Entry Requirements for Pathway = 160 DfE points from your best 6 GCSE subjects including the
entry requirements for the individual subjects
A selection of three BTEC Courses, one each from 3 of Boxes D,E,F and G
N.B. Choosing four BTEC subjects or four subjects involving BTECs is not allowed
because of the amount of coursework and task work involved.
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Discretionary options

Students who go on to score between 277 and 391 DfE points at GCSE from their
best 8 grades will be allowed to begin 4 AS subjects if they wish, provided that one
subject is dropped after one month. This will allow suitable candidates to make an
informed choice of three subjects having experienced four subjects.

Students who score 259 to 275 DfE points at GCSE from their best 6 grades may be
considered for Pathway 2
Each pathway has an entry requirement, in addition to the individual entry requirements for
each subject. At the application stage you should look at your target grades and current working
grades before selecting a pathway. This will also be discussed at the Information, Advice and
Guidance meeting that you will have with a member of staff.
The entry requirements for each pathway are based upon the Department for Education
Point Scores which are allocated to GCSE and BTEC grades as follows
A*/Distinction * = 58 points
A/Distinction = 52 points
B/Merit = 46 points
C/Pass = 40 points
For the purposes of Sixth Form application, only grades C and above at GCSE, or Pass and
above at BTEC may be counted.
You should look at your targets and current working grades and work out your best 8 and
best 6 subjects. Convert your likely grades to points and then add them up to see what
your score from your best 6 and 8 subjects is likely to be. This will give you an indication
of the most realistic pathway for you to select. Be realistic about your likely grades, but
also aim high and work hard to achieve your goals.
What are BTECS?
They are Level 3 qualifications from the Edexcel Examinations Board. They have been available
in schools, Sixth Forms and Further Education Colleges for many years. They are equivalent
qualifications to A Levels and carry the same UCAS (University) points. They are equal in status
to A Levels and can be studied by all students. They can be studied alongside traditional AS and
A Levels.
BTEC courses are designed to suit those students who prefer continuous assessment to terminal
examinations, and they are mainly assessed by continuous tasks and coursework. It is the
method of assessment which is different, not the status of the qualification. From this year, the
Government has included an element of examination assessment in each subject, usually 25%.
This differs from AS Level, where the assessment by examination is usually between 75% and
100%
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IN SUMMARY
PATHWAY 1
392 points from Best 8



FOUR AS subjects from
Boxes D, E, F and G
Entry Requirements for
each subject required plus
Pathway points as above
It is expected that you will
have a minimum Grade C
in English and Maths
PATHWAY 2
276 points from Best 6


2
1
5
YEAR
12
PATHWAYS
3
PATHWAY 5
160 Points from Best 6
A selection of 3 BTECS from three Boxes

PATHWAY 3
258 points from Best 6
Entry Requirements for each subject
required plus Pathway points as above
A Combination of 2 AS Levels and 1
BTEC from three Boxes
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
PATHWAY 4
252 Points from Best 6
A selection of 1 AS and 2 BTECs
from three Boxes

THREE AS subjects from
Boxes D, E, F or G
Entry Requirements for
each subject required plus
Pathway points as above
Entry Requirements for each subject
required plus Pathway points as
above
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Entry Requirements for each subject required
plus Pathway points as above
What happens next?
In deciding on a choice of subjects a prospective sixth form student should carefully consider the
following:
 What subjects are you good at?
 Will you meet the entry requirement for your chosen subjects?
 Which subjects do you enjoy?
 What are your career intentions?
 Will the chosen subjects allow entry on to a degree course relating to the career intentions?
Work out your likely GCSE DfE points score and see which Pathways are available to you, then
look at the individual entry requirements for your chosen subjects. Submit your form and then
discuss this at the meeting you will have in school.
Each applicant will be given an interview by a member of the Sixth Form Pastoral team, who will
advise on suitable courses. Options may be reviewed in the light of GCSE results.
Following GCSE Results day in August all students wishing to take up their offer of a place
in Year 12 must confirm their subject choices by Friday 22nd August. After this date it may
not be possible to guarantee a place in year 12.
Sixth Form Enrichment
All students will be expected to choose an option from a range of Enrichment activities. This may
include externally accredited options such as AS Level Philosophy and Ethics, AS and A2 General
Studies, and internally accredited options such as guided project work and Ethics projects. There
are re-sit opportunities for Maths and English GCSE. Maths for Science students may be offered
for those sitting science with a need for additional Maths support.
All students in the sixth form are expected to fulfil the Archdiocesan requirements and
receive at least one hour a week of Religious Education. Students have three routes that
they can follow:
1. Complete the Philosophy and Ethics A Level in years 12 and 13
2. Complete the AS Philosophy and Ethics examination over a two year period. (Enrichment)
3. Complete the NOCN General RE course which is a non examination course and requires
submitting evidence to achieve either a Level 2 or 3 award.
The remaining periods once a student has assembled their timetable will be allocated
proportionally to supervised study (“lesson 6”) in the Sixth Form LRC or Study Zone. This means
that students receive five hours of tuition from a member of staff plus one hour of directed learning
(“lesson 6”) per subject, as well as homework set by staff in that subject.
Progression from Year 12 to Year 13
You may only be considered for a place in Year 13 if you achieve a pass grade in at least three
subjects not including General Studies.
To ensure your place in Year 13 you should achieve your target grade or better in at least 3
subjects not including General Studies.
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