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English Literature

A level and Applied

English Literature

Course type: A level
Awarding/exam body: OCR

Do you love reading?

Are you excited about exploring a variety of literary texts – poetry, drama, and prose?

If so, our A Level English Literature offers you the chance to analyse, compare and understand a variety of literary texts from all genres: poetry, drama and prose. You’ll find a wide range of literary eras represented on the course, which focuses on a balance of modern and classic texts.

You’ll study canonical works such as Hamlet and A Doll’s House along with lesser-known texts from Black British and American writers.

Unit 01: Drama and Poetry pre-1900
Unit 02: Comparative and Contextual Study
Unit 03: Literature Post-1900

Two exams and a coursework folder of investigative and analytical work.

A level English courses are excellent preparation for any one of the wide variety of English courses available in higher education. English Literature, in particular is considered a ‘facilitating subject’ by Russell Group universities. English is useful for career paths including journalism, law, publishing, the Civil Service, politics and teaching.

6 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, preferably including English Language or Maths at Grade 4 or above. An average GCSE Score of at least 4.3. Grade 5 in English Language and Grade 5 in English Literature.

  • Frequent theatre trips to see modern productions of set texts and an A Level Study Day at The Globe Theatre
  • In-college workshops with visiting poets and novelists

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Courses

Students can take any combination of 30 A level and Level 3 Applied Diploma subjects. Vocational programmes include 11 Level 3 Extended Diplomas, including BTEC, CTEC and University of the Arts courses, and 4 T Levels. We also offer BTEC Level 2 and Foundation options, along with GCSE Maths and English language retakes.

Students

At Saint Francis Xavier, we develop the whole person. Our commitment goes beyond academic achievement; we equip students with the confidence, values, and skills needed to thrive in higher education, employment, and adult life. With an extensive range of courses, our students receive expert teaching in our modern, state-of-the-art facilities.

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Parents & Carers

Personal Tutors will work with both you and your student to overcome any obstacles and achieve their potential. We build a positive ethos around learning and behaviour, support students with discussion and advice, invite you to progress review evenings, provide each student with an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), and send you full reports.

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Nursery

‘Happy staff make happy children’

Nightingale’s Nursery is set in the beautiful, secure grounds of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Sixth Form College where children can play outside and help tend the vegetable patch. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and provides a holistic learning environment, paying special attention to the transition from home to nursery, reassuring parents of their child’s wellbeing and progress on a daily basis.

Nightingale’s friendly team builds positive relationships with all the children and parents.

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What Our
Students Say

The support I received from passionate teachers who pushed me to aim higher, to the tailored guidance with university applications made all the difference. SFX believed in my potential even when I doubted myself, and that encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue my ambitions. Without that foundation, I don’t think I’d be on the path to a legal career today.

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We congratulate all our students who received their excellent public examination results today. We are delighted to see results improving on last year’s impressive pass rates across A level, BTEC, CTEC and UAL courses. Our second year T Level results have also been excellent. The overall pass rate at Level 3 was 97%, including 50% […]

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Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College was filled with colour, flavour, and pride as we hosted our much-anticipated Culture Day — a joyful celebration of the rich diversity that makes our college community so special. We are proud to be a truly inclusive college, welcoming students and staff from a wide range of cultural and […]

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We’re incredibly proud to announce that our Young Enterprise team, Nexora, has won the Central, North & West London Final, held at the prestigious Samsung KX venue in King’s Cross. Representing St Francis Xavier Catholic Sixth Form College, students Guilherme, Nawid, Tiago, Ruan and Kevin competed against seven other schools in a high-pressure final that tested their innovation, professionalism and business […]

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