Xaverian College Alumni, Tehreem Faisal, has recently landed her dream job as VFX Production Assistant at Pinewood Studios.

Since leaving College in 2020, Tehreem has supported Phedon Papamichael, Academy Award-nominated cinematographer on the creation of Indiana Jones 5, as a Director of Photography (DoP) Assistant, before joining the visual effects team to work on Andor, a prequel series to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Tehreem said: “I have always wanted to work in the creative industries, but it wasn’t until I started studying at Xaverian that I became truly excited about my future. My teachers, in particular Mr Steele (Fine Art) and Mr Drinkwater (Film Studies), were so inspiring. They make you fall in love with the subject and encourage you to experiment, which is the best way to develop.  

“I had the opportunity to take part in the BFI Film Academy during my time at College and the connections I made have been invaluable. After leaving Xaverian I went on to study a range of BFI courses, including animation and production and this really helped fine tune both my skills and knowledge. It was through connections I made at the BFI that I was successful in securing an interview at Pinewood Studios.”

Tehreem completed her GCSEs at Manchester Health Academy before joining Xaverian to study Film Studies, Fine Art and Media Studies.

Tehreem continued: “Xaverian is such an amazing place! Staff are so supportive in encouraging you to succeed academically but also providing you with the space to grow personally. I enjoyed every single moment in and outside of the classroom and made so many great friends. If I could give one piece of advice to current students, it would be to believe in yourself and seize every opportunity!”    

Shaun Steele, Divisional Lead, said: “With the support from our brilliant teachers, each and every year our students go on to do incredible things. We are so proud of Tehreem and what she has achieved in the last two years. It just goes to show how far hard work and determination can take you – in this case to the set of a blockbuster movie!”

Behind every terrific tale, symbolism and subtext is an extraordinary director and the Film Studies course at Xaverian takes students on a journey inside the minds of those with a revolutionary story to share. Students have access to excellent equipment and facilities, allowing them to sharpen their skills in every part of the frame, including lighting, sound, set design, composition and editing.

As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers exciting opportunities to over 2500 students. To find out more, visit Xaverian.ac.uk – Discover Your Future!

Students at Xaverian College are celebrating yet another year of impressive BTEC results, retaining its position as a leading sixth form college.

BTEC students once again achieved 100% pass rate in all seven vocational courses, which include Business, Criminology, Health and Social Care, IT, Music Technology, Science and Sport, with 64% gaining high grades of DMM and above.

Across single, double and triple options this year at Level 2 and 3, 292 students achieved Distinction or Distinction* grades, which include some double and triple Distinction grades.

Students have secured many highly competitive places, including Medicine, Law, Midwifery and Teaching, at some of the UK’s top Russell Group Universities, while many others will be starting higher level Apprenticeships and employment.

Head of Applied Studies, Gaynor Eccleston, said: “We understand that students have different learning styles, and this can affect their choice of subjects. Here at Xaverian, students have the option to choose a more academic route or practical-based courses. Our practical-based courses are extremely popular, as students can combine these with two A Levels, which gives them the best of both worlds.”

Maisie Ellul, who joined the College after completing her GCSEs at St Matthew’s RC High School, was one of many students who combined qualifications, achieving Distinction in BTEC Music Technology, and two A grades in A Level Art and Design and Music.

She said: “I chose to study at Xaverian largely due to the reputation of the Music department. The combination of being able to study both Music and Music Technology and the endless opportunities to perform live was exactly what I was looking for.

“Having experienced staff members, who are musicians themselves or still work within the industry means I have been learning from the very best. I have had constant advice and guidance on how to become a successful musician! I’ve never felt so excited about my future, and I can’t wait to start my Music Degree at the University of Manchester in a few weeks.

Gaynor continued: “We’re so pleased for our students and the successes they have achieved over the past two years – both academically and personally. The students’ hard work and determination has truly paid off, and we’re extremely proud of them all.”

As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers an extensive range of A Levels in addition to several BTEC courses. Visit xaverian.ac.uk to find out more. There has never been a better time to #DiscoverYourFuture!

Students at Xaverian College are celebrating yet another year of impressive A Level results, retaining its position as a leading sixth form college.

A Level students achieved a pass rate of 99%, with 34% of students achieving A* to A grades, 62% achieving A* to B grades and 85% achieving A* to C grades.

A record achievement of 313 A* grades were awarded, with particular success in English Literature, Film Studies, Mathematics, Politics and Psychology. Graphic Communication and Music recorded similar success with over 90% A* to B grades awarded.

Students have secured many highly competitive places, including Medicine, Engineering, Midwifery and Teaching, at some of the UK’s top Russell Group Universities, while many others will be starting higher level Apprenticeships and employment.

Dominic Seymour, who achieved four A* grades in Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics and gained a place studying Mathematics at the University of Oxford, said: “Receiving my offer to go to Oxford was a great moment for me and now I am delighted I have been accepted with the grades I achieved. Xaverian really is a community where you are encouraged to believe in yourself and your abilities and this has helped me to get to where I want to be, it’s been amazing!

“I like all areas of maths so being at the University of Oxford will help me to find out which area of Maths I want to specialise in. After university, I would like to use my Degree to go into research related to physics or chemistry as Maths is always an essential element in scientific research.”

Other students joining Dominic at the University of Oxford, include:

• Abigail Pole, A*A*A*, Classics and English
• Jess Scanlon, A*AA, Classics with Oriental Studies
• Jonathan Clark, A*A*AA, History
• Kirstin Attfield, A*A*A*A*A*, Mathematics
• Tawfik Al-Terawi, A*A*A*, Medicine

Joining the Oxbridge celebrations was Saskia Shakos, who achieved four A* grades in English Literature, Law, Psychology and EPQ, gained a place at the University of Cambridge to study Law.

Rhiannon Sellers, who joined the College after completing her GCSEs at Sale Grammar School, gained three A* grades in Biology, Chemistry and Geography and is progressing to Lancaster University to study Natural Sciences.

She said: “I’m excited about my grades and going to university. I hope to use my Degree to go into research to make the world a better place in terms of climate change and eco systems.

“Xaverian has given me a lot of support throughout my A Levels, even though the College is about being more independent, the support is there if you need it. Xaverian has been an amazing experience for me and has been a really good two years of my life.”

Principal, Tony Knowles, said: “We have been on an incredible journey with our Year 13s who have demonstrated inspiring determination and enthusiasm.

“Today’s results reflect so much of what is unique about Xaverian College, extraordinary students with ambition, first-class teachers and dedicated support professionals working together to create this amazing momentum.

“I am extremely proud that we have been able to play a part in our students’ success to date and a small part of who they will become in the future. We wish them all the best for their next chapter.”

As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers an extensive range of A Levels in addition to several BTEC courses. Visit xaverian.ac.uk to find out more. There has never been a better time to #ExploreYourFuture!

Emma Jones, a Year 12 student at Xaverian College, has been named one of four winners in the prestigious Portico Sadie Massey Awards, which aims to encourage a life-long love of reading and writing in young people from all backgrounds.

Established in 2015, the Awards are named after Glasgow-born Sadie Massey and her desire to spread a love of reading and writing.

The Portico Library works with Manchester’s most respected ambassadors of children’s and young adult’s writing, with a particular emphasis on exploring stories based in the North of England, past, present or future.

Emma’s short story, Letting Go, has a nostalgic tone and focuses on processing the loss of a loved one.

Commenting on her win, Emma said: “My English Teacher, Mr Perry, encouraged me to enter the competition after we did some creative writing lessons. Initially I was writing to a prompt – to write about a meal – and it sort of spiralled into the meal being a source of nostalgia for the protagonist; the backstory – the loss of his father – came out of that.

“I was so surprised when I found out I had won! Taking part has given me more confidence in my writing and inspired me to get involved with new opportunities that are related to my subjects outside of College.”

Emma joined the College in September 2021, after completing her GCSEs at Loreto Grammar School. Emma is currently studying English Language and Literature, History and Sociology, and has aspirations to pursue a career linked to creative writing.

Joining in the celebrations is another Year 12 student, Izobel Davies, who has been named a runner up in this year’s Words For Your World Competition. Launched to coincide with the closing of COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, the competition is led by the University of Manchester’s Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute, in collaboration with Save the Children UK and UK-Med.

Students were invited to write a speech or letter, addressed to the UN, about their hopes and fears about the climate emergency, as well as specific policy recommendations, encouraging everyone to think in new and impactful ways.

The competition inspired hundreds across the UK, including Izobel, a former Priestnall School student, who is currently studying English Language and Literature, History and Psychology at the College. Izobel wrote a speech highlighting the urgent need to save the cities, culture and people that are being washed away due to rising sea levels, ending with a thought-provoking statement – “Unlike the ancient myth of the utopian city lost to the ocean, there will be no one left alive to pass on the story of how we chose our deaths.”

Guy Perry, English Teacher at Xaverian College, said: “It is extremely pleasing to see our students recognised for their fantastic work. These competitions present something rather beautiful to the critical and curious mind – the freedom they offer to explore ideas and texts allows students like Emma and Izobel to truly challenge themselves outside of the classroom. Both have bright futures ahead of them!”

You can read both entries online:

• Emma Jones, Letting Go, Portico Sadie Massey Awards
• Izobel Davies, Climate Change, Words For Your World Competition

If you’re passionate about communication, or love to read, then English is a course you’ll find irresistible. At Xaverian, students can choose to study A Levels in English Language, English Literature, or a combined English Language and Literature course.

As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers an extensive range of A Levels in addition to several BTEC courses.

This year we celebrated 160 years of Xaverian! There have been many changes over the years, however the fundamentals have stayed the same. The zeal and passion we have in abundance continues to grow and the success of our staff and students is inspirational.

To catch up on all of the fantastic things that have happened at Xaverian this year, grab a coffee and spend a few moments reading Xav’s Positive Paper 2021-2022.

Students at Xaverian College had the opportunity to showcase their creative talents at an end-of-year Art Exhibition, which took place last week (15^th June 2022).

The annual event saw students from the College’s Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Photography and Textiles courses proudly present work from their portfolio to family, friends, and the local community.

A portrait by Luana Soares, alongside three talented music students, captured the attention of all guests as they walked into the entrance of the College’s Ward Hall building. Luana spent months perfecting her final piece, which was dedicated to her mother, who hadn’t seen her artwork before the exhibition.

Former Loreto High School pupil, Luca Rawlinson built a small installation for his final piece, with a focus on containment.

Commenting on his experience, Luca said: “I found Fine Art the most freeing subject as I was constantly able to explore different sides of my creativity. We’re always encouraged to collaborate with the teachers and other students, and this has really helped refine and shape the direction of my work. The facilities are also amazing, which allows you to experiment – I’ve recently tried out wax entrapment and print making to see how it could inspire my work.

“Studying at Xaverian has been the best two years of my life! Every lesson has been interesting and fun, I have made lifelong friends and I’m leaving confident in my ability to succeed, no matter which creative industry I pursue a career in.”  

Shaun Steele, Divisional Lead, said: “I am thrilled that we were able to host the Art Exhibition on Campus this year. With the support from our brilliant teachers, students have produced fantastic work – I am constantly inspired by their creativity and dedication to developing their skills. It was great to welcome so many friendly faces and see our students celebrating!”

Virtual Tour – Art Exhibition 2022 – Created by Dawid Nowak, Year 12 Accounting, Business and Media Studies student

Three students, Martha Parry-Hensley, Patrick Karran and Lucy Gardiner, have also had their work featured in the Sixth Form Colleges Association Art Exhibition. This year’s theme was ‘Planet Future’, showcasing students’ reflections on how the world is changing and what its future holds.

Bill Watkin, Chief Executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association, commented: “This online exhibition is a way of celebrating the arts and recognising excellence in sixth-form colleges.

“The artwork, all produced by 16-to-19-year-old students in sixth-form colleges across England ̶ indicates how young people are feeling about our climate and the environment, and how they view the wider sustainability agenda. 

“But the exhibition also offers an opportunity to celebrate the importance and power of art in education, as well as the artists’ quality, creativity and talent.”

The creative industries are set to soar across advanced and developing economies worldwide during the next decade, which will provide numerous exciting career opportunities and studying a creative subject at Xaverian can help support you in landing your dream job.

As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers exciting opportunities to over 2500 students. To find out more, visit Xaverian.ac.uk – Explore Your Future!

Xaverian College strives to enrich the curriculum with real-life learning opportunities, ensuring students have the skills, experience and qualifications that will prepare them for their future career or higher-level study.

When studying A Level Politics, students learn through dozens of real-life political scenarios and broaden their worldview through debate, and a wide range of enrichment.

The department regularly welcomes elected officials, academics, and journalists to share their perspectives in workshops and lectures.

Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester Mayor, who visited the College as a mayoral candidate, recently returned to talk about his experiences of developing the role, the impact of the role on the region and what further powers and policies he would like to pursue.  Andy talked about the success of ‘Our Pass’, the bus pass for 16–18-year-olds which he recently introduced, his work to reduce homelessness and a current policy project on ending violence against girls and women. He also provided an insight into his journey into politics and his experience in government before answering numerous questions from students.

Afzal Khan, Labour MP for Manchester, also visited the College to talk about his politics career and his views on the current state of politics and this year, year 13 students also had the opportunity to meet Lord German, former Deputy First Minister of Wales during ‘Learn with the Lords Online’, a live 40-minute Q&A session where young people, aged 7-18, can put their questions to a member of the House of Lords.

Alison Hall, Assistant Divisional Lead, said: “Having political figures from local, regional and national politics come in to meet and talk to students is vital to demystifying politics and showing that anyone who is passionate and determined can get involved in politics at any level.”

Alongside the array of guest speakers, the College also encourages and supports students to visit events across the country that will help enhance their knowledge, including yearly trips to Parliament, where students get to watch the Ministerial Statements from the public gallery.

May Bagnall, a former Alderley Edge School for Girls pupil, joined the College in September 2021 to study Politics, Psychology and Philosophy, Ethics and Theology. May attended UK Labour’s first gala dinner of the year, which was rumoured to be the largest North West Labour Party gathering for over 10 years, in March at the Grand Suite of the Vermillion restaurant in Manchester.

Commenting on her experience at the event, May said: “There were over 700 local business leaders and Labour Party members in attendance, it was a privilege to be there. Sir Keir Starmer MP, Leader of the Labour Party and footballer, Gary Neville, hosted a discussion followed by a Q&A focused on local politics, grass root initiatives, and even drew comparisons between politics and football. Sir Keir Starmer MP went on to outline his plan for the next two years leading up to the general election before the event was rounded off by a raffle hosted by Angela Rayner MP, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.

“I chose to study Politics at Xaverian because I’ve always had an interest in current affairs and the role of Government in taking decisions which affect our daily lives. My sisters also both work in politics, one in the Civil Service and one in Local Government, so we are always talking about all aspects of politics.

“The experiences I have had to date have cemented my aspirations to continue studying Politics at University. I’d love to work in a humanitarian role in the future – my dream job would be working with the United Nations!”

With plans to change the world in the future, this summer, Politics students are due to progress to some of the UK’s leading Universities, such as, University of Oxford, London School of Economics and Political Science and University of Leeds, to study a wide range of courses, including, Philosophy, Politics and Economics, International Relations and History.

As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers exciting opportunities to over 2500 students. To find out more, visit Xaverian.ac.uk – Explore Your Future!

As the 2021-2022 academic year comes to an end, we caught up with some of our Year 13 students to find out about their Xaverian experience!

Why did you choose to study at Xaverian?

Tawfik: “Xaverian seemed like a really friendly and supportive place to be. The Campus stood out and I had heard great things about the Science department.”

Roder: “The reputation! Everyone always talks about how amazing the teachers are and how successful students are as they progress with their careers.”

What has been your favourite subject?

Magdalena: “It’s so hard to pick just one, I like them all for different reasons! But I do love History, each lesson is always really engaging.”

Tawfik: “Biology! It is my favourite, but also the one that challenges me the most, which keeps me motivated to work hard. The teachers apply real-life scenarios to our learning, which makes it more interesting.”

Roder: “Spanish!!! Our classes are so much fun and our teachers have encouraged us to succeed from day one. They have made my experience here so enjoyable.”

What has been the most memorable moment?

Tawfik: “Taking part in enrichment activities, in particular, competing in the British Biology Olympiad Round One earlier this year!”

Magdalena: “The friendships and connections I have made with everyone within the Xaverian community.”

What has been your proudest moment?

Roder: “Walking out of my exams feeling confident that I have tried my very best.”

Magdalena: “I don’t think there is just one moment, but looking back at how much I have improved in each subject since starting makes me super proud.”

Tawfik: “Receiving an offer to study medicine at the University of Oxford was an extremely proud moment for me and my family.”

How has College helped you prepare for the future?

Magdalena: “I think I’ve learnt the true value of hard work. I know if I continue to work hard, I can achieve anything!”

Roder: “Xaverian has helped me make informed decisions about my next steps and taught me that everyone can achieve their greatest ambitions if they work hard.”

If you could describe Xaverian in three words, what would they be?

Tawfik: “Memorable, challenging, joyful!”

Roder: “Enjoyable, happy, spiritual!”

Magdalena: “Fun, fulfilling, friendly!”

As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers exciting opportunities to over 2500 students. To find out more, visit Xaverian.ac.uk – Explore Your Future!

Emilio Fox Castineiras and Faith Axon-Kendall, Year 12 students at Xaverian College, were recently crowned winners of this years Talking About Voices competition, led by Manchester Voices.

Manchester Voices is a research project which explores the rich tapestry of accents, dialects, and identities that make up Greater Manchester. The project is based at Manchester Metropolitan University, and is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

The Talking About Voices competition, one of six strands of the project, is an opportunity for secondary school and college students in Greater Manchester to learn about audio production while also reflecting on issues around language and identity. The objective is for pupils to make a short podcast episode about language and identity, with plenty of ideas, training and support provided along the way.

Emilio completed his GCSEs at Chorlton High School before joining Xaverian to study English Language, Film Studies and History. He commented: “The theme of our podcast was primarily focused on bilingualism, and our thoughts on whether or not we had different personalities when speaking in two different languages. However, because Faith has lived in Andalucía and my family are from Galicia, we also got to talk about the differences between our regional Spanish accents and dialects.”

Faith, who also studies English Language, alongside Media Studies and Spanish, added: “It was our English Teacher, Mr Perry, that encouraged us to enter the competition. It was great finding out we were this year’s winners! We both think it is really important for young people to reflect on issues surrounding language and identity as it is part of everyday life, and are keen to continue learning new languages in the future.”

Dr Holly Dann, Research Associate at Manchester Metropolitan University, commented: “We created Talking About Voices in 2020 as a way to give young people from the region a voice in our research, and also as a way to provide resources based on the project to the local community.

“Language is an integral part of who we are. We can tell so much about people just from the way they speak, and it is a really important way to express our identities. Young people are so often – and always have been – faced with corrections and criticisms of the way they speak. As linguists, we are interested in and celebrate all different ways of speaking, and understand the great value of speaking with, for example, a regional accent and dialect. We hope that reflecting on issues around language and identity help young people to see that value too.

“We really enjoyed listening to the Xaverian entries. We were impressed by how well the students managed to bring in their own reading and learning in linguistics to their episodes. In particular, we loved how Emilio and Faith were able to blend in their own personal experiences with more academic descriptions of language in Manchester, Andalucía and Galicia.”

If you’re passionate about communication, or love to read, then English is a course you’ll find irresistible. At Xaverian, students can choose to study A Levels in English Language, English Literature, or a combined English Language and Literature course, where you get to study Shakespeare one lesson, and then wield your own words to wax wonders on the world in the next.

As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers exciting opportunities to over 2500 students. To find out more, visit Xaverian.ac.uk – Explore Your Future!

As the 2021-2022 academic year comes to an end, we caught up with some of our Year 13 students to find out about their Xaverian experience!

Why did you choose to study at Xaverian?

Jemma: “I choose to study at Xaverian because of the diverse community and vast range of opportunities available.”

Zaara: “I was instantly drawn towards the diverse community and the great reputation!”

What has been your favourite subject?

Dominic: “Further Maths! I love that each lesson challenges me!”

Jemma: “Politics! It allows me to better understand and analyse the world around me.”

Zaara: “Criminology! It is so much fun and my teacher has been amazing!”

What has been your most memorable moment?

Jemma and Zaara: “Summer on Campus, getting to spend time outside with friends in the sun in between lessons. It is nice to see everyone coming together and enjoying themselves.”

Dominic: “Competing in the British Maths Olympiad Round One earlier this year!”

What has been your proudest moment?

Zaara: “I organised a fundraising event last year which raised over £1,000 for the MS Society.”

Dominic: “Receiving my offer to study Maths at the University of Oxford!”

Jemma: “When I got my mock grades. I felt my all of my hard work was paying off and I was consistently improving in all subjects.”

How has College helped you prepare for the future?

Dominic: “I have always felt incredibly supported by staff and other students – there is always someone to turn to, which is amazing. Xaverian really is a community where you are encouraged to believe in yourself and your abilities.”

If you could describe Xaverian in three words, what would they be?

Jemma: “Community, safe and opportunistic!”

Dominic: “Inspiring, friendly, fun!”

Zaara: “Memorable, challenging and interesting!”

As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers exciting opportunities to over 2500 students. To find out more, visit Xaverian.ac.uk – Explore Your Future!