Dean Close St John's Scholarships Brochure 2022-23

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11+ Scholarships F R O M S T J O H N ’ S T O D E A N C L O S E S E N I O R S C H O O L , C H E LT E N H A M

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Dean Close St John’s offers outstanding opportunities for children.

St John’s combines traditional values with a modern approach to learning. At Dean Close St John’s, we encourage pupils to flourish, showing our Foundation values of love, contribution and courage. We not only nurture academic, sporting, artistic and musical talents, but also friendship, integrity and mutual respect. We ensure children leave St John’s as confident learners, faithful friends and compassionate leaders; our scholars and award holders have an important role to play in embodying these qualities. By their attitude as well as their actions, they enrich the life of the school.

Rachael Shakeshaft Director of Studies at Dean Close St John's

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11+ SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS

St John’s offers scholarships, Head’s awards and bursaries to talented young people. The areas of talent which are recognised at age 11 for Year 7 entry by either a Head’s award or scholarship are: academic, art, drama, music and sport. Head’s Awards continue to the end of Year 8 and, if appropriate, pupils can apply for 13+ awards for senior school.

As St John’s is part of The Dean Close Foundation, those children who are awarded a scholarship can carry it on to Dean Close Senior School, until the end of Year 13. Awards are subject to academic endeavour, good behaviour and a full commitment to the life of the school. It is expected too that pupils embody the Foundation values of love, courage and contribution. Scholarships and awards are rarely revoked, however, they are reviewed annually.

Head’s awards and scholarships of up to 20% of full fees can be awarded and these can be supported (up to a total award of 100%) by bursaries where financial need is demonstrated. The number of awards given in each category is not set but depends upon the calibre of the applicants.

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ACADEMIC Scholarships are awarded annually according to academic excellence and perceived potential. St John’s takes great pride in the success of its most academically able pupils, and academic scholars are responsible for setting the standard for their peers.

What is expected of an 11+ academic scholar: • to maintain and extend their high standards of academic effort and performance • to be a role model for other members of the school in their approach to learning

The 11+ examinations take place in English and Maths along with verbal and non-verbal reasoning tests.

Candidates

undertake

interviews with both the Head and the Director of Studies. They are also asked to prepare a 5 minute talk on a topic which they are passionate about to deliver to the Director of Studies. This should be academic in nature eg an inspirational figure, a genre of writing, an invention etc.

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ART What is expected of an 11+ art scholar: • to demonstrate confident technical abilities and show knowledge of a wide range of art mediums,

St John’s Art and Design Department aims to inspire future artists, providing pupils with an exciting and innovative environment where they will develop their creative thinking and technical abilities. Pupils wishing

techniques and processes • to maintain an excellent work ethic, have a positive attitude and approach to art making • to attend art clubs and work independently on their own projects

to be an 11+ art scholar must have an obvious passion for art and show a particular interest and ability in artist activity. They must be able to demonstrate their commitment, enthusiasm and potential whilst showing imagination and sound technical ability with a variety of media and processes. Candidates will be

Candidates will be required to produce a portfolio/

expected to show not only a strong level of

body of work which demonstrates a range of their

technical/drawing skills, but also an imaginative,

abilities, experiences

enthusiastic and original approach to potential to

and

achievements. Their

portfolio should be a collection of around 10 pieces of work, using a variety of media and produced over the past 12 months. Candidates will be invited to talk to the Head of Art and Design and the Head about their work and they will be expected to show knowledge of particular artists/styles and have an opinion about their interests and future artistic careers. Candidates will also complete a short practical session on the day.

All new pupils will undertake baseline testing in English and Maths to ensure correct setting.

develop in future years.

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DRAMA Drama at St John’s is a lively, exciting and thriving

• discuss a play they have seen

discipline, which aims to instil an appreciation and

• discuss a production they have been involved in

enjoyment of performance and communication.

Being involved in drama means being part of a vibrant community under the guidance of the Head of Drama, who brings professional theatre experience to support pupils.

What is expected of an 11+ drama scholar:

• discuss their interest in drama and theatre, giving details of their theatrical experience as a performer and theatre goer • Candidates are also asked to bring in a portfolio of their involvement in drama. This might include reviews

of

plays

seen, programmes

from

productions that they have been in

• to demonstrate an obvious enthusiasm for, and understanding of, theatre

Drama scholars will be involved in the Year 8

• an ability to take direction, where chosen audition

production which occurs at the end of the Lent Term.

pieces will be discussed and alternative responses

Previous productions have included Beauty and the

to the texts are suggested

Beast, The Wizard of Oz and A Midsummer Night’s

• a standard of performance which demonstrates

Dream. There will also be opportunities to assist in

dramatic ability and intellectual understanding

other school productions, for example working

above and beyond the pupil’s age.

backstage and getting involved with lights/sound.

Scholars are encouraged to showcase their talents in

Candidates will be required to:

Christmas and Summer Concerts.

• memorise and perform two age-appropriate

Successful

monologues from published plays or adaptations

extracurricular Speech and Drama lessons and to

from a novel, each two minutes in duration. The

demonstrate support for all drama activities and

chosen material should contrast in mood and theme,

productions at St John’s.

candidates

are

expected

to

take

allowing a range of emotional responses appropriate to the text.

All new pupils will undertake baseline testing in

• perform a reading from a duologue from sight

English and Maths to ensure correct setting.

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MUSIC St John’s has a lively music department in which the Director of Music is supported by a dedicated group of peripatetic teachers. The Music Department aims to nurture, inspire and enable all budding musicians at any age. Music scholars, in particular, are expected to participate in the many musical ensembles that take place each term. These include a chamber choir, orchestra and chamber wind ensemble.

Scholars can be inspired by a team of well-qualified and experienced musicians including a member of the Welsh National Opera and a prize winning composer.

The Music Department also welcomes professionals to perform for parents and pupils. Scholars will be expected to perform regularly as soloists in assemblies and church services as well as accompanying hymns and junior performances. Scholars will also represent the school at external concerts.

11+ entrants should possess an innate musical ability together with a promising level of technical accomplishment. The school is looking for children with potential who have made the most of opportunities they have been given to date, rather than for advanced examination grades. Music scholars need to have a genuine love of music and the determination to work hard at developing their musical abilities to achieve their full potential.

Those winning music scholarships and exhibitions may qualify for free tuition on a specified number of instruments and free participation in professional masterclasses and consultation lessons approved by the Director of Music.

What is expected of an 11+ music scholar: • to include daily music practice in their routine and to keep a record of all such practice • to participate in at least one ensemble for each instrument studied where timetabling allows, as well as Senior Choir • Attendance at rehearsals and classes should be exemplary • Scholars are expected to act as role models for their peers and for younger pupils • to seize performance opportunities as often as possible, and to perform solo or chamber music at least once a term • to be particularly conscientious about attending individual instrumental lessons punctually • to take some responsibility for their own musical development

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All candidates will be expected to: • play two contrasting pieces on their first instrument;

an

accompanist

will

be

provided • play one piece on a second instrument, although this is not compulsory • undertake basic aural tests • have an interview with the Director of Music

All new pupils will undertake baseline testing in English and Maths to ensure correct setting.

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SPORT The sports scholarship programme aims to foster the development of a scholar’s athletic potential through a programme designed specifically for the individual, to support and monitor preparation, progression and performance during their time at St John’s.

Award holders are supported by a team of

highly

qualified

and

experienced

educationalists who work alongside them providing guidance, advice, support and the opportunities to achieve their true athletic potential.

This award is offered to pupils with good athletic potential who would benefit from the opportunities, facilities and coaching that the school provides. St John’s has extensive facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, large sports hall, tennis courts, Astro pitch, cricket pitch and netball courts.

For a sports scholarship, the school is seeking pupils who possess physical ability in areas such as speed, balance, stamina, agility and coordination, and who show talents in specific areas of physical education and games.

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SPORT What is expected of a sports scholar:

External applicants should:

• to act as role models and leaders on and off the field

• provide at least one reference from a relevant individual, eg. county coach, PE teacher, club coach giving details of skills, achievements and potential

• to set high standards for themselves and their peer group • to work to the best of their ability with effort and determination at all times • attendance and commitment to all school training and fixtures • to work with a positive attitude towards achieving identified, challenging and realistic goals • to share best practice with peers and fellow athletes • to assist best practice with coaches, teachers and practitioners All candidates will be interviewed by the Head and the Head of Games (Boys or Girls).

Each candidate must offer two chosen sports from the following list: rugby, hockey, football and cricket for boys; hockey, netball and cricket for girls. Candidates may offer alternative sports but only following agreement from the Head of Games (Boys or Girls).

of the candidate for their major sport • provide a confidential Headteacher’s report support their application with evidence of past achievements All new pupils will undertake baseline testing in English and Maths to ensure correct setting.

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If you would like to apply, please contact:

Rachael Shakeshaft Director of Studies St John’s on-the-Hill Castleford Hill, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, NP16 7LE 01291 622045 shakeshaftr@stjohnsonthehill.co.uk