Senior Scholarships and the High Performance Pathway
Welcome to Senior Scholarships at Westbrook Hay. Our scholarships recognise pupils with real talent and potential, and our High Performance Pathway makes sure that talent is nurtured. Every Scholar and Exhibitioner is known, supported and challenged to reach their very best, in a school that provides the best for, and expects the best from, us all. Mark Brain, Headmaster
Our six scholarship areas
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Academic
Art
Drama
Music
Performing Arts
Sport
High Performance Pathway
What every Scholar and Exhibitioner receives
This is how we help talented pupils flourish. It brings together specialist teaching, mentoring and exciting opportunities in each scholarship area, so every Scholar and Exhibitioner has a clear route to develop their talent, grow in confidence and aim high.
Specialist mentoring From experts in their own discipline
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02
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1:1 development Personal goals and mentoring for Scholars
Identify
Recognise
Develop
Perform
talent and potential
achievement and promise
through a tailored pathway
at ever higher levels
At Westbrook Hay, a Scholarship or Exhibition marks the start of a pupil’s development, not the end point. Every award leads into a structured pathway of specialist guidance, challenge and opportunity, shaped around the individual. Pupils set personal goals, receive specialist guidance and are stretched through opportunities chosen for their subject and their ambitions.
Subject masterclasses Led by staff and visiting specialists Specialist trips Chosen to extend their subject Competitions & performance ISA, regional & national competitions and showcases Leadership & responsibility Ambassadors and role models in their field Future pathways Sixth form, auditions and career insight Recognition & celebration Welcome evening and celebration dinner
Our awards Scholarships
Exhibitions
Headmaster’s All-Rounder
Our highest recognition, with the most specialist development in each area.
Recognising real strength and potential. Exhibitioners follow the High Performance Pathway alongside our Scholars.
For pupils with exceptional talent across several areas.
Exceptional Performers The Exceptional Performers Programme recognises pupils across the Senior School who show exceptional talent, effort or potential, with or without an award. It links every level of the pathway together.
Who takes part
• Pupils nominated by staff in any subject or area • All Scholars and Exhibitioners What it offers
• Workshops and enrichment beyond the curriculum • Time with specialists • Leadership and mentoring opportunities • A summer trip and celebration Where it leads
• Our most talented pupils learn, perform and lead together • Exceptional Performers who continue to excel can be invited onto the High Performance Pathway
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Support around every pupil
At the centre is the pupil. Supporting them is their Scholarship Lead, then specialist teachers and visiting experts, then the Exceptional Performers Programme, all held within the wider Westbrook Hay community.
Academic
independent thinker
What are we looking for? Academic scholars will be those attaining at the highest level of their cohort. W It is likely that these children will be performing far above age related expectations in a number of subjects. W Successful candidates will show an outstanding commitment to their learning.
Assessment Academic scholarships will be awarded on the basis of a series of assessments undertaken during the scholarship day. These include:
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Written assessments
Interview
English (comprehension and creative writing) and maths.
With members of our Senior Leadership Team.
problem solver
Expectations
loves a challenge
Academic scholars will be exemplary pupils who are intrinsically motivated and who show commitment to their studies through their attitude in and out of the classroom. They are expected to: ò
Lead by example in lessons, demonstrating both good academic progress and a strong commitment to the wider intellectual life at Westbrook Hay.
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Represent the school on important occasions such as Open Morning and Speech Day.
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Take part in all aspects of our Exceptional Performers Programme including peer mentoring and regular meetings.
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Engage in extra curricular activities such as academic house events and external competitions such as The Townsend Warner History Prize.
Benefits
★ endlessly curious
Specialist sessions with Heads of Subject and external speakers.
and sixth form scholarship applications.
❊
Exceptional Performers Programme opportunities.
Termly mentoring and goal setting with their scholarship lead, tracked in their performance journal.
Academic challenges, debating
A High Performance Masterclass every term.
Support with GCSE choices r
and enrichment visits.
An academic book allowance.
Art What are we looking for? Pupils who demonstrate outstanding ability in art, particularly through: W Creativity and imagination
imaginative
W Manipulative skills with strong powers of observation W Evidence of some specialist language.
Assessment Candidates wishing to be considered will need to attend an assessment session. Candidates will be given a practical task and present a portfolio of work that shows an interest in art inside and outside of the classroom.
observant
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Drawing test
Portfolio
Interview
Drawing from direct observation with a range of materials and items provided and to demonstrate how they record what they see.
To include no more than 10 pieces, whether drawings, photographs, computer art, craft items made at home, or self-motivated art. The portfolio should show the candidate’s range and depth of interests, skills and knowledge.
With the Head of Art, selecting one piece from the portfolio and explain the ideas and motivation behind it. Candidates will discuss their work with enthusiasm and make connections with the artists’ work that they have studied.
Expectations We expect art scholars to: ò
Make a significant extra-curricular commitment to their work.
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Set an example to the rest of the pupils through exemplary behaviour and attitude towards learning.
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Contribute to the making of sets and props.
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Represent the school on important occasions such as Open Morning and Speech Day.
always creating Benefits
★ A High Performance Masterclass every term.
Support with GCSE choices and experimental
Specialist sessions with Heads of Subject and external speakers.
sixth form scholarship applications.
❊ Exceptional Performers
r Termly mentoring and goal
Extra tuition from the
setting with their scholarship lead, tracked in their performance journal.
Programme opportunities. Head of Art.
Artist workshops, gallery visits and exhibitions of their work.
Drama collaborative What are we looking for? Performers with real potential and a passion for drama, ideally with: W Grade 4 or above in LAMDA, Trinity or equivalent. W Experience such as youth theatre.
Assessment The assessment has three parts:
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Audition
Workshop
Interview
Two contrasting twominute pieces, ideally one Shakespeare or classical.
A short workshop on one piece and its context.
An interview with the Head Leader.
born performer
Expectations
versatile
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Benefits
hungry to learn
of school performances or competitions the drama department takes part in.
Drama scholars are expected to: Maintain a high level of commitment to the drama scholars’ programme. Demonstrate leadership qualities within drama activities, events and performances as ambassadors for the drama department. Show enthusiasm, dedication, and a positive attitude towards rehearsals, showcases, and any out
=
★ A High Performance Masterclass every term.
Support with GCSE
choices and sixth form scholarship applications.
r Termly mentoring and goal setting with their scholarship lead, tracked in their performance journal.
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Represent the school on important occasions such as Open Morning and Speech Day.
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Be fully committed to all drama productions.
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Support and mentor younger pupils through the drama pathway.
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Follow the drama pathway at GCSE.
Specialist sessions with Heads of Subject and external speakers.
❊ Exceptional Performers Programme opportunities.
A weekly scholars’
programme of contemporary, new and classical work, which has included performing alongside other schools at a London theatre, the ISA
Shakespeare and National Youth Theatre competitions.
Audition technique workshops.
opportunities to Extra perform, including at Speech Day and events where our Drama Ambassadors take the stage.
Music
ensemble player
What are we looking for? Candidates who are working towards Grade 4 in one instrument. It is an advantage to: W Have lessons on a second instrument or voice. W Want to sing solo and in small groups, who will also commit to attending choir rehearsals. W Already take part in weekly group music, such as orchestra or wind band. W Be committed to performing in public, at school and elsewhere.
Assessment
happy to sing
The assessment includes:
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Perform
Aural
Interview
A Grade 4 level piece on the first instrument, and a Grade 2 level song or a Grade 2 level piece on the second study.
Grade 2 aural exercises with the Head of Music.
With the Head of Music talking about musicmaking, inside and outside school, and musical interests.
Expectations Music scholars are expected to:
loves to perform
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Choose a music-based club and commit to one of the choirs and the orchestra or Jazz Band.
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See their role as being part of the leadership of these groups, behaving responsibly and inspiring younger players.
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Be enthusiastic and committed to any out-of-school performances or competitions.
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Represent the school on important occasions such as Open Morning and Speech Day.
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Keep up regular, purposeful practice.
Benefits
=
★ A High Performance Masterclass every term. always practising
Support with GCSE choices and sixth form scholarship applications. r Termly mentoring and goal setting with their scholarship lead, tracked in their performance journal.
Specialist sessions with Heads of Subject and external speakers.
❊ Exceptional Performers Programme opportunities.
Extra rehearsal for
performances and next school auditions.
Priority for public performances where possible.
Performing Arts
Dance, drama and song, coached for versatile young performers.
What are we looking for? All-round performers with real potential and a love of the stage, ideally with Grade 4 or above in: W Acting (LAMDA, Trinity or equivalent). W And/or dance (RAD, ISTD or equivalent).
Assessment The assessment has three parts:
ì
î
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Audition
Workshop
Interview
A choice of monologue, solo dance or song
A short drama workshop or dance improvisation.
With the Head of Dance and Drama and a Senior Leader.
stage-ready
disciplined
Expectations Performing arts scholars are expected to: ò
Maintain a high level of commitment to performing arts clubs, as a dedicated member of the dance team and drama scholars’ programme.
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Demonstrate leadership in performing arts activities, events and performances as ambassadors within the school.
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Show enthusiasm, dedication and a positive attitude towards rehearsals, showcases, and out-of-school performance or competitions.
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Represent the school on important occasions such as Open Morning and Speech Day.
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Represent the school in a variety of performing arts contexts.
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Support and mentor younger pupils coming through the performing arts pathway.
Benefits
=
★ A High Performance Masterclass every term.
Support with GCSE
choices and sixth form scholarship applications.
r Termly mentoring and goal setting with the Head of Dance and Drama, tracked in their performance journal.
❊ Exceptional Performers Programme opportunities.
expressive
The dance team and the
weekly drama scholars’ programme. Audition technique workshops for dance and drama. Extra opportunities to perform.
Sport What are we looking for? Pupils who have shown sporting excellence, with a high level of sporting ability, dedication and an enthusiasm for sporting life in school.
driven to improve
W High level players in at least one, preferably two of our core sports of football, netball, rugby and cricket. W Pupils excelling in a non-core sport might be considered for a Sports Exhibition. W At this young age, potential and individual skill level will also be considered.
team player
Assessment The assessment has three parts:
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î
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Skills
Games
Interview
Skills assessments across a range of tasks.
Observation of small sided games.
with the Head of Boys’ or Girls’ Games.
Expectations The prerequisites and the other key qualities essential for sports scholars:
coachable
Benefits
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A whole-hearted commitment to the sports programme and full availability for fixtures.
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An excellent attitude, ambition and work ethic towards sport.
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Have high standards of conduct, fair play, kit, organisation and communication.
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The ability to display leadership qualities within the sports environment.
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Represent the school on important occasions such as Open Morning and Speech Day.
=
★ A High Performance competitive
Masterclass every term.
❊ Exceptional Performers Programme opportunities.
and conditioning Support with GCSE choices Strength and specialist coaching. and sixth form scholarship applications.
r Termly mentoring and goal setting with their scholarship lead, tracked in their performance journal.
Fixtures and competitions at a higher level.
Sports trips across the
year, including football, netball and cricket.
Considerations We offer a range of scholarships to children who we believe would benefit from the curriculum and wider opportunities at Westbrook Hay, and who will contribute to the school’s success. The total number of scholarships available is limited and the process of gaining a scholarship is competitive. Scholarships attract a fee remission of up to 10%. Scholarships are open to internal and external candidates. The school reserves the right to vary the number and terms of scholarship awards according to the number and strength of applications. Exhibition awards may be offered with a lower financial remission.
More than one scholarship may be applied for, but if multiple scholarships are awarded, the maximum financial discount given is the value of the greatest scholarship awarded and not the sum of all the scholarships. Internal candidates should be able to demonstrate their commitment to their chosen area of expertise and be fully involved and included in the life of the school. All awards may be varied at the absolute discretion of the Headmaster. Awards are reviewed each year. Our pathway is built on high standards on both sides, and if there is ever a concern we always talk with the pupil and their family first.
Preparation for the future Our High Performance Pathway prepares Scholars and Exhibitioners for the next stage of their education, with guidance on GCSE choices and support with sixth form scholarship applications.
Assessment Day Once your child is registered to attend, they will be invited to Westbrook Hay for an assessment day. These take place in January during Year 6 or Year 8. All assessments will take account of a pupil’s ability, potential, attitude and work ethos.
Our Ethos
Our Mission
“We are a welcoming, all-inclusive, family community that provides the best for, and expects the best from, us all.”
“To develop happy, confident and successful children who are well prepared for their future.”
Contact: Mark Brain, Headmaster, Westbrook Hay School, London Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP1 2RF Tel: 01442 256143 westbrookhay@westbrookhay.co.uk www.westbrookhay.co.uk