Scholarships Year 7

Year 7 Scholarships INFORMATION PACK

Overview

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.

Scholarships are available in the following categories: Academic, Sport, Art, Music and Drama. A Headmaster’s All-Rounder Award is also available, should a child demonstrate particular talent or potential in a range of areas.

The total number of scholarships available is limited and the process of gaining a scholarship is competitive.

Scholarships attract a fee remission of between 10%25%. 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.

Assessment Day

Once registered to attend, your son or daughter will be invited to Westbrook Hay for an assessment day in January 2024.

All assessments will take account of a pupil’s ability, potential, attitude and work ethos.

Preparation for the future

We pride ourselves on fully preparing children for their futures. Year 7 scholars will be supported throughout their time at Westbrook Hay, as they prepare for scholarships at 13+ or 16+.

Academic

What are we looking for?

Academic scholars will be those attaining at the highest level of their cohort. It is likely that these children will be performing far above age related expectations in a number of subjects.

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 early in the Spring Term of Year 6. These include:

• Written assessments in English (comprehension and creative writing) and maths.

• Interview with members of our senior leadership team.

Expectations

Academic scholars will lead by example in lessons. Their natural intellectual curiosity, tenacity when problem solving and thirst for knowledge will show through in both their academic work and work outside of the classroom.

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 classrooms.

Benefits

• Scholarship sessions with Head of Subjects.

• Academic book allowance.

Music

What are we looking for?

Candidates who have passed Grade 5 in one instrument. They will also need to have achieved Grade 2 with a second instrument or voice.

Candidates who are wanting and able to sing solo and in small groups, who will also commit to attending choir rehearsals.

Evidence that they have already been involved in weekly musical group activities such as orchestra or wind band will also be an advantage. Commitment to developing their skills of performing in public at school and elsewhere.

Assessment

Successful interview with Head of Music and a senior leader.

Perform a Grade 5 piece on the first instrument, sing a Grade 2 song or play a Grade 2 piece on a second study.

Grade 2 aural exercises with Head of Music talking about present involvement in musicmaking, inside and outside school, and their musical interests.

Expectations

Successful candidates will be expected to choose a musicbased club and to be committed to one of the choirs and the orchestra or windband.

They will be expected to see their role as not merely engaging in these clubs, but as being part of the leadership which also implies behaving responsibly and inspiring younger players.

They will also be expected to be enthusiastic and committed to any out-of-school performances or competitions the music department might take part in.

Benefits

• Scholarships will include a percentage off private lessons in one instrument.

• Being invited to be leader of the orchestra (unless their first study instrument is piano).

• Scholarship mentoring sessions with the Head of Music.

• The school will pay for entry to some outside music competitions.

• Extra rehearsal sessions for performances and next school scholarship auditions.

• Priority selection for public performances where possible.

Art

What are we looking for?

Pupils who demonstrate outstanding ability in art, particularly through creativity, imagination, manipulative skills, strong powers of observation and evidence of some specialist language.

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.

There will be three parts to the assessment:

1. A drawing test:

The candidates will be invited to spend time drawing from direct observation. A range of materials and items will be made available and it is expected that candidates will be able to demonstrate how they record what they see.

2. The portfolio:

There will be no preconceived ideas about what a portfolio might contain. It would be natural to expect to see work that has been produced at school but we will be especially interested in other items, whether drawings, photographs, computer art, craft items made at home, or self-motivated art. The portfolio should contain items that show the candidate’s range and depth of interests, skills and knowledge. No more than 20 pieces should be included. The Head of Art will review portfolios without the candidates initially, before inviting them for an informal interview.

3. An informal interview: Candidates will be invited individually for a short, informal interview with the Head of Art. They will be asked to select one piece from their portfolio and explain the ideas and motivation behind it. Candidates will be expected to be able to discuss their work with enthusiasm and make connections with the artists’ work that they have studied.

Expectations

We will expect art scholars to make a significant extracurricular commitment to their work, set an example to the rest of the pupils through exemplary behaviour and attitude towards learning and contribute to the making of sets and props.

Termly meetings with the Head of Art where the scholars will be expected to assess their own contributions and set targets for themselves.

Benefits

• Have the privilege of their work being displayed on the school’s scholars board.

• Scholarships to include extra support/tuition from the Head of Art.

• Support for scholarship applications to sixth form settings.

Sport

What are we looking for?

Candidates applying for a sports scholarship are expected to demonstrate a high level of sporting ability, dedication and an enthusiasm for sporting life in school. Scholarships are awarded to pupils who have shown sporting excellence.

Successful candidates should be high level players in at least one, preferably two of our core sports of football, netball, rugby and cricket. Pupils may also excel in another sport. Those excelling in a non-core sport such as swimming, tennis or gymnastics, might be considered for a Sports Exhibition. At this young age, potential and individual skill level will also be considered.

Assessment

Candidates for the sports scholarship will be expected to participate in a variety of tasks on the day of their assessment which can be compared against the results of past scholars and pupils. This will include skills assessments and observations in small sided games as well as an interview with the Head of Sport.

Expectations

Please see below the prerequisites and the other key qualities which are essential for sports scholars.

• A whole-hearted commitment to the sports programme and full availability for fixtures.

• To demonstrate an excellent attitude, ambition and work ethic towards sport.

• Have high standards in regard to on field conduct, fair play, kit, organisation and communication.

• The ability to display leadership qualities within the sports environment.

Benefits

• Our scholars will be part of a programme which offers support in the form of a mentor from the sports department. Review meetings will take place with the mentor and pupil with advice offered on goal setting, reflection, nutrition and time management.

Drama

What are we looking for?

• Candidates will be expected to have excellent performance skills and show exceptional potential as well as genuine excitement for the subject

• Talented individuals for whom drama is an ‘eat, sleep and breathe’ mentality.

• Evidence of a commitment to a broader Drama experience including Youth Theatre, local/regional/national performances or competitions either individually or as part of a company.

• Grade 4 (and above) in LAMDA, Trinity, LCM, New Era or equivalent in solo acting.

Assessment

• Audition with the Head of Drama.

• Candidates should prepare two contrasting acting pieces of around two minutes each. Ideally one should be Shakespeare or other classical era.

• Candidates are free to choose their own pieces, but an anthology of suitable pieces can be supplied if requested.

• Interview with the Head of Drama and a Senior Leader.

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their chosen pieces and be able to put them into their context.

• Candidates should be able to demonstrate their engagement with the subject both inside and outside of the classroom.

Expectations

• A full commitment to the drama department and all productions. These include:

◦ House Drama

◦ School productions

◦ Shakespeare Festival

◦ Readings for assemblies

◦ LAMDA and other school events.

• A consideration to taking the Drama GCSE.

Benefits

• Scholarships to include a contribution towards the cost of LAMDA lessons.

• Extra opportunities to perform.

• Weekly scholars’ programme where pupils study contemporary, new writing and classical text and practitioners.

• Support for scholarship applications to sixth form settings.

• Mentoring from the Head of Drama.

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.”