Scholarships

Children applying for an Art Scholarship should be able to demonstrate and express their exceptional talent, commitment and ability for the subject. They will be required to verbalise their passion for Art discussing recent exhibitions and workshops attended and present a body of work created beyond school. Successful Art Scholars will be expected to: attend an Art Scholars’ session every week (after school), alongside a session with our ‘Artists in residence’ session during a school day rest period, complete a minimum of two hours of artwork at home each week, complete holiday tasks, submit work for school competitions or art events, and visit a minimum of three galleries or exhibitions during the year.

Internal candidates: Pupils will be assessed through in class observations and assessments.

External candidates: will be invited to take part in an art class and should present a portfolio that clearly demonstrates their fluent skills across the following disciplines: observational drawing, painting, sculpture, textiles, printing, mixed media and photography. This assessment will take place during a taster day as part of the application process.

Drama Scholarships will be given to candidates who can confidently express their distinct talents, and have clear enthusiasm and commitment for Drama and Theatre. They must also have a desire to be regularly and actively involved in supporting the Drama Department at Great Walstead. Participating in performances and plays at Great Walstead, or in extra-curricular drama activities, will be viewed as scholarly attributes. Any participation in examination programmes, such as Trinity College London, LAMDA, or Trinity Guildhall, would be regarded as positive evidence of a candidate's experience, but most certainly not essential for applying. Drama Scholars will be expected to be involved in all performing arts events. Scholars will regularly watch productions, read plays and actively seek to further their knowledge and experience in Drama and Theatre. In Year 8, Drama Scholars will be prepared for scholarships to their senior school.

Internal candidates: Will be assessed through their work in lessons and in their commitment to drama.

External candidates: will be invited to take part in a drama class. Candidates will also be asked to sight-read a piece of unseen text/section of a play. They will be expected to discuss their interest in drama and why they have applied for the Drama Scholarship in an interview with the Head of Drama. They should bring with them a portfolio to further enhance their audience, showing any evidence of their experience to date (shows they have seen/been involved in, theatre/play reviews, photographs and certificates) which will be discussed and referred to in the interview. This assessment will take place during a taster day as part of the application process.

Children applying for a Music Scholarship should be performing pieces of at least Grade 4 standard (on their first-choice study instrument (which can be voice), plus a second instrument (at about Grade 2 level). Candidates will be expected to display an outstanding commitment to ensemble music making and become a high-profile musician within the school community. In Year 8, scholars must actively seek to broaden their knowledge of different musical genres, attend concerts of varying repertoire and be able to engage passionately in discussion. Additional experience in external training orchestras and groups is desirable though not compulsory. Pupils will demonstrate maturity, determination and take pride in their music making both inside and outside of the classroom.

Internal candidates: will be recommended by the Head of Music in consultation with visiting music teachers.

External candidates: will be required to play one piece on their main instrument (which can be voice), plus one on their second instrument (at about Grade 2 level). The singing of a popular melody will also be expected. In addition, there will be some aural and sight-reading tests appropriate to the recommended grades. This assessment will take place during a taster day as part of the application process.

Children applying for a Sport Scholarship should be able to demonstrate exceptional ability and potential in two of the major sports on offer here at Great Walstead. These pupils will be working well beyond the expected level of their year group with a strong understanding of the key principles and tactical ideas of the major sports at school. They will have strong game sense and awareness in team related sports and will shine in 'A team' situations. They will be able to perform well under pressure, lifting their performance when challenged. These pupils will have appropriate fitness and athletic levels required to perform at a high level. Conduct, attitude and effort in both training and matches will be taken into account.

This award is an all-round sport award. Pupils who excel in one sport may still be considered for a sport specific scholarship to their chosen senior school (supported by the Director of Sport), even if they do not gain an all-round sport scholarship whilst at Great Walstead.

Pupils who receive this award will be expected to uphold the highest standards of attitude and sportsmanship, acting as a role model for their peers and sport as a whole at Great Walstead. They will be expected to represent the school in any fixtures/events for which they are selected during the week and, occasionally, at the weekend.

Internal candidates: will be nominated by the Head of Sport in consultation with the whole games department.

External candidates: will be invited to take part in a games lesson and asked to demonstrate their core skills across 2 chosen sports. They will be expected to talk about their passion for sport and be playing at the appropriate level in teams in or outside of school. This assessment will take place during a taster day as part of the application process.