11+ Art Scholarships
Process | Expectations | Dates
Assessment Process
All 11+ Art Scholarship applicants are asked to prepare a portfolio of 10–15 pieces of artwork that best demonstrate their skills, creativity and artistic interests. We would normally expect the majority of pieces to have been completed within the 12 months prior to assessment. It is helpful if the portfolio also includes brief written notes - this might include reflections on the pupil’s own work, artists who have inspired their pieces, or artwork they have particularly enjoyed seeing.
Applicants must bring their portfolio to the 11+ Engagement Day on Saturday 14 November, in order that it can be reviewed by the Head of Art ahead of the Art Scholarship Assessment Day.
On the Art Scholarship Assessment Day, candidates will spend 15–30 minutes discussing their portfolio in an interview with the Head of Art. This conversation will explore their artistic interests, influences and approaches to making art. Applicants will also complete a short observational or imaginative drawing task to give us a sense of their ability to respond creatively under timed conditions.
Expectation of Art Scholars
Art Scholars are expected to sustain their scholarship role throughout their time in the Senior School, and stand out from their contemporaries through their commitment and love of the subject.
The Head of Art meets with Art Scholars regularly to support their development and ensure that the above expectations are being met.
Every scholarship holder is expected to set an example for the other students in their conduct and approach to academic study, to participate in the fuller life of the Senior School through its programme of extra curricular activities, and promote the school as requested at all Open Mornings.
The number of Scholarships awarded is at the discretion of the Head of College.
These awards are transferred to the Senior School until the end of GCSE (Year 11) if continued to GCSE level. If GCSE Art is not taken as an option then the award will finish at the end of Year 9.
Art may be taken in its widest sense: painting, drawing, print making, fabrics etc, on the one hand; and pottery, sculpture and three dimensional work on the other. Any form of two or three dimensional work that shows the candidate’s interest and ability is acceptable. It is not expected that the work should necessarily be highly finished or polished. What is sought is the power of observation, imagination and the ability to control and appreciate materials. Some design sense should be apparent and, ideally, some originality of thought.