13+ Art Scholarships
Process | Expectations | Dates
Assessment Process
Candidates for Art Scholarships are expected to show a genuine passion and potential for the visual arts through: practical drawing, painting and use of varied media, in discussion of ideas and art, and through a natural creative energy and response to the world around them.
The Scholarship assessment entails a 15-30 minute portfolio review and face-to-face interview with the Head of Art. The group will also be given an observational/imaginative drawing activity. This will allow the students to select favoured media and use their creative skills on an extended piece of work (approximately two hours).
The portfolio should show a mixture of strong technical skills, and should contain finished work produced both within school/extra art clubs and independently.
It needs to be experimental, but an intrinsic aspect of the portfolio should be evidence of strong basic art skills and techniques. All work must be mounted neatly, and sketchbooks can be shown to encourage discussion and show development of ideas. Larger canvases and 3D work are welcome.
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 pupils 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 valid until the end of Year 11 if continued to GCSE level. If GCSE Art is not taken as an option then the award will cease 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.