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St Gabriel’s

St Gabriel’s

Scholarships

Scholarship awards at St Gabriel's recognise the pursuit of learning at a level of excellence, Academic, Art, Performing Arts (Music, Dance and Drama) and Sport scholarships are awarded at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry. 

Scholars are expected to make a significant contribution to school life through their enthusiasm and commitment to the particular area for which they have been recognised. Progress will be monitored and scholars will be invited to a review meeting to discuss progress and future goals as they begin and complete each section of the school: Lower School (Years 7 and 8); Middle School (Years 9-11) and the Sixth Form.

Whilst some of our scholarships attract a modest monetary award, the majority are awarded in recognition of the prestige that they bring. Our scholars are held in high esteem within the school and are recognised by a number of schemes within the school, primarily the Challenge & Extension Programme, which

  • Offers our gifted and talented students extended and differentiated work in lessons to ensure that they reach their full potential
  • Runs an exciting programme of co-curricular events throughout the year, including termly scholars’ breakfasts, guest speakers and workshops as well as departmental activities and trips, that are additional to the curriculum
  • Provides a mentor scheme for Academic Scholars, whereby a chosen member of staff meets regularly with their mentee to extend their learning outside of the curriculum in a variety of different ways.  For Music, Art, Dance, Drama and Sport Scholars there are regular opportunities to work with the appropriate Head of Department alongside other scholars in their discipline
  • Academic Scholars will be encouraged to read widely beyond the curriculum and the school will provide them with a subscription to a publication of their choice to support them in this.

Scholarships awarded in Year 7 and Year 9 are tenable until the end of Year 11, when students may apply for a Sixth Form Scholarship. All awards are subject to a satisfactory annual review.

The number of individual scholarships awarded each year depends solely on the calibre of the candidates. There is no limit to the number of scholarships the school awards; St Gabriel’s looks for a level of excellence in order to award a Scholarship.
 

Year 7 & Year 9 Scholarships – How to Apply

All candidates who would like to be considered for an award must be a current pupil or be registered to join the school and have completed the Scholarship Application Form. Applicants for awards in Art, Dance, Drama, Music and Sport may apply for one or more award.

11+ & 13+ Academic

Requirements for Entry

There is no need to make an application for an 11+ academic award. Pupils who have performed particularly well in the entrance examinations and current pupils who are now considered to be working towards scholarship level will be invited by the Principal to attend the Academic Scholarship Day.

At 13+, candidates should apply for an academic scholarship.  Whilst applications are open to all, academic scholarships are  awarded to pupils who possess academic excellence, intellectual curiosity and excel across a broad range of subjects.

Scholarship Day

At 11+, candidates attend masterclasses in English, Maths and Science and are interviewed by the Principal and Head of Lower School.

At 13+, candidates sit a general paper and are interviewed by the Principal and Head of Upper School.

 

11+ & 13+ Art

Requirements for Entry

  • Candidates must submit a portfolio, which should demonstrate work in a variety of different mediums and show evidence of the use of another artists’ work to influence their own. 
  • The panel are looking for evidence of the candidate’s enjoyment, passion and enthusiasm for art and their potential for progress

Scholarship Day

  • Candidates attend a 15 minute interview with the Head of Art
  • Candidates complete a practical task that involves an observational study and a short written task, where they will be asked to analyse an artwork. 

11+ & 13+ Dance

Requirements for Entry

Candidates should have a good level of knowledge and understanding of dance as a whole as well as:

  • A minimum of two years dance experience in a group outside of school
  • Experience in ballet, tap, modern or contemporary dance preferred, but not essential
  • Syllabus or grade examinations preferred, but not essential
  • A written report on the candidate’s suitability for scholarship from their dance teacher
  • Enjoyment, enthusiasm and appreciation for dance is paramount and should be demonstrated in a personal statement detailing their suitability for the role

Scholarship Day

Candidates attend an audition, which will include:

  • The participation in a short class in which the candidate will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their technical ability and creative skills
  • The performance of a prepared one minute solo, choreographed by the candidate in their own chosen style
  • A short interview conducted by the panel

dance scholarship

 

11+ & 13+ Drama

Requirements for Entry

Candidates should have a good level of knowledge and understanding of drama, as a whole, as well as:

  • Drama experience in a group outside of school
  • A written report on their suitability for scholarship from their drama teacher
  • Enjoyment, enthusiasm and appreciation for drama is paramount and should be demonstrated in a personal statement detailing their suitability for the role.

Scholarship Day

Candidates attend an audition, which will include:

  • Participation in a short class in which the candidates will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their technical ability, creative skills, as well as their enthusiasm for and understanding of theatre
  • The performance of a prepared monologue, maximum 2 minutes in length
  • A short interview conducted by the panel

drama scholarships

drama scholars

11+ & 13+ Music

Requirements for Entry

  • Candidates are required to have reached a minimum standard of Associated Board (or equivalent) grading as follows:
First instrument:   11+ Grade IV
13+ Grade V
Second instrument: 11+ & 13+
no minimum requirement but must demonstrate strong potential
  • Enjoyment and enthusiasm for making-music and potential for progress are strong considerations of the panel, as is commitment to music-making activities in school
  • A written report from the candidate’s music teacher for their principal instrument
  • A reference from the candidate’s current Head of Music
  • Enjoyment, enthusiasm and appreciation for music is paramount and should be demonstrated in a personal statement detailing their suitability for the role.

Scholarship Day

During the 30 minute audition assessment an accompanist will be provided.  The audition will include:

  • The performance of two pieces on the candidate’s first instrument (or voice)
  • The performance of one piece on the candidate’s second choice instrument (or voice).  If a candidate plays more than two instruments she may perform a further piece on another instrument if she wishes
  • Aural tests appropriate to the candidate’s standard
  • A short interview with the Director of Music

music scholarship music scholarships

11+ & 13+ Sport

Requirements for Entry

  • Candidates must produce evidence of their sporting achievements e.g. national awards, team membership, individual successes
  • A written report from the candidate’s present Head of PE or teacher responsible for their PE lessons

Scholarship Day

Candidates’ skills and fitness will be tested in a variety of sports/activities during the practical assessment.  Sporting ability, potential, enthusiasm and leadership skills will all be observed and assessed.

Sixth Form Scholarships – How to Apply

All candidates who would like to be considered for an award must be a current pupil or be registered to join the school. Applicants for awards in Art, Dance, Drama, Music and Sport may apply for one or more award. All applications should be emailed to Mrs Jane Benney, Director of Admissions & Marketing at admissions@stgabriels.co.uk.

16+ Academic

Sixth Form Academic Scholarships carry a fixed monetary value of £500.00.

Requirements for Entry

  • Both internal and external candidates should apply for Academic Scholarships in the November prior to their year of entry to the Sixth Form

Scholarship Day

  • The scholarship papers will involve tasks designed to assess thinking skills and intellectual curiosity
  • Candidates will have an interview with the Principal and the Head of Sixth Form

sixth form scholarships

16+ Art, Performing Arts (Dance, Drama & Music) & Sport

Sixth Form General Scholarships carry a fixed monetary value of £200.00.

Requirements for Entry

  • Both internal and external candidates should apply for Art, Performing Arts and Sport scholarships in the November prior to their year of entry to the Sixth Form
  • Scholarship auditions and assessments take place during the Spring Term

Scholarship Day

Art

  • Candidates are asked to present a portfolio
  • All candidates will undertake a short interview with the Principal and Head of Art    and should expect to discuss the content of their portfolio

Dance

  • The Head of Dance will invite applicants of an eligible standard to attend a practical assessment and interview
  • We will be looking for evidence of considerable technical ability in at least one dance style (performance), a demonstration of aptitude and the ability to learn set technical phrases in other genres, as well as responding to a stimulus (choreography & appreciation)
  • Candidates will be asked to bring evidence of recent successes and achievements to support their applications.

Drama

  • Students are invited to attend an audition, where they will take part in an improvisation workshop, perform a prepared monologue and be interviewed by the Principal and Head of Drama.

Music

  • The Director of Music will invite applicants of an eligible standard to attend a practical assessment and interview.  Candidates are asked to prepare performances on their first instrument and one piece on their second.  All candidates will undertake a short interview with the Principal and the Director of Music

Sport

  • Candidates will be invited to take part in a range of assessment activities including an interview with the Director of Sport and the Principal
  • Candidates must be performing or representing to at least regional level