Scholarships
3 What makes a Giggleswick Scholar? Academic Scholarships Giggleswick Scholars make a highly valued contribution to the intellectual, sporting, musical, dramatic and creative life of the School. In recent years our Academic Scholars have obtained excellent GCSE and A level results, gaining places at the country s top universities. Our Scholars uphold the highest standards and act as positive role models for others within the School community. We offer Academic, All-Rounder, Music and Sport scholarships into the three main senior entry points: Year 7, Year 9 and the Lower Sixth. In addition we offer Art scholarships into Year 9 and the Lower Sixth, and Design and Drama scholarships into the Lower Sixth Form. Each year there are approximately 20 25 scholarship awards available across the three year groups. There are not a specific number of awards for each type of scholarship or for each year group. BURSARIAL ASSISTANCE FOR SCHOLARS In the event of a candidate being offered an award of insufficient value to enable them to attend the School, parents are encouraged to apply to the School for a means-tested bursary which can provide additional funding. Academic Scholars entering the school in Year 7 or Year 9 are invited to join our Inspire and Aspire Groups which aim to give our more able, gifted and talented pupils a collective identity. The groups meet weekly to discuss cross-curricular topics that are not found on the GCSE or A level curriculum. In addition to the weekly seminars, regular trips outside school are organised, including visits to art galleries, exhibitions, the opera and theatre. Each year the group visits either Oxford or Cambridge Universities, to provide scholars with an opportunity to find out what these top universities are looking for and what they might gain from studying there. Academic Scholars will have the potential to gain a minimum of eight level 8/9 grades at GCSE and A*/A grades at A level.
5 All-Rounder Scholarships Giggleswick offers a breadth of opportunity in both academic and co-curricular activities. As a potential All-Rounder Scholar, you will be making above average academic progress and be able to demonstrate excellence in at least one area of the Giggleswick curriculum, notably Sport, Music or Drama. We expect All-Rounder scholars to contribute to all areas of school life. Excellence in other areas will be taken into consideration if reports and certificates (if appropriate) are provided. Art Scholarships Giggleswick s Art Department provides a lively and stimulating environment where pupils can explore and develop their creative skills. In addition to refining painting and drawing techniques, A level students are encouraged to experiment with other genres including screen printing, textiles and ceramics. We also offer AS courses in Ceramics, Photography and Textiles which Art scholars may wish to take in addition to the Pre-U in Fine Art. The majority of our Art Scholars go on to pursue a career in Art and Design. Most students opt for an Art Foundation year before going on to specialise in their chosen area at art school or university. The department is looking for individuals who genuinely enjoy, and are excited by, being creative. Candidates portfolios and sketchbooks should show a natural interest in the subject and be able to demonstrate evidence of personal commitment, shown in work that has been done outside school. Final pieces, such as paintings, should be backed up with preparatory work, experimentation and investigations. The Art Department is always open and there is even a resident artist who is on hand to help and inspire All-Rounder Scholars should demonstrate the potential to gain a minimum of five level 8/9 grades at GCSE.
7 Design Scholarships Our Design Department is housed in a purpose built building with excellent facilities for all aspects of Design Technology. Drama Scholarships We have a strong and highly respected dramatic tradition, and we stage several productions annually, some of which have been taken abroad and to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The atmosphere is exciting; both creative and business-like, and Design is an extremely popular and successful A level subject, leading to a wide range of potential courses at University. Candidates should be studying one aspect of Design at GCSE level and propose to study the subject at Pre-U level. We are looking for keen, enthusiastic, motivated and committed individuals who may not yet have expertise in all aspects of Design, but who can demonstrate potential and an obvious desire to improve. As a Drama Scholar you would be encouraged to act, write, direct and develop skills in theatrical design. The stage-management, sound and lighting operations at the school are completely student run and provide opportunities to discover what goes on behind the scenes. We offer frequent trips to theatres, both to see plays, and to meet actors and technicians. Former Drama Scholars have trained at various universities and drama schools and then gone on to a wide range of careers including acting with the RSC, working in film and radio drama and setting up a dance company. We are looking for students willing to maximise potential, to play a full part in School Drama and to work towards achieving high grades in A Level Drama and Theatre Studies. * A Design scholarship is only offered to Sixth Form candidates * A full Drama scholarship is only offered to Sixth Form candidates. 11+ and 13+ candidates can take Drama as part of an All-Rounder scholarship.
9 Music Scholarships Our Music plays a central role in the life of the School and the contribution of Music Scholars is valued highly. Sport Scholarships We pride ourselves on the standard of sport we offer and the high level pupils can achieve. The department has four full-time musicians, all of whom have great experience in the teaching and development of talented young musicians. They are assisted by a team of 13 visiting teachers. Our ensembles include the School Orchestra, Concert Band, Chapel Choir, Concert Choir, a Brass Ensemble and a String Quartet as well as a number of rock bands. We offer numerous performance opportunities, including tours abroad. Minimum Criteria: L6 ENTRY Working towards Grade 8 in main instrument, having passed Grade 7 with Merit or Distinction. A second instrument should be of Grade 5 standard. Grade 5 Theory passed with Merit or Distinction. YEAR 9 Grade 5 passed with merit or distinction in first instrument and Grade 3 standard in second. Grade 4 Theory passed and/or working towards Grade 5. YEAR 7 Grade 3 passed with merit or distinction in first instrument and Grade 1 passed in second. Candidates for All-Rounder with Music scholarships should meet the first instrument criteria. A second instrument will be looked on avourably but is not essential. We have excellent coaches at all levels, superb facilities and regular programmed training sessions. Each year a number of pupils gain representative honours in a range of sports. Sports Scholars can apply for a place on our Elite Sports Programme, which includes specialist coaching, mentoring, professional sports visits and strength and conditioning training. Rugby, cricket, hockey and cross country are our main sports for boys, and hockey, netball, cross country and tennis for girls. We expect candidates for Sports scholarships to offer two of these for assessment and should be able demonstrate the potential to gain representative honours in at least one. In addition to these we also provide opportunities to play football, girls rugby, girls cricket, badminton, fives, golf, squash and swimming. Our facilities include a floodlit astroturf, fully equipped fitness centre, two indoor sports halls and an indoor swimming pool. Our Elite Sports Programme includes specialist coaching, mentoring and strength and conditioning training
11 Interviews and assessments INTERVIEWS All scholarship candidates will have an interview with the Headmaster and the Assistant Head (Academic). EXAMINATIONS Please see our website for examination dates. All examinations, auditions and practical assessments are held at Giggleswick where possible. TO APPLY Application forms and further details can be obtained from the Admissions Office T: 01729 893000 E: admissions@giggleswick.org.uk Academic scholarships Year 7 (11+): English, Maths and Science papers. Non-verbal and verbal reasoning tests. Year 9 (13+): English, Maths and Science papers, an option paper (Geography, History or a Modern Language). Non-verbal and verbal reasoning tests. Sixth Form: A general essay paper. Verbal, non-verbal and numerical reasoning tests. GCSE predictions should indicate a minimum of eight level 8/9 grades. All-rounder scholarships 11+ and 13+: English and Maths papers. Non-verbal and verbal reasoning tests. Sixth Form: Tests as per Academic Scholarships. Candidates will offer either Sport, Music or Drama for additional assessment. See individual scholarship pages for assessment detail. GCSE predictions should indicate a minimum of five level 8/9 grades. Drama scholarships Candidates will be assessed on the basis of reports, portfolio, audition pieces and work with the Director of Drama. There will be an interview with the Director of Drama during which participants will be expected to talk about previous relevant experience, demonstrate some basic knowledge of the history of the theatre, and indicate what sort of enthusiasm and talent they would bring to Giggleswick Drama. They will also be interviewed by the Headmaster and the Assistant Head (Academic). Sport scholarships Candidates will be invited to take part in a practical assessment during which they will be expected to participate in their chosen sport in a competitive situation, as well as being assessed for general fitness and ball skills (if appropriate). They will have an interview with the Director of Sport which will focus on current achievement and their commitment to developing sporting potential. There will also be an interview with the Headmaster and Assistant Head (Academic). Music scholarships Candidates will be assessed by audition and interview. They will be asked to play two contrasting pieces on their main instrument and, where appropriate, one piece on a second instrument. In addition, they will have sight reading tests on their main instrument, some ear tests and an interview with the Director of Music, as well as an opportunity to meet with other Music staff. They will also be interviewed by the Headmaster and the Assistant Head (Academic). Art scholarships Candidates will be assessed by a practical assessment and interview. They will be invited to take part in a practical workshop, such as drawing from still life, which will last approximately two hours. During this time they will also be interviewed by the Head of Art. They will be asked to bring a portfolio of work which should feature work produced in school but more importantly work produced in their own time. Design scholarships The assessment will consist of an assignment based on the candidate s observation of Design in the real world, and a timed graphic exercise. They will be expected to bring a portfolio of work with them, to be discussed at an interview with the Head of Design. This should contain evidence of 3D work related to Design or Art, work produced for GCSE coursework, or work that has been done in own time for fun. It should be work that they are proud of, have enjoyed doing, and that they feel reflects their design ability. Candidates will also be interviewed by the Headmaster and the Assistant Head (Academic).
tel: +44 (0) 1729 893 000 email: admissions@giggleswick.org.uk Giggleswick School, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 0DE www.giggleswick.org.uk Giggleswick is a registered charity no 1109826 The contents of this publication are correct at the time of printing. However, changes may be made in due course for educational or other reasons.