s and Awards 2018 Felsted has an exciting range of s and Mary Skill Awards for students from age 11 entry up to Sixth Form. They recognise and celebrate outstanding talent and potential in a range of disciplines and offer significant opportunities for pupils to develop their skills and knowledge through specialist enrichment programmes. Mary Skill and her family were generous benefactors to the School and particularly wished to provide able children with the opportunity to enjoy a Felsted education. The title and status of Felsted Scholar or Mary Skill Award-holder brings many new opportunities and challenges, but also the responsibility to set and maintain the highest standards at all times. In conferring awards we look for gifted individuals who will be a credit to themselves and the School. We are proud of the achievements of our past Scholars and Award-holders and welcome applications for 2018 entry from young people who will draw great benefit from, and contribute significantly to the life of the School. All awards are reviewed on an annual basis, although awards are normally held throughout the student s time at the School. We wish you the very best of luck in your application and look forward to meeting you. Simon James Headmaster Felsted Preparatory School Chris Townsend Headmaster Felsted School
What is the value of a or Mary Skill Award? A Felsted can be worth up to 20% remission of school fees, and a Mary Skill Award up to 2,000 per year fee remission. Students awarded the joint Junior Guildhall/Felsted Music will receive up to 20% reduction off the fees per year, together with up to 5,000 per annum towards the fees to attend the Junior Guildhall. s and Awards are valid throughout a student s time at Felsted, subject to annual review for satisfactory effort and progress. All awards can be supplemented by a bursary, which is subject to means-testing. Subject specific s at 16+ are available for Mathematics (Wallis) and Science (Hunter). Who can apply? s at age 11+ entry are open to both internal and external candidates. At age 13+, internal candidates may be considered but must be recommended by Felsted Preparatory School. For the Sixth Form, candidates are mainly external, though internal candidates may be considered with the approval of the Headmaster. The School accepts a small number of Year 10 entrants each year, who may also be considered for awards, at the Headmaster s discretion. How do Bursaries work? The award of a or Mary Skill Award makes a candidate eligible to apply for a top-up bursary, which is means-tested on an annual basis. There is also an Open Bursary, worth up to 100% of fees, which is not dependent on an award, but is based on need. One Open Bursary is awarded in each of the Preparatory and Senior Schools every year, and applications should be received by the end of January for entry the following September. More information and application forms can be downloaded from www.felsted.org/scholarshipsandbursaries What types of are available? Felsted Preparatory School (for awards at ages 11+) offers Academic and Music s and Mary Skill Awards. Exceptional candidates can also be considered for scholarships in other disciplines (such as Art and Sport). A student can hold a and Mary Skill Award at the same time in different disciplines, though the total fee remission (before bursary) cannot exceed 20%. A Mary Skill Award can be awarded for Art, Design Technology and Engineering, Digital Learning and Technology, Drama, Music, or Sport. A student applying for Sport is expected to offer one of Felsted s core disciplines (Cricket, Hockey, Netball, Rugby or Tennis). Felsted School (ages 13-18) offers s in Art, Design Technology and Engineering, Drama, Music and Sport, as well as Academic s. These are available to students joining the School at ages 13 (Year 9) and 16 (Year 12) and occasionally Year 10 (see above). While a student can hold a and a Mary Skill Award in different disciplines, the total fee remission (before bursary) will not exceed 20% and the individual may be required to focus more in one area.
Through our partnership with the Junior Department of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London we are also able to offer joint Junior Guildhall/Felsted Music s for outstanding young musicians for entry at ages 11, 13 and 16. What standard is expected? Candidates at all levels are expected to have registered for the School and must fulfil the standard entry requirements for the offer of a place. These are set out in the Admissions section at www.felsted.org. The expectations of an Academic applicant are high: At 11+ (Year 7 entry) a candidate s potential as a Scholar is determined initially by his/her performance in the Standard Entrance Assessment, taken towards the end of the Autumn Term Potential Scholars are then invited to sit the Academic in mid-january of the year of entry At 13+, (Year 9 entry) potential Scholars will have been recommended by Felsted (following Pre-testing), or by their current school. The takes place in mid- February of the year of entry and papers are set in English, Mathematics and Science, which will be comparable to harder Common Entrance papers. At 16+ (Sixth Form/Year 12 entry) papers are taken in two subjects to be pursued at A level or for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. GCSE results of B or above, (or equivalent) are required, particularly in those subjects to be studied at A level or IB, although scholarship candidates should achieve A and A* grades, or equivalent. A Music Scholar should have achieved the approximate standard of Grade 4 or equivalent for entry at 11+, Grade 5/6 at 13+, and Grade 7/8 at 16+. For the joint Guildhall, the expectation of real potential is higher still (though not necessarily tied to particular grades). Joint decisions are made by Felsted in consultation with the Head of the Junior Guildhall, and his specialist staff. In Drama, a candidate should be able to show evidence of leading roles and a broad range of experience. For Art and Design Technology and Engineering, Heads of Department need to see evidence of a wider interest in the subject beyond school, and a range of topics and styles in their portfolio. For Sport, a candidate is expected to have attained a high level in at least two sports; in at least one of these, a candidate should have played at, or be due to play at a representative level (county, regional or national). A portfolio of supporting evidence may be submitted. Mary Skill Awards are awarded to candidates who may not necessarily have achieved at such a high level yet, but who can demonstrate skill, enthusiasm, commitment and real talent in one or more disciplines. A Felsted Scholar or holder of a Mary Skill Award is expected to uphold the highest standards of effort, attitude and behaviour at all times. If he or she falls below this high standard, an award may be removed. When do assessments take place and what do they consist of? Applicants for 11+ s must first pass the Standard Entrance Assessment (application deadline for the assessment is Monday 16 October ) in English, Mathematics and computer-based Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. These take place on the last Saturday in November, or the first Saturday in December. Prior to these assessments, there is an informal interview with the Headmaster.
Once an offer of a place is gained, potential Academic Scholars are invited back to the School to sit scholarship papers in English and Mathematics (of grammar school 11+ entrance standard), a Science assessment based on problem-solving skills and an interview. These assessments take place in mid-january. 11+ Music Scholars can apply before the Standard Entrance Assessment for an audition in two or more instruments, which can include voice. Once a candidate has been offered a Standard Entrance place, auditions are arranged for mid-january. Exceptional candidates may then be recommended to the Junior Guildhall, who may then offer a further audition in London, usually between the end of January and March. Candidates for 11+ Mary Skill Awards must also have received a Standard Entrance offer, though they can apply for the Award before the Entrance assessment. In the Mary Skill Award assessment, they will be required to present and discuss at interview a portfolio of their work and achievements in up to three disciplines and undertake practical assessment(s). Applications should be supported by a reference(s) from a School or Club, where appropriate. External candidates for 13+ and 16+ entry for all awards must have registered and taken the appropriate formal interview and assessment (application deadline for the assessment is Monday 25 September ) which form the basis of the offer of a place; the School will also have requested and received confidential references from the candidate s current Head. Candidates are able to select one of three assessments dates in October or early November (they must select the November date if they attend an HMC School). s for Year 9 and Sixth Form entry take place in late November, with the Year 9 Academic taking place in mid-february. Dates are set out in the Admissions section at www.felsted.org For Sport, candidates undertake a practical assessment, consisting of fitness tests, skills tests and interview. Art and Design Technology and Engineering awards are based on interview and a portfolio of the candidate s work; practical tests are also requested. Music and Drama awards are based on audition and interview. Sixth Form Academic candidates, in addition to interview, take papers in two of their likely A level or IB subjects. For the Senior School, applicants undertake the 13+ or 16+. As a result, a candidate may be awarded either a or a Mary Skill Award. In this respect, Mary Skill Awards are organised differently in the Senior School, but the underlying rationale and standard are the same. For how long is an Award valid? In most cases a or Award will be valid throughout a student s duration at the School, subject to annual review. For all Co-Curricular (non-academic) awards given at age 11+, the pupils performance is reviewed prior to entry to the Senior School at age 13, to ensure that he or she has continued to work to a high level of attainment. A practical assessment or audition is usually requested. For an 11+ Academic Scholar applying to continue his or her into the Senior School, the Headmaster will review the candidate s Year 8 performance and end-of-year examination results. The expected level is identical to an external Year 8 candidate offering Common Entrance, or an equivalent standard.
As a result of a successful review, a candidate from Felsted Preparatory School may be allowed to move from a Mary Skill Award to a. In such cases, the terms and level of fee remission of the replace those of the Mary Skill Award. In the case of a Mary Skill Award made at age 11, the Award will be continued into the Senior School subject to a review of progress and sustained high standards of effort and attainment, at the discretion of the Headmaster. The Award may lapse where the reason for the Award is no longer relevant: for example where a skill or interest is no longer pursued by the student. What are the benefits of a or Award? In addition to fee remission and the possibility of applying for a top-up bursary (subject to means testing) successful applicants have the benefits of being a Felsted Scholar: A certificate or tie/badge denoting their status as a Scholar Access to specialist enrichment programmes and events such as those offered by the Very Able Pupil (VAP) and Enrichment Programmes, Andrews Society and Roberts Society Felsted Music Scholars can have the benefit of up to 2 free music lessons per week Students awarded the joint Junior Guildhall/Felsted Music will receive up to 20% reduction off the fees per year, together with up to 5,000 per annum towards the fees to attend the Junior Guildhall Personal mentor, overseeing development Holders of Mary Skill Awards receive a certificate, and may also have access to enrichment activities and opportunities to develop their talent. Students who are identified as high achievers in a number of subjects will also be invited to join the Roberts Society. The Society offers further academic and intellectual enrichment. Other students may be invited to join this Society, on the basis of other performance data. Members of the Roberts Society will also have rewards such as termly voucher prizes for gaining a stated number of commendations and an annual trip out of school, which will be cost-free to the student. These rewards will be awarded individually, based on performance and attitude. When are the application deadlines? For Year 7 (age 11+), the deadline for applications for the Standard Entrance Assessment is Monday 16 October. Mary Skill Award applicants and Music candidates should submit their application at the same time. For Year 9 (age 13+) and Year 12 (16+) entry applications for Art, Design Technology and Engineering, Drama, Music and Sport, should be received by Monday 23 October at the latest. Where can I get more information? For any application queries, please contact: Mrs Susan Godfrey, Preparatory Admissions Registrar on 01371 822611 or e-mail prepadmissions@felsted.org Ms Anna Kaskat, International Registrar on 01371 822608 or e-mail internationaladmissions@felsted.org Mrs Ruth Wyganowski, Senior Admissions Registrar on 01371 822605 or e-mail senioradmissions@felsted.org
For any queries relating to bursaries, please contact: Mr Andrew Clayton, Bursar (as from September ) on 01371 822621 or e-mail burspa@felsted.org Dates for Examinations and Assessments 2018 11+ (Year 7) entry Academic Music Mary Skill Award Application deadline Not applicable Assessment day(s) 16 January 2018 (morning) 16 October 16 January 2018 (afternoon) 16 October 13 January 2018 Comment Deadline is 16 October for Standard Entrance Assessment, which is held on 2 December. Academic invitation by the Headmaster Deadline as for Standard Entrance Assessment. Music application should be submitted at the same time, with supporting reference(s). Deadline as for Standard Entrance Assessment. Award application should be submitted at the same time, with supporting reference(s). 13+ (Year 9 or 10) and 16+ (Year 12) entry Academic 13+ Not applicable 19 February 2018 Academic 16+ Not applicable 20 November Art 23 October 23 November Design, Technology and Engineering 23 October 23 November Drama 23 October 24 November Music 23 October 23 November Sport 13+ 23 October 21 November Sport 16+ 23 October 22 November Mary Skill Award At the invitation of the Headmaster, after successful completion of Standard Entry assessment in October/November At the invitation of the Headmaster, after successful completion of Verbal Reasoning assessment in October/November Deadline is 25 September for Year 9 Standard Entrance Assessment or Year 10 and 12 Verbal Reasoning Assessment (As above) (As above) (As above) (As above) (As above) Not applicable Not applicable Given at the discretion of the Headmaster once a candidate has been assessed for any of the listed disciplines, (but not yet reached the required level)
Assessment Requirements 2018 All candidates should have registered for entry to the School by completing a registration form and paying a non-refundable deposit of 100.00. They should have completed and secured a Standard Entrance place. A supporting reference will also be requested from the candidates current school. 11+ Academic 11+ Music 11+ Mary Skill Award 13+ Academic (external) 13+ Academic (internal) 16+ Academic 13+, 16+ Music 13+, 16+ Drama 13+, 16+ Art Subject Interview Discussion of musical interests and experiences as part of audition Portfolio Practical Tests Science (problemsolving) Audition: prepared pieces, sightreading, aural tests Practical assessment or audition Head Interview Examination English Mathematics English Mathematics Science Report from Headmaster at Preparatory School Discussion of musical interests and experiences as part of audition Discussion of knowledge and experience of theatre as part of audition Discussion of portfolio and of interest in and experience of Art Aural assessment where relevant Audition: prepared pieces, sightreading, aural tests Audition: one piece selected by the School and one by the candidate Candidates undertake a practical drawing test Year 8 Summer Term examination Two papers of the candidate s choosing, representing subjects to be studied at A level/ib
13+, 16+ Design Technology and Engineering 13+, 16+ Sport Discussion of portfolio and wider interest in Design Interview with the Director of Sport Candidates develop ideas on paper from a design brief Fitness and Sport-specific assessments Assessment Format and Content The following information refers to any of the entry points in to the School; where there are differences, these are highlighted. Art/ Design Technology and Engineering Candidates may apply for one or other of these awards, and will be assessed through content of a portfolio, interview, a practical assessment taken at Felsted and a report from their previous school (for external candidates). A Design Technology and Engineering portfolio may be offered in support of an application for an Art and vice versa. Candidates who are granted awards in Art or Design Technology and Engineering will also have their progress monitored by those departments and a range of extension tasks will be offered. They will be expected to attend additional sessions in these areas, such as the extra Design Technology and Engineering workshops on a Tuesday and Thursday afternoon in the Senior School. Procedure for Art The assessment lasts up to 1½ hours. Candidates must submit: A portfolio of work, including at least three separate projects, plus back-up work. There should be a range of both observational and experimental pieces. This must also include work pursued by the candidate during their own time and not just work set during lessons A sketch book On the assessment day there will be an examination, when the candidate will be asked to produce a drawing, probably from still life The final part of the assessment will consist of an interview with the Headmaster and a subject interview with the Head of Art Although there is no written paper on the 'History of Art' - only verbal questioning - it is expected that Art Scholars should have been to art galleries and have studied works by major artists, in whom they have a special interest. Procedure for Design Technology and Engineering The assessment lasts up to 1½ hours. Candidates must submit: A portfolio of work (both graphical and practical projects would be helpful; pictures of practical work are acceptable) On the assessment day, the candidates will be set a design task: they may, for example be given some background information and a design brief and asked to develop ideas and a solution on paper The final part of the assessment will consist of an interview with the Headmaster and a subject interview with the Head of Design Technology and Engineering.
Drama Candidates applying for a Drama (or a Mary Skill Award for Drama in Year 7) will be expected to have an active interest in drama and, where appropriate have played leading roles in school and/or other productions. Scholars will be expected to make a significant contribution to Felsted s co-curricular drama. In the Preparatory School a Performing Arts Award may be made to a candidate who displays talent in both disciplines. However candidates in Year 9 and above cannot be awarded both Music and Drama s, but may apply for both. Procedure for Drama The assessment will last around 30 minutes. Candidates will be assessed By audition: two prepared monologues up to two minutes each (one selected by the pupil and one selected by Felsted School and by interview with the Headmaster The audition piece selected by the School should be very thoroughly prepared and rehearsed. It needs to have a very powerful emotional impact, and candidates need to have thought carefully about how they will use the stage space for their performance. The piece also needs variety of pace, tone and volume. The audition also involves a discussion with the Director of Performing Arts based on the candidates interest in and experience of theatre, and their choice of audition piece. When an internal student enters the Senior School, the Award is reviewed. As a result, the existing Mary Skill Award may continue or possibly be upgraded to a Drama in Year 9, at the discretion of the Director of Performing Arts. An Award may also be removed if a candidate has not shown the required level of commitment. Music A number of Music s are available, each up to the value of 20% remission of fees and free tuition in up to two instruments. As a guide, candidates should be of Grade 4 standard for Year 7 entry, Grade 5/6 standard for Year 9 entry, and Grade 7/8 for Year 12 entry (Associated Board, or equivalent examining body), on one instrument, and should be able offer a second instrument and/or voice. Evidence of musical potential and keen musicianship will be favourably regarded, even if technical skills are not up to the standard specified. Procedure for Music The audition will last around 40 minutes. Candidates will be required: To play two contrasting pieces on their main instrument and one or two on their subsidiary instrument(s) in traditional Western style To play at sight on each instrument If a singer, to sing a prepared piece and sight read a short passage (but please note that Music s are not usually awarded for singing alone) To pass certain basic aural tests, showing that their senses of rhythm and pitch are satisfactory To answer general questions appropriate to the candidate s age on the rudiments of musical theory, history and appreciation To have interviews with the Director of Music and Headmaster
Internal Year 8 candidates who hold a Music or a Mary Skill Award for Music will be re-auditioned for Year 9. As a result, an existing award may be retained, or a Mary Skill Award possibly upgraded to a Music, at the discretion of the Director of Music. An award may be removed at this point, if a student s commitment no longer merits it. Junior Guildhall/Felsted Music s The Guildhall School of Music and Drama is one of the world s leading conservatoires; Junior Guildhall is a specialist Saturday School offering advanced training to young people between the ages of 4 and 18. Through the School s partnership with Junior Guildhall, joint scholarships for outstanding musicians are offered. Applications are made to Felsted as for traditional scholarships; if a student s audition and potential are considered exceptional, they will be invited to audition in London for Junior Guildhall. If accepted, a Junior Guildhall/Felsted Scholar will attend the Junior Guildhall on a Saturday during term-time. Felsted staff will work with the student to ensure that no academic work is missed. See notes above regarding tuition fees associated with attendance at Junior Guildhall. Audition dates are made at the discretion of the Head of Junior Guildhall to allow for the convening of specialist panels. Auditions are scheduled on any day from Monday to Saturday inclusive. Panels will usually be chaired by either the Head of Junior Guildhall, or the Head of Junior Music Courses, along with the relevant specialist or Head of section. While auditions are highly competitive, it is difficult to offer advice about the required standard beforehand. The panel will be looking for potential as well as achievement and dedication. As a rough guide, candidates will normally have attained a standard of about Grade 5 distinction at the age of 10 and Grade 8 distinction by the age of 16, but we will always consider the age when tuition started. It is not necessary to have taken any grade examination before the audition. Candidates are assessed in five basic areas of performance, covering musical awareness, quality of sound, accuracy, communication, and control of instrument. Audition requirements First-study two contrasting pieces Second-study (optional) one piece Scales and arpeggios Sight-reading Questions may be asked and tests given to ascertain a student s level of general musicianship Exceptions Singers are not expected to sing scales and arpeggios. Percussionists, where possible, should present three pieces one on each of the following instruments: tuned percussion, timpani and snare drum. Orchestral repertoire is not considered suitable. The total performing time should not exceed ten minutes. Less-advanced or young players may offer only one or two of these instruments, but this should be agreed with the School in advance of the audition. Composers should send to the Junior Guildhall office copies of three of their recent compositions. They will then be invited to an interview where they should be ready to play a prepared piece on an instrument of their choice, sit sight-reading and simple improvisation tests. Questions will be asked and tests given to ascertain a student s level of general musicianship.
Sport A number of Sports s are available annually to boys and girls of outstanding sporting ability and achievement. Candidates should be able to show talent in at least two of the School s major team sports: Cricket, Hockey, Rugby and Tennis for boys; Cricket, Hockey, Netball and Tennis for girls. They will normally have played at representative level in at least one of these. Other sports will be considered on a discretionary basis and may be used to strengthen an application. Candidates should submit: A full sporting CV, which will include teams and squads in which they have played and which states clearly whether they have reached County, Regional or National level Supporting references from appropriately qualified coaches Any relevant media evidence Procedure for Sport Candidates are invited to: Engage in a series of general physical tests, which will assess such areas as speed, agility, co-ordination and muscular endurance Take part in assessments in their chosen sports Have interviews with the Headmaster and Director of Sport about the candidate s experience and knowledge of, and interest in sport Mary Skill Awards Mary Skill Awards can be awarded in a wide range of disciplines; although the candidate may not have reached standard, these awards recognise and value a student s commitment and enthusiasm. For Year 7 entry, candidates can apply separately. For Years 9 and 12 entry, candidates who choose to take the assessment may be awarded a or a Mary Skill Award. These awards may also be used to celebrate good performances in the entrance assessment (around an average score of 65%) or to recognise a candidate s involvement in a number of areas or excellence in a single activity.
Notes and Conditions 1. Both UK and international students are eligible to apply for s. 2. Candidates may be entered for one or more of the following s: Music (Year 7); Art or Design Technology and Engineering, Drama, Music and Sport, but not both Art and Design, Technology and Engineering (Years 9 and 12 entry). Academic entry is by invitation of the Head. 3. Owing to the expectations of scholars, s may not normally be held in both Music and Drama from Year 9 upwards. A Year 7 student may be awarded a Performing Arts Award, recognising ability in both Music and Drama, and can audition in both for the Senior School. 4. Students who are awarded a from Year 9 upwards are expected, under normal circumstances, to continue at Felsted School and to take 'A' Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Parents of Scholars who leave Felsted prior to taking 'A' Levels or the International Baccalaureate may, at the Governors' discretion, be asked to repay the financial benefit of the award. 5. Academic Scholars are not only expected to produce outstanding work but also to set standards and provide academic and co-curricular leadership for their contemporaries in the School. An annual review is held and all awards are renewable subject to satisfactory levels of commitment, behaviour and attainment. 6. It is expected that all Academic Scholars will be capable, if they so wish, of proceeding to Oxford, Cambridge, or a top UK or overseas university, after their time at Felsted. To this end, it is expected that all Scholars will participate fully in academic and other enrichment programmes, as required. 7. Should the parents of a successful candidate decide that they do not need the financial benefit of the ; the School would be very pleased if they were to waive the right to such benefit. The successful candidate would retain the honour and status of a Scholar, but the money could be saved to benefit those whose need is greater. Any such parents should speak to the Bursar as soon as possible. 8. The entry form must be returned by the due date. A reference from the candidate s current school will be requested at this time. 9. Parents of successful candidates must complete the Final Confirmation of Entry Form for admission to the School, along with the appropriate confirmation deposit. The student must also have registered for entry to the School before taking the assessment. 10. From Year 9, a student can aggregate an Academic Entrance with Art, Design Technology and Engineering, Drama, Music or Sport s up to a maximum of 20% total fee remission. Candidates gaining more than one will be known as a Scholar in each category. 11. External candidates who are awarded a must enter the School at the start of the next academic year. 12. Decisions on all awards are made by the Headmaster in consultation with academic and admissions staff and based on departmental criteria. Revised April