Sixth Form Scholarships

Surbiton High School offers the following Sixth Form Scholarships and Awards – Academic, Art, Drama, Music and Sport.  These are awarded irrespective of family income.  The Scholarship assessments will take place on Saturday 7 November 2009. Please indicate which Scholarship you are seeking on the Scholarship Registration Form. 

Academic Scholarships (up to 50% of fees) and Awards (up to 25% of fees)

 The Academic Scholarships and Awards are awarded for all round academic excellence and are not subject specific. Candidates will be required to undertake the following papers: 

The Reasoning Paper
This paper is not subject specific. It is 45 minutes in length and includes tests of logic and verbal and non-verbal reasoning.   

The Subject Paper
The subject paper is 1 hr 30 minutes in length.  Candidates nominate one of their proposed A-level subjects for this examination, which is designed to test subject knowledge and aptitude, and the ability to apply this knowledge.   

The General Essay Paper
This paper is 45 minutes in length. If you normally use a laptop computer or have extra time for examinations please submit a written request.External Candidates should submit a copy of their Educational Psychologist’s report recommending special consideration.  

Art, Drama, Music and Sport Scholarships (up to 50 % of the fees)

 It would be expected that the successful candidates for these Scholarships will take the A-level course appropriate to her discipline, and play a prominent, supportive and active role in the life of the department.  An external assessor may be on the selection panel. 

Art
In order to be considered for the Art Scholarship applicants should submit a portfolio of their work to the Art Department before the scholarship examination.  The portfolio should contain drawings, paintings, sketch books and any other relevant art work.  The Art assessment will consist of a practical examination in drawing lasting 1 hr 30 minutes, and an interview.  All materials will be provided. If you prefer, however you are welcome to bring your own drawing materials.  

Drama
In order to be considered for the Drama Scholarship, applicants are required to sit a 45 minute written paper and perform a short audition piece. There will be a choice of two questions on the written paper, one related to plays studied and one related to live theatre. Neither question will refer to a specific play/production but will assume that candidates will have read and/or seen several plays over the course of the last two years. The audition piece should be approximately 50-100 lines in length and may include physical theatre/dance-drama as well as the spoken word. The extract MUST be from a published play. There will be a follow-up discussion where the candidate will be invited to talk about the creative process behind the performance. They will also be asked to demonstrate proven commitment to Drama and their broader interest in the subject. Please note that it is not essential to have completed GCSE Drama to apply for the scholarship and that we welcome applications from students with technical/design skills.  

Music
In order to be considered for a Music Scholarship, candidates should have reached the equivalent of Grade 7 standard on their principal instrument.  At the audition candidates are expected to present two contrasting pieces on their first instrument and, if applicable, one piece on their second instrument.  Each piece should last no longer than 5 minutes.  Unfortunately an accompanist cannot be provided by the school, but candidates may bring their own accompanist if they wish.  At interview candidates will be asked to sight read, to take some aural tests and to discuss their musical activities, interests and achievements.   

Sport
In order to be considered for a Sports Scholarship, candidates should demonstrate a level of competence equivalent to county level and above in their chosen sport.  On the day, candidates will be asked to bring their portfolio as evidence of their level of achievement and be prepared to leave it with us for 3 to 4 days.  You will be asked to participate in a fitness testing programme where your levels of fitness will be measured and calculated against the national norm for your age.  There will be time set aside for a structured and thorough warm up before the fitness tests.  There will also be an interview where you will be expected to discuss sporting issues and current sporting events.