CREATIVE ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
Creative Arts Scholarships and Awards Downe House has vibrant Art, Textiles and 3D Design departments, which form the Creative Arts Faculty and our Award Holders play an important role in the life of the School. Types of Award We offer two types of Award. Full Scholarships are given to pupils who are exceptional in their ability and attitude, while Exhibitions are offered to pupils who have impressed us with their creativity and who we feel show potential. When applying, please state whether the candidate has a particular creative specialism (such as textiles, ceramics or design technology). Value of Awards The position of Creative Arts Award Holder is an honour and privilege, allowing the recipient to play a prominent role in the life of the faculty and take on leadership opportunities. Award Holders benefit from regular mentoring and have access to enrichment and super-curricular opportunities, such as gallery visits, workshops and masterclasses to stretch and challenge them, helping them to develop skills and awareness of the wider creative world. Eligibility and Procedures Creative Arts Scholarships are awarded at 11+, 12+, 13+ and 16+. Awards are made on the results of a portfolio and a practical test held at Downe House in February each year. Junior candidates must be under 14 on 1 September following the practical test and portfolio review. All candidates for Creative Arts Awards should present a portfolio of ten pieces of work, which should include a sketchbook and other examples of work in any or a mixture of the creative disciplines (art, textiles and 3D design). During their visit to the School in February, the candidates will be required to discuss their portfolio and sit a practical skills test lasting 80 minutes.
Teachers are asked to write reports on their candidate’s dedication, communication skills and creative ability and potential, which will be given careful consideration. There is no examination fee, but girls who are not already entered for the School will be required to register before sitting for an Award and it is likely they will already be holding a conditional or unconditional place. Duties of an Award Holder A Creative Arts Award Holder is required to: • Attend a mentored weekly Club to extend her skill base. • Take part in School and other creative competitions. • Undertake occasional Art, Textiles or Design briefs at the discretion of the Head of Department. • Assist younger pupils with their creative work. • Contribute to the School magazine. In addition, Award Holders are required to take Art, Textiles or 3D Design at GCSE level and to make a significant contribution to the faculty if they opt for A Level (and have been granted an extension to their Award) in the Sixth Form in order to retain their Scholarship/Exhibition. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is the process for gaining a Creative Arts Award? Pupils have to submit a varied portfolio and undertake a practical skills test. All applicants are interviewed by the Head of Faculty and one other member of the team with their portfolios. Successful candidates have to demonstrate an outstanding creative ability, a sincere interest in their field, plus passion and commitment. For candidates who are not successful in gaining an Award upon entry, we do occasionally offer internal awards which are teacher-led. If a pupil demonstrates outstanding ability, commitment,
and a high level of interest, she could be advised by her teacher to attend one of our weekly creative clubs to develop a portfolio and might then be recommended to the Headmistress for consideration for an Award. What is the standard expected at Scholarship level? We look for an exceptional ability to manipulate materials in the portfolio of work, an original, imaginative and personal approach, and engagement with the creative world that extends beyond teacher-led activities.
interested in and gallery/museum visits that you have made. What is expected of a Creative Arts Award Holder? Award Holders are invited to attend an Award Holders’ Club for one hour every week. During the Club a creative specialist will individually mentor pupils. They are encouraged to develop their ideas and skills by experimenting with new ideas and techniques. They are also encouraged to enter competitions.
What should I include in my Portfolio? Choose your portfolio pieces carefully; give serious thought and consideration to why you are including each example of your work and include a variety of pieces to demonstrate your versatility.
Annual study trips and workshops are organised specifically for our Award Holders.
Edit your portfolio carefully. Ten pieces should be enough to show off your skills and make an impression. Please include observational studies, pieces in a range of media and at least one sketchbook. We would only like to see work undertaken in the last two years.
Scholarships and Exhibitions are valid in the first instance up to the end of GCSEs, providing the Award Holder maintains a suitable standard of endeavour and conduct. Awards are reassessed at this stage to allow other talented students to be given Awards for entry to the Sixth Form and to ensure that the Creative Arts still play a central part in the life of an Award Holder.
You are not required to mount your work, but this can add a polished feel to your portfolio, especially if you are including photographs. Mount work on neutral toned backgrounds as bright colours can overpower your pieces. How long is the practical test and what will the subject matter be? The duration of the test is 80 minutes and candidates will create a study from direct observation (usually a still life). If the candidate has a subject specialism in Textiles or 3D Design, the task will be tailored to suit them, and we ask to be informed of this specialism in advance if applicable. What does the interview entail? You will have a short interview with the Head of Faculty and one other member of the creative team when you will be required to discuss your work and interests. We are looking for genuine interest, skill, passion and enthusiasm for the subject. Prepare to present your work and ensure that you are able to talk fluently about what you have included in your portfolio. You may also be asked to talk about artists and designers that you are
Award Holders will be expected to take Art, Textiles or 3D Design at GCSE level.
Decisions about Scholarships and Exhibitions The final decision about all matters relating to Scholarships and Exhibitions lies with the Headmistress. How to apply If your daughter is registered and has received a conditional offer to join Downe House, the Registry will automatically write to you in November/ December of the year prior to entry with details of how to apply for Awards. Further details about these Awards are available from the Director of Creative Arts, Mrs Kirsten Mortimer (mortimerk@downehouse.net). For general enquires about Scholarships and Exhibitions please contact Miss Angela Nutt, Registrar - email nutta@downehouse.net or call +44(0)1635 204701.
Cold Ash, Thatcham, Berkshire RG18 9JJ T: 01635 200286 www.downehouse.net
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