Scholarship at Freemen’s

LEARN, LEAD AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Scholarship at Freemen’s

6 Attributes of Scholars

Scholarship Aims in Action

1854 Scholars

How to Apply

Being an 1854 Scholar

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Scholarship at Freemen’s “To be a scholar involves more than mere learning…

A genuine scholar possesses something more… their mind is transfused and moulded by their energy and spirit.”

Emmanuel Vogel Gerhart (1847) At Freemen’s we believe in all our pupils’ scholarly potential; all teachers want each pupil to learn, lead and make a difference to the best of his or her ability.

FREEMEN’S 6 ATTRIBUTES OF SCHOLARLY LEARNERS Service and contribution are recognised as the finest qualities possessed by a true scholar. Making meaningful contributions to the whole community, whilst promoting learning for self and for all, is part of scholarship at Freemen’s. Our scholarly pupils engage deeply in subjects they are passionate about and work to make a difference, and a positive change in the learning of others. There are six attributes that underpin the scholarly learners at Freemen’s:

Inquisitive – scholarly learners demonstrate they are intellectually curious and hunger for opportunities for thinking, learning and developing their minds. They seek intellectual discourse, growth and opportunities for learning.

Passionate – scholarly thinkers are interested, enthusiastic and passionate about learning. Being involved, connected and empathetic are vital qualities of a scholarly learner. Every one learner has an impact on the work they do.

Persistent – scholarly learners should resoluteness in seeking deep explanations, understanding and knowledge. Even when being faced with repeated diversions and unexpected halts on the learning journey, scholarly thinkers are persistent in working towards their goals.

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Scholarship at Freemen’s Creative – scholarly thinkers make novel connections, share insights and provide innovative solutions to problems. They are not afraid to take unconventional routes to ensure achievement. Scholarly learners are happy to learn from failure and to apply learnt skills and knowledge to fresh challenges.

Integrity – scholarly learners thrive thanks to their integrity. They are honest with strong moral principles; there is the consistent aim of learning and developing as thinkers and a member of the Freemen’s academic community.

Courage – scholarly thinkers show strength, resilience and determination in face of academic challenges; failure is an accepted part of the learning process. They are prepared to take risks, especially in situations they find daunting.

SCHOLARSHIP AIMS IN ACTION AT FREEMEN’S At Freemen’s we actively engage students in a learning environment that champions actionable scholarship.

All pupils are encouraged to arrive at school ready to learn at the highest level. We give all pupils the opportunity to be free thinkers and to:

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Flourish through scholarly learning habits that provide relevant opportunities for all of our learners to expand their intellectual horizons.

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Realise their academic knowledge and potential while promoting independence and wisdom in all our learners.

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Explore opportunities for academic extension beyond the curriculum that develops creativity and harnesses confidence and curiosity in all our learners.

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Extend their young minds toward achieve attainable dreams and success within and beyond the curriculum.

@HELLOFREEMENS

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1854 Scholars Freemen’s Scholarships are awarded in recognition of excellence, achievement and potential in academic study. After a successful application, Scholars are welcomed to become an 1854 Scholar; the 1854 Scholars are expected to be the leading lights of the Freemen’s pupil body, modelling and maintaining academic excellence whilst taking a lead in the School’s aim for all pupils to make a difference.

The 1854 Scholars are provided opportunities for extension beyond the curriculum in a range of differing areas. It is recognised that every 1854 Scholar brings a unique skill set to Scholarship at Freemen’s, and it is our aim to allow each individual to achieve his or her full potential.

EXPANDING ACADEMIC HORIZONS Every year the Scholarship programme will offer at least one trip, visit, experience or masterclass to every scholar. At times there will be opportunities for additional experiences during the year.

After visiting a place, or attending a workshop, 1854 Scholars are asked to feedback in some way to the whole school community. It might be that a small group lead an assembly or a talk at an academic society. Scholars might like to write a reflective piece for Perspectives, the Freemen’s Scholarship journal. It might be that the experience leads directly into the curriculum on examination syllabuses, and so the 1854 Scholars can feedback to their classes and peers.

The selection of trips and experiences is designed to expand the thoughts and ideas of the Scholars; there is purposefully a range of different activities booked each year, to enable as wide and varied an experience during a single 1854 Scholar’s career at Freemen’s.

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1854 LECTURES The 1854 Scholars deliver monthly lunch time lectures to the student body. Each term lectures discuss STEM, Humanities or Arts topics, and represent the independent thinking and research of the 1854 Scholars.

After delivering the lunch time lecture, the 1854 Scholars go on to participate in a termly lecture evening, developing their lecture into one suitable for an wider, adult, audience. Staff members are also invited to present lectures alongside, and share the stage with, the 1854 Scholars.

1854 SCHOLARS’ PARLIAMENT When 1854 Scholars reach the Lower 6 they are invited to apply to be a member of the 1854 Scholars’ Parliament. This is a small cohort who embody the values of Freemen’s Scholarship and take on scholarly leadership roles. For example, they assist with the planning and delivery of events for younger 1854 Scholars, they act as hosts for Freemen’s Scholarship events or they lead the

1854 Scholars editorial team for Perspectives, the annual scholarship journal.

Members of this group meet weekly with the Head of Scholarship to discuss, plan and develop scholarship at Freemen’s.

ACADEMIC SPECIALISMS Annually, 1854 Scholars complete an academic task from a department of their choice. All departments offer extended tasks at three levels: Bronze (Upper 3 – Lower 4), Silver (Upper 4 – Upper 5) and Gold (Lower 6 – Upper 6).

1854 Scholars do not have to study a subject in order to take the task. They are encouraged to broaden their curriculum offering by selecting a task that is additional to their current curriculum.

At Bronze and Silver level, 1854 Scholars have the opportunity of completing tasks from subject areas that are not normally on offer until pupils reach the Sixth Form, providing them with an insight to subjects they might like to study in the future.

LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE Scholarships are awarded to individuals with exceptional skills and talents, and 1854 Scholars are encouraged to be involved in leadership and service activities throughout their Freemen’s careers. 1854 Scholars are expected to take a visible role in school events, such as Open Mornings, tours for prospective parents, or assisting with front of house at shows and concerts.

There are opportunities for leading assemblies at all ages, mentoring other pupils – both academically and pastorally, or running co-curricular and academic societies. During the academic year a small group of Scholars will take on the responsibility of putting together the annual #LOVEFREEMENS

Freemen’s Scholarship Journal, Perspectives.

Furthermore, every pupil at Freemen’s is a member of a House (Gresham, Hale or Whittington); the Heads of Houses are eager to involve the Scholars in leadership and service opportunities that arise during the academic year.

Scholars are also encouraged to come and discuss their own ideas about leadership and service roles they would like to take on, so that they are using their skills to the best of their abilities.

HEADMASTERS’ SYMPOSIA Over the course of the year all Scholars are invited to attend symposia with Mr Martin and Mr Robinson.

The Senior members of the 1854 Society will attend two evening symposia a year with Mr Martin. These are a chance for discussion, debate and exploration of philosophical, scientific, creative, moral, or social topics.

The Junior 1854 Scholars will attend a lunch time symposium once a term with Mr Robinson.

They are given intellectual and creative topics or questions to prepare and ponder in advance, and then over lunch lively debates and discussions ensue.

HOW TO APPLY At 11+, 13+ and 16+ candidates can apply to sit an examination paper which explores skills such as mathematical and logistical thinking, critical thinking, linguistic skills and expression of original ideas.

If successful on the paper, they are invited to an interview with the Headmaster and the Head of Scholarship.

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Being an 1854 Scholar “You receive many opportunities as a Scholar, one of the most beneficial being the extra training and opportunity to develop key skills such as leadership, team work and public speaking.”

Lower 6, 1854 Scholar

“Being a Scholar has been a fantastic opportunity to develop my creativity, enabling me to continue this skill outside of my mostly scientific A Level subjects.”

Lower 6, 1854 Scholar

“I think that a Scholar is organised, passionate and is not afraid to share their views.”

Lower 6, 1854 Scholar “Being a scholar has given me the opportunity to realise my potential and has encouraged me to develop my research, critical thinking and creative skills.”

Lower 4, 1854 Scholar

“A scholar is someone prepared to show full commitment, enthusiasm and perseverance to their future education as well as being academically / musically able. They must also show critical thinking skills and learn, lead, whilst making a difference.”

Lower 4, 1854 Scholar

“The Scholarship Programme provides Scholars with the tools needed in later life, as not only does it involve academic and philosophical activities but also skills such as leadership and communication which are invaluable in the school and working environment.”

Lower 6, 1854 Scholar

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“I really enjoy how we are encouraged to interact and work with pupils from all age groups across the school in projects and activities - it makes you feel a greater part of school life.”

Lower 6, 1854 Scholar