16+ Scholarships
INTRODUCTION
Philosophy
The RGS embraces a philosophy of scholarship for all and firmly believes that, as a highlyselective school, all our students have considerable potential. The award of scholarships, however, allows us to celebrate those who have demonstrated particular talent and aptitude. As an RGS scholar there is expectation that the students will lead by example, will take the initiative to lead, support and inspire others, and will stretch and challenge themselves thereby becoming ambassadors for the RGS in their particular discipline. Scholars are expected to make a significant contribution to the academic, sporting or creative life of the School throughout their time at the RGS.
Timings
The deadline for applying for academic, art, drama, music and sport scholarships is Monday 4 November 2024. Scholarship interviews will take place in the week commencing 25 November 2024; further information about the Sixth Form scholarship interviews are provided in the relevant sections.
Results
Following the Scholarship assessments, the decisions are sent out with the offers in early December.
Both honorary and financial scholarships are awarded by the School. Typically, financial scholarships are worth 10% (fee remission).
All scholarships will be reviewed annually by the Headmaster and/or the relevant Director or Head of Department; only in exceptional circumstances would a scholarship not be automatically renewed.
Parents can nominate their son for an academic scholarship and just one additional nomination from art, drama, music or sport.
16+ ACADEMIC
Expectations
In the Sixth Form academic scholars are expected to make a significant and sustained contribution to the academic life of the School. They are expected to take on leadership roles; this could be running academic clubs and societies or taking a leading role in the Scholars’ Council or delivering talks to other students.
Requirements
Candidates should be predicted predominantly Grade 8 and 9s in their GCSE predictions. They should have a thirst for knowledge and encapsulate the RGS School Value of Scholarship: intellectual curiosity, independence creativity, innovation and habits of learning.
Assessment
Assessment will take the form of an academic interview with the relevant Head of Department and a member of the Senior Management Team. The interview will comprise a short (two to three minute) pre-prepared presentation on a topic related to one of their proposed A Level choices, followed by a viva-style discussion. The scholarship will be dependent upon the student achieving a strong performance in his GCSE exams in the summer.
Benefits
RGS scholars will have full access to the range of opportunities afforded to inspire new passions and to stretch individuals academically. Visiting speakers, clubs and societies, trips and conferences, county and national competitions will all provide a wealth of opportunities in the broadest range of subject areas. Scholars will also sign the historic Scholars’ Register as they join a longstanding tradition of inspiring, dynamic and passionate learners.
16+ ART
Expectations
Art scholars are expected to make a significant and sustained contribution to art activities in school. They will be proactive and energetic leaders when in curriculum lessons and actively embrace opportunities to participate in cocurricular clubs and opportunities.
Facilities
The Art School is a purpose-built facility with consideration to north-facing light and high windows to maximise the ability to display students work. It comprises two junior studios, two studios specific to Fifth and Sixth Form artists, an ICT suite, an Art library, and a ceramics studio. Students enjoy making a great variety of both 2D and 3D work, as well as etchings and lino prints on the presses. The Art School has a gallery space which hosts the annual Summer Art Exhibition, an event that shows a cross section of work fromYear 7-9, Years 10-11 and Sixth Form. Competitions, clubs and societies, visiting artists and illustrators, as well as visits and trips are established parts of the departmental philosophy.
Requirements
Students must be currently studying GCSE Art or equivalent. Candidates will have a portfolio of a range of work predominantly produced in Years 10 and 11, including drawing, as well as other media. Candidates should have a passion for art – in its various forms and media – and the expectation is that they will opt for Art at A Level.
Assessment
Candidates will be interviewed by the Head of Art and will present and discuss a portfolio of their work. There will be timed practical assessment at the RGS which will include drawing from observation.
Benefits
There will be opportunities for a number of exciting co-curricular art trips and participation in art workshops run by external specialists. The School encourages scholars to undertake their own initiatives, especially at Sixth Form level, and will provide appropriate support for scholars undertaking independent projects. The School offers comprehensive advice and guidance to those wishing to go on pursue Art or Art-related courses beyond the RGS.
16+ DRAMA
Expectations
In the Sixth Form, drama scholars are expected to make a significant and sustained contribution to drama activities in school. They are expected to take on leadership roles within the context of drama; this might be to take on significant roles in productions, direct a small-scale production, run a drama club for younger students, or write and produce a play.
Facilities
The Hansford Room is a purpose-built Drama Studio which is used for teaching and for smallscale and exam performances; it has a small lighting rig and integrated sound system. The main performance space for large shows is the Auditorium which is fully equipped with professional-standard sound and lighting systems. The Department has a props and costume store; however, for whole-school productions the necessary set and costumes are professionally hired.
Requirements
Candidates should have a proven track record of involvement in significant drama activities ideally both inside and outside their school environment. This may be being part of an external drama club, amateur theatre company or attending weekend theatre school lessons as well as performing in productions. A short reference should be provided in support of an application for a drama scholarship. Students should have a passion for drama and the expectation is that students will opt for Drama at A Level.
Assessment
Candidates will have an audition and workshop, as well as an interview with the Head of Drama.
Benefits
There will be opportunities for a number of exciting co-curricular theatre trips and participation in drama workshops run by external specialists. The School encourages scholars to undertake their own initiatives, especially at Sixth Form level, and will provide appropriate support for scholars undertaking independent projects. The School offers comprehensive advice and guidance to those wishing to go on pursue Drama beyond the RGS.
16+ MUSIC
Expectations
Music Scholarship appointments will be made on the basis of current playing ability as well as potential and likely contribution to the life of the Music Department. Music Scholars are expected to participate fully in the musical life of the School. They should be members of all ensembles appropriate to their instrumental speciality. They are expected to take a lead in all musical activities and they should set a good example in participation, punctuality and general conduct. Music Scholars will give concerts, participate in masterclasses, competitions and workshops. Whilst not a condition of an award, it is hoped that Music Scholars will want to take Music as an academic subject at A Level.
Facilities
The Music Department is situated right in the heart of the RGS and is based in the historic Old Building. In 2013, the Department was extended to include a fantastic Recital Room and rehearsal space, two well-equipped Lower School teaching rooms (each fitted out with keyboards for practical work), a GCSE and A Level Composition Room and a Recording Studio. Additionally, there are separate practice rooms for individual music lessons which are also available for the students to use for practice throughout the school day.
Requirements
Candidates should be at Grade 8 standard on their principal instrument, although the examination may not have been taken, and their playing should be of Distinction quality. If the piano is the principal instrument, candidates should have reached a good standard on an orchestral instrument or be a good singer. Singing may be offered in addition, or as an instrumental study in its own right.
Assessment
During the audition each candidate will be required to perform two contrasting pieces on their main instrument and one piece on a second and third instrument if applicable. There are also sight-reading and aural tests, at about Grade 6 standard, and an interview. Original compositions are of interest, but not essential. An accompanist will be provided.
Benefits
On occasion, the School may award Honorary Scholarships without fee remission but with free tuition on one instrument up to the termly value of the amount charged by our visiting teachers. Usually, this tuition will be given by one of the Department’s visiting music staff. The School encourages scholars to undertake their own initiatives, especially as they progress through the School, and will provide appropriate support for scholars undertaking independent projects. The School offers comprehensive advice and guidance to those wishing to go on pursue Music beyond the RGS.
16+ SPORT
Expectations
Sports Scholars should aspire to be true ambassadors of sporting excellence at the RGS. They will be required to participate fully in the sporting life of the School, and are expected to set an example by their standards of commitment to training and school sport. In addition to this, scholars are required to participate in school sporting fixtures as required (including during examination periods), and assist with some coaching of younger teams.
Facilities
The School has outstanding facilities. On site, the Sports Hall houses four badminton courts, a basketball court, five cricket nets and an indoor tennis court. The Athletic Performance Suite has been recently refurbished with the installation of top-of-therange, professional level equipment including: four weight racks and Olympic lift free weights, injury rehabilitation and posterior chain machines, and a variety of cardiovascular equipment. The newly laid tiger turf All-Weather Training Area houses a mini hockey pitch, four tennis courts, outdoor cricket nets and a shooting range underneath.
The hidden gem is the extensive, twenty-acre Bradstone Brook Sports Ground which is situated ten minutes from the School in the village of Chilworth. The pavilion is equipped with ten changing rooms on the ground floor with a large dining area, offices and a staff room above. The grounds themselves house six exquisite rugby pitches, three picturesque cricket squares, two pristine football pitches, three newly-laid tennis courts and six all-weather cricket nets. The RGS also uses two high-quality astro pitches at Guildford Hockey Club, as well as Surrey Sports Park for both hockey and football provision and the Guildford Spectrum athletics track.
Requirements
The RGS competes on a nationally renowned sporting circuit, particularly in its major sports, and therefore has exceptionally high sporting standards in its top teams. Scholarship candidates should demonstrate that they are currently playing (or have the potential to play) at a minimum of county level or equivalent in one the School’s major team sports of rugby, hockey or cricket. Outstanding playing skills in at least one of the other major sports will be advantageous. Candidates should also be able to demonstrate that they have a strong level of fitness and the qualities of coachability, leadership, teamwork and communication.
Assessment
After reviewing the applications of prospective scholars, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an assessment day consisting of activities to ascertain each candidate’s level of fitness, their capacity to integrate, and their psychological attributes. Candidates will also take part in a specialised sporting assessment to evaluate their performance and skill level in their chosen sport(s). As part of the day, shortlisted candidates will also have an informal interview with the Director of Sport to explore their views and ambitions pertaining to sport.
Benefits
Sports Scholars benefit from: outstanding specialist sports coaching; first-rate facilities both on the school site and at Bradstone Brook; extensive strength and conditioning provision, overseen by a specialist Head of Athletic Performance who has many years of experience of professional sport at the highest level; regular competitive opportunities on an outstanding schoolboy circuit; opportunities to attend international tours and sport specific co-curricular trips; specialist sports science workshops; an individual staff mentor in the PE Department; the opportunity to ‘fly the flag’ for sport in the School, serving as a role model to others.
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