Scholarships DRAFT
SIENA SCHOLARSHIPS
At St Catherine’s we are very proud of the way our girls approach their lessons with curiosity and enthusiasm. They are girls who like to learn; they engage whole-heartedly, ask questions and work collaboratively. The girls also embody the values of the School in their conduct and care of others, and in their involvement in Sport, Drama, Music, and other co-curricular activities, both within the School and in the community.
With the girls’ high standards and personal qualities in mind, each year all-rounder scholarships are offered for deserving pupils in Prep (Years 3-6) and Senior School (Years 10-13). These scholarships acknowledge the School’s namesake, St Catherine of Siena, whose passion for learning, personal resilience, and great faith, continues to inspire young people who also seek to achieve highly, to become leaders, and to serve with compassion.
Pupils currently in Year 2 may apply for the Prep scholarship to run over Years 3 to 6. We will be pleased to accept applications from current pupils and from new pupils seeking to enter Year 3 in September 2023.
Pupils currently in Year 9 may apply for the Senior scholarship to run over Years 10 to 13.
Please contact admissions@stcatherineschool.co.uk if you would like more information.
Year 7 Scholarships
St Catherine’s offers scholarships in the following categories:
- Academic
- Art
- Drama
- Music
- Sport
Academic scholarships are awarded according to the applicant’s results in the Entrance Examination, and overall academic strengths.
Art scholarship candidates need to show evidence of a high level of skill in a variety of materials. Examples of these should be shown in work that demonstrates considerable involvement in its preparation. A reference is also required from the candidate’s current art teacher.
Subject to the above criteria, candidates are invited to attend an interview on the Art Scholarship Day, during which time they will also be asked to produce a piece of artwork.
Drama scholarship candidate should have shown some interest in and participated in drama productions/activities either in school or outside. They should list any productions/activities in which they have participated and indicate the nature of the participation. A reference is also required from the candidate’s current drama teacher.
Subject to the above criteria, candidates are invited to attend an interview during the Drama Scholarship Day. At that time they will be required to do the following:
- group work – group improvisation prepared on a topic to be given at audition.
Music scholarship candidates must be at least Grade 4 standard on one or more instruments at the time of application. A reference is also required from the candidate’s current instrumental/vocal teacher.
Subject to the above criteria, candidates are invited to attend an interview on the Music Scholarship Day. They will be expected to perform on one or more instrument during their interview.
Sports scholarship candidates must represent a Club, Region, County or Country or have recognised ranking in their chosen sport. It is expected that sports scholars will represent the school in their sport throughout their time at St. Catherine’s or be deemed to be an exceptional performer by current school staff.
In order to consider an application we request that the following information be submitted: the sport and level played; a letter detailing sporting achievements and training programme; a report from the candidate’s coach and teacher.
Subject to the above criteria, candidates are invited to attend a Sports Scholarship Performance Session, where standards across a range of sports (including swimming) will be assessed along with fitness levels.
Sixth Form Scholarships
St Catherine’s offers Sixth Form scholarships in the following categories:
- Academic
- Art
- Drama
- Music
- Sport
Academic scholarships are awarded according to the applicant’s results in three academic written papers (which normally relate to her A level choices).
Art scholarship applicants must possess true talent, a unique style and the ability to express a passion for their medium of choice. Applicants should bring in a portfolio that should include sketchbooks and final outcomes. The portfolio is expected to be tailored to the particular field of study the award is based on. For example, a fine art scholarship would require artwork created using traditional mediums like acrylic, oil or watercolour, while a photographic scholarship would require photography work. Portfolio scholarships are awarded based on the strength, quality, and potential of the applicant’s artwork portfolio.
Drama scholarship applicants should ideally be taking GCSE Drama. The exception would be if the applicant has demonstrated a keen interest in performing/directing/design skills through productions in or outside of school. It is expected that all applicants will be involved with extra-curricular Drama (eg school productions/Drama Club).
If the candidate is taking Drama lessons outside of school, a reference from her teacher to support her application would be required. LAMDA students may provide evidence of their current grade or level. Those applying for a Drama scholarship will be required to take an audition and interview with the Head of Drama. At the audition, it is expected that students will have chosen a monologue which best showcases their performance skills. The monologue should be learned off by heart and a copy provided to the Head of Drama.
Music scholarship applicants should be of at least Grade 7 standard in at least one instrument. Applicants should bring original certificates of their latest exams, including Grade 5 theory. Those applying for a Music scholarship will have an audition to which they should bring 2 pieces of music of contrasting styles.
Sports scholarship applicants should be performing at county or regional standard in at least one sport and submit written evidence to support their performance. A PE Theory paper will be sat as part of the assessment.
Deadline for Sixth Form scholarship applications is the first Monday in November of Year 11. All exams and assessments are held in the final week of November in Year 11. Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their applications by the end of the Autumn term.
Please contact admissions@stcatherineschool.co.uk if you would like more information.
