16+ Scholarships

Art Scholarships – 10% of fees

The Art department at Habs Boys provides students with the opportunity to work in a vast range of media including but not limited to oil painting, screen printing, ceramics, etching and photography. Students also have access to the Adobe Creative Cloud and often experiment with and create digital work in Photoshop and Illustrator. From Year 9 pupils can specialise in either Fine Art or Graphic Communication which allows them to develop significant expertise in their chosen field. All Art and Design students benefit from our small class sizes and at GCSE level and A Level, we mainly work one-to-one with our pupils forming a partnership of creativity aiding students in advancing their style and approach. 

Work from all year groups is exhibited in a bespoke exhibition space created within the Bourne Foyer, a prominent location in the School. Each year, selected pieces are also put on permanent display around the School and grounds as well as a small number of works being shown in the Haberdashers’ Hall. The bi-annual House Art Competition attracts participants from Year 7 to Year 11 and sees pupils completing high standards of observational drawing with commitment, focus and pride. We also run our very own “Turner Prize” and enter the Royal Academy’s annual Young Artists Summer Exhibition. We aim to embed Art and Design within the School community with pupils and staff all participating in activities and events such as the Big Draw, mural painting, and sketchbook circles.

The overall experience, in Art and Design, is strengthened and extended through our lively programme of cocurricular activities where pupils can enhance their learning through clubs and mastery classes. Life drawing, with professional life models, is a popular and challenging choice for Year 10 to Upper Sixth who also enjoy our open studio time when they can work on their own projects in an informal setting. We are very fortunate to be able to provide one day artist-led workshops for our most promising pupils as well as Year 9 students and exam classes. In these workshops, pupils gain insight and inspiration through working alongside artists, creating impressive additional pieces for their portfolios. At Sixth Form, as well as A Level Art & Design, pupils can opt to take short courses, for example Landscape Painting and can compete for a place in the national competition ARTiculation. 
 

What are we looking for in an Art Scholar?

To qualify for an Art Scholarship candidates must demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for Art and have developed drawing ability and creativity in their manipulation of a variety of media, ideas and approaches. Successful candidates will be expected to show not only a high level of technical skill, but, more importantly, imagination, originality and a palpable commitment to the subject. 

Candidates should be able to demonstrate: 

• exceptional control over more than one material creating art/design work which demonstrates complexity and sensitivity beyond the level expected for your year group
• self-direction and further engagement with the subject matter both in and outside of the classroom
• the ability to analyse artwork and communicate ideas to an outstanding level.

How to apply

Stage 1

Prior to interview, 16+ candidates will be asked to submit their GCSE Art & Design, or equivalent portfolio, in a simply presented digitalised format e.g., a power point, to the Art department for review. We will be looking at the candidate’s potential rather than expecting highly finished work and welcome “work in progress” as part of the submission.

Portfolios should be submitted by email to admissions@habsboys.org.uk by Friday 18 November at the very latest. 

The portfolio should include current (completed within the last two years) examples of the candidate’s independent:

• observational drawing
• use of colour media
• ideas and compositions
• written analysis of art or design work/s which inspire the candidate’s own work
• brief annotations explaining each piece or collection of pieces.

Applicants should consider the following guidance before photographing their work:

• take photos straight on and not at an angle
• ensure the photo and video is in focus so that all the work can be seen in the image
• use a ruler or pencil for larger pieces of work to show the scale
• have a plain background behind the work.

Stage 2 

During the interview, candidates will have the opportunity to talk about their work and will be asked questions about it. They should attend with their physical portfolio although large scale pieces which are difficult to transport can be presented through photographs. In addition, candidates will undertake a short practical and written task in response to the work of an artist or designer.
 

Design and Technology Scholarships - 10% of fees

The Design and Technology Department at Habs Boys gives students the opportunity to work with a range of materials and tools in order to develop their creative thinking and understanding of the manufactured world.  Students are able to develop their ideas across all material strands, including woods, metals, plastics and modelling materials.  Students make creative use of a wide range of manufacturing processes including the latest Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing facilities.

The best work at A Level is entered into the Triumph Design Awards and the department is proud to have had numerous students reach the finals. 

The department is a hive of activity with students taking advantage of the numerous opportunities to develop individual creative thinking through competitions such as Formula One in Schools where students create their own racing team and develop their car, brand and advertising. We also offer our highly oversubscribed VEX Robotics club which engages students in developing creative solutions to a robotics-based challenge or the Greenpower electric racing car scheme which engages older pupils in the development of a single-seat car to compete in time trials against other schools.  Our organised clubs have a fantastic level of involvement but there is also ample opportunity for students to use the facilities and expertise in the department to pursue and develop personal projects and ideas.

What are we looking for in a Design and Technology Scholar?

To qualify for the Design and Technology Scholarship, candidates must demonstrate an enthusiasm for the design and creation of three dimensional, functional products. 

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate:

• a clear interest in the subject and have evidence of their pursuing designing and making activities beyond a school environment
• innovation -a clear ability to look beyond obvious solutions and solve design problems in unexpected ways
• an outstanding ability to work with materials and tools to realise solutions.  The scholar should be able to demonstrate their use of a broad range of manufacturing techniques including handcraft skills and machinery to manufacture products precisely.

 

How to apply

Stage 1

Candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio of selected pieces in a simply presented digitalised format e.g. a power point, to the Design and Technology department for review. We will be looking at the candidate’s potential rather than expecting highly finished work and welcome “work in progress” as part of the submission.

Portfolios should be emailed to admissions@habsboys.org.uk by Friday 18 November 2022 at the very latest.

The portfolio should demonstrate activities students have undertaken in their own time and might include:

• Products made from woods, metals, plastics or modelling materials
• Sketches and notes where students have developed their creative ideas to produce design work that demonstrates their creative flair
• written account of activities which demonstrate their wider interest in the way things work.

Applicants should consider the following guidance before photographing their work:

• Take photos straight on and not at an angle
• Ensure the photo and video is in focus so that all of the work can be seen in the image
• Use a ruler or pencil for larger pieces of work to show the scale
• Have a plain background behind the work.

Stage 2

During the interview candidates will be asked to talk through their previously submitted portfolio on a power point. Candidates will also be asked to respond to a design problem-based question to evaluate their problem-solving skills.

Drama Scholarships – 10% of fees

One of the most exciting and forward-thinking Drama departments in the country, overseen by highly experienced teachers alongside directors and associates working within the industry, we aim to redefine traditional school practice to make bold, high-quality and transformative theatre in line with the UK’s other leading Youth Theatre companies.

Across both academic and co-curricular Drama we train students as dynamic theatre makers with an emphasis on process - challenging pupils to be storytellers, to take risks and discover their own voice, to create innovative, authentic and socially conscious work.

Each year we produce an ambitious and wide-ranging programme of work from large scale productions to studio shows, writing projects and collaborations with external partners. Work includes new writing, devising original work, adaptations of books and graphic novels and reimagining classical texts. Students have opportunities to work alongside an incredible range of professional artists, including some of the country’s leading theatre makers, movement directors and writers. Alongside this there is an extensive range of additional creative projects, workshops, acting training, House Drama events, film-making and scriptwriting groups.

Students regularly achieve the highest possible marks for their examined devising and performance work and each year we have a high number of students successfully audition to become members of the National Youth Theatre.

What are we looking for in a Drama Scholar?

Drama Scholars are integral to setting the standards and also helping to define the direction of the work we produce both in school and outside.

Whilst it would be good to see some experience based on their interest in drama, it is not an advantage to have any professional experience. We are looking for pupils who demonstrate:

• good natural instincts as a performer
• the ability to listen, to affect the other person and be in the moment
• great energy, presence and playfulness
• openness to take risks and test themselves
• collaboration and ability to work as part of a group
• an authentic voice, to demonstrate an interest in telling stories
• an interest in the world around them and engaging their imagination
• a desire to create their own work
• a passion and curiosity about theatre, films, reading and other art forms

 

Being a Drama Scholar

In addition to being an ambassador for the department in terms of pro-active engagement and enthusiasm, a Drama Scholar will:

• take academic drama to at least GCSE level and hopefully on to A Level
• take part in at least one large-scale production each year for their appropriate age group
• take part in at least one additional co-curricular activity - New Views / Film-making / Open mic nights
• take part in all appropriate House Drama events
• attend workshops, talks, theatre visits and enrichment opportunities.

 

How to apply

Stage 1

Applicants should complete an online form (available from September) by Friday 19 November 2022. Applicants must also send a separate link to their reference who should be a drama teacher, class teacher or the director of a production you have been involved in. References should refer to recent experience ideally within the last two years. This link will be available from September

Please note: the applicant is responsible for sending the above link onto their referee and for ensuring that it is completed by Friday 18 November 2022.

Stage 2

After the entrance exams, the Head of Drama will select candidates from those who have reached the required academic standard and demonstrated their potential as a Drama Scholar to be invited for an interview. This will take place in January in addition to the usual student and parent interviews.

Selected candidates will be asked to:

• take part in a practical group workshop which will explore the participants’ energy and playfulness; focus and physical discipline; openness and ability to take risks; listening skills and generosity to others; creative devising skills and imagination
• prepare a two-minute monologue from a published play which we will see and redirect. It is important to stress that we are more interested in seeing how open and playful the candidate can be when redirected and what their natural instincts are rather than seeing a polished performance
• have a conversation with the drama team about what they enjoy watching, what they feel passionate about and the sort of work and stories they would like to be involved in.

Sports Scholarships – 10% of fees

Physical Education and Games play an integral part of school life. All pupils are provided with opportunities to participate fully and at a level appropriate to both their level of development and ambition to improve. This may include playing within our priority sports offered – rugby and football (autumn term), hockey (spring term) and/or cricket (summer term), as part of our wide range of performance sports, which also compete regularly against other schools, or selecting one of our numerous activities as part of a participation route. Involvement in sport and physical activities are seen to be important in creating team spirit, positive relationships, and pride in individual and team achievements beyond the classroom. Our teams compete exceptionally well at local, regional, and national level and students regularly achieve county and national selection in a range of sports. Fixtures take place after school and at weekends, usually Saturdays.  

We are immensely fortunate on our 100-acre-site to offer outstanding sports facilities including: seven rugby and/or football pitches; two all-weather hockey pitches (one floodlit) which become 18 tennis courts in the summer; three grass cricket squares; three artificial Cricket wickets (plus grass and artificial Cricket nets); the Solai indoor cricket centre; a double size sports hall; 400 metre grass running track with synthetic sprint track and jump/throw areas.  

Our state-of-the-art indoor sports complex complements the outdoor facilities and includes: a 25 metre eight lane swimming pool with variable depth capability, fitness suite; gymnasium; squash courts; multi-use space and climbing wall. 

What are we looking for in a Sports Scholar?

• a genuine love of sport 

• speed, agility, balance and co-ordination 

• good spatial awareness 

• a sound understanding of games tactics 

• a positive attitude to training and open-minded approach to coaching 

• the demeanor to be an ambassador for Habs at all times

This award is still about potential, but we would expect 16+ candidates to have a greater understanding of their first-choice sport and to be excelling in this area. To have a realistic chance of an award a candidate is likely to be doing one or a combination of the following:  

• Capable of playing for two years in one of our top senior sides for their chosen sport 

• Capable of playing to at least county standard in their first-choice sport 

• Be ambitious to play sport beyond Habs and to have already shown a commitment to this

What will the successful candidate(s) receive?

• Access to a strong regional fixture list  

• Part of the partnerships we have with local clubs, academies and development pathways within the county and region 

• High quality coaching through a combination of staffing expertise and use of external professional coaches

• Have access to the Habs Elite Performance Programme (EPP) (Y12 and 13 programme). This is a timetabled double period per week with a small number of elite players approx six per year

• Skill & technical development   

• Sport Psychology seminars & online training through Believe Perform  

• Sports nutrition seminars  

• Strength & conditioning assessment and development   

• Tactical & leadership Seminars   

• Video analysis   

• Small group scenario training  

• In addition to the sessions above the EPP programme will also allocate time for supervised study/catch up during particularly busy times in the year. This is especially important given the large amount of time involvement in high level sport can take up at critical points in the year   

• Access to 1:1 coaching during the school day for senior students. 

• Become a member of our High Performance Programme with access to mentoring support, bespoke strength and conditioning programmes, support from our Athlete Development Lead and regular monitoring of wellbeing and mental/physical health  

• Regular sports tours across the full range of activities on offer both UK based and longer haul trips. 

How to apply

Stage 1

Applicants should complete the online form (available from September) by Friday 18 November 2022.

Applicants must also send a separate link to their two references who should be a sports coach, Headteacher, Director of Sport or PE teacher. The link will be available from September.

Please note: the applicant is responsible for sending the above link onto their referee and for ensuring that it is completed by Friday 18 November 2022.

Stage 2

If selected, candidates will be asked to attend trials before the end of November 2021. Should you have any questions regarding the application process please email admissions@habsboys.org.uk. Any questions regarding the sporting provision please contact mcintosh_r@habsboys.org.uk.