Entrance Information and Scholarships for Senior School Entry 2018 1
Contents Introduction Introduction Entrance Examinations Scholarships Financial Assistance Academic Scholarships Art Scholarships Drama Scholarships Music Scholarships Sport Scholarships Frequently Asked Questions Key Dates 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 10-11 12-13 15 As a leading independent day and boarding school, Rydal Penrhos allows pupils, in all areas of school life, to fulfil their potential. Our community, the pupils and staff, are guided by these principles: Learning effectively Living joyfully Leading successfully Listening respectfully We are small enough to care for each pupil as an individual and large enough to offer real choice and breadth in our academic programme. Our Sixth Formers go on to top universities in the UK and abroad, in the fields of academia and the arts as well as pursuing excellence in national and international sporting careers. Admission to Rydal Penrhos is by examination which takes place on Saturday 27 January 2018. The closing date for Entrance Exam and Scholarship applications is Friday 12 January 2018; after this date it is not possible for Scholarship applications to be submitted. General entrants may still be considered subject to space being available and entrance examinations being individually arranged. We are committed to broadening access to the School and offer attractive and generous financial support for potentially high achieving pupils who would benefit from our exceptional academic opportunities and all-round school experience. This booklet details the admissions procedure, the Scholarships that are available, the specific requirements for applying and the assessment process. To request a copy of the School Registration Form or Scholarship Application Form please contact the Admissions Office on 01492 530155. Fees All applicants must complete a Registration Form and pay a non-refundable Registration Fee of 100 in order to sit our entrance examination and be considered for entry. Scholarship candidates need to pay a nonrefundable fee of 40 per award entered. Full Terms and Conditions are available upon request. 2 3
Entrance Examination Scholarships Pupils seeking admission to Rydal Penrhos in Years 7 to 10 are expected to sit the Entrance Examination on Saturday 27 January 2018. As well as sitting the exam, candidates will have a short interview with the Headmaster or another senior member of staff. The School wil also request a recent school report and a reference from the candidate s current school. Depending on the entry Year group, the Entrance Examination consists of: Entry into Years 7, 8 and 9 Candidates will sit three examination papers in Literacy, Numeracy and Non-verbal Reasoning. Entry into Year 10 Candidates will sit two examination papers in English and Mathematics. Please refer to the Sixth Form Entrance Information booklet for Sixth Form entry requirements. Key Dates Into Year 7 Information Evening Thursday 16 November 2017 Deadline for registering for Entrance Examination Friday 12 January 2018 Deadline for Scholarship applications Friday 12 January 2018 Deadline for Financial Assistance applications Friday 12 January 2018 Entrance & Scholarship examinations day Saturday 27 January 2018 Practical Scholarship assessments week commencing Monday 29 January 2018 Scholars are a core part of school life at Rydal Penrhos. Scholars take the lead in the academic and co-curricular life of the School with active involvement in societies, committees and teams providing demonstrable leadership, inspiration and excellent role models for other pupils. In assessing candidates we are not simply recognising existing talent but will also take into account pupils future potential, motivation and aspiration. It is important that Scholars should consistently achieve high standards and potential candidates are encouraged to read the entry criteria carefully to ensure they will meet the standard. Candidates may apply for more than one Scholarship. It should also be noted that all Scholarships are tenable throughout the holder s career at Rydal Penrhos, subject to the Headmaster s satisfaction with the holder s performance and behaviour. Scholarship entry is available at Years 7 and 9 and is competitive. It is open to both prospective day and boarding pupils. All awards are to the value of 10% of fees. All Scholarships are awarded based on pupil performance in the Scholarship examination or assessments, evidence of their current performance and the overall impression given in the interview. Financial Assistance Scholarships may be supplemented by Financial Assistance in the form of means-tested bursaries. Bursaries are normally only available to successful Scholarship candidates and are awarded to further supplement the fees according to financial circumstances. This assessment is based on the completion of an in-depth financial circumstances form and is conducted in accordance with the Charities Commission guidelines. Bursaries will be assessed where candidates can demonstrate a family annual gross income of 80,000 or less. The maximum award when combined with a Scholarship will be no more than 70% of school fees. We reserve the right to request additional financial evidence to support the application or on occasion to request a home visit to make a further evaluation of circumstances. It is expected that in the case of Bursary applications, both parents of the candidate should be contributing to the income of the family unless there are mitigating circumstances. 4 5
Academic Scholarships Art Scholarships Rydal Penrhos is proud of its academic excellence and to reward outstanding pupils, Academic Scholarship awards are available up to a maximum value of 10% of the school fees. Additional financial support is possible for successful candidates from lower income families subject to financial means testing. It is expected that an Academic Scholar will be working at a level which will lead them to achieve Levels 7, 8 and 9 at GCSE (equivalent to A and A*). As well as the three Entrance Examination papers, candidates will also sit two additional Scholarship papers - an English paper and a general paper. Rydal Penrhos will also request a recent school report and a reference from the candidate s current school. Academic Scholars benefit from a bespoke Scholarship programme of enrichment and opportunities to ensure our most gifted and talented pupils are challenged and stimulated to reach their potential. Art Scholarships are awarded to talented artists who have a passion and love of the subject and are able to talk thoughtfully about their work and the work of other artists. Scholars are required to take Art at GCSE level and would be expected to continue to A Level. Art Scholars have the opportunity to enter prestigious national competitions and attend workshops given by visiting artists and designers. They also have use of the Art Department after school, in the evenings and some weekends as well as exhibiting inside and outside of school. All candidates for an Art Scholarship will be expected to have a satisfactory level of academic ability assessed through the Entrance Examination process and display a strong performance across the range of practical assessments. The assessment will require each candidate to attend an informal interview and produce the following: 1. A portfolio of up to eight items of work (plus a sketchbook if you have one). Quality is more important than quantity and the aim is to show a variety of work which best demonstrates the candidate s skills and ability. Candidates may include one piece of three-dimensional work or photographs of the work if the piece is fragile. Candidates will also discuss their work and interests in art with the Head of Art. 2. A finished piece of work with the appropriate sketchbook. Candidates are asked to bring a finished piece of work no larger than A1 that has been undertaken outside the classroom or school. This includes work that may have already been produced without supervision and quality is more important than size. Candidates may work in any medium or combination of media considered suitable for their work including 3D. They may include in their portfolio all supporting research and preparatory studies relevant to the development of their ideas, but this is not essential. 3. Drawing from observation. Candidates will be asked to produce an observational drawing on the day of the examination. If they have their own favourite coloured pencils or drawing medium, these may be brought with them but the school will also supply a range of pencils, pens and crayons. All work will be assessed by the Head of Art. The Art Scholarship assessment lasts approximately one hour 15 minutes. 6 7
Drama Scholarships Music Scholarships The Drama Department boasts an excellent reputation by virtue of its facilities and longstanding history of outstanding performances. There are regular school performances throughout the year offering all pupils the opportunity to become involved both on stage or backstage. Drama is popular throughout the school with many pupils taking it at GCSE and A Level and the School is proud of its former pupils who have gone on to enjoy successful professional careers on the stage or in film. Drama Scholarships are awarded to candidates for entry to Year 7 and 9 who show not only an outstanding practical ability, but also display a passion and love of drama and a willingness to share this passion with others. All candidates will be expected to have a satisfactory level of academic ability assessed through the entrance exam process and display a strong performance in the practical assessments: 1. Perform a poem. Drama Scholars are expected to study GCSE and A Level Drama and to contribute fully to drama performances at Rydal Penrhos. Scholars benefit from additional support to nurture their talents and interests, as well as trips to see a variety of professional productions. Music is integral to the School, with more than half of all pupils learning to play at least one instrument and music ensembles including a Senior Choir, Chamber Choir, Jazz Band, Orchestra and Wind Ensemble. The Music Department is very keen to promote enthusiasm and passion for music in the school. The potential and innate musicality of each candidate is more important than his or her current achievements in Associated Board or similar examinations. Year 7 and Year 9 Scholars are required to take Music at GCSE. Scholars benefit from additional sessions during which they can work on listening skills, practice advice or coaching for performances. Support is bespoke according to each pupil s requirements. Scholars are also entered for prestigious competitions, such as the Chester Festival, and feature in performances throughout the school year. All candidates for a Music Scholarship will be expected to have a satisfactory level of academic ability assessed through the entrance exam process and display a strong performance across the range of practical assessments. 1. Candidates should prepare two contrasting pieces on their main instrument. Accompaniments should be provided a week before the assessment date. 2. Act out a speech from a published play. Items 1 and 2 must be learnt by heart and candidates must bring a copy of the pieces to the interview. These individual presentations should last no longer than four minutes in total. 3. The candidate will be given an idea for an improvisation and/or a mime for which preparation time of a few minutes will be given. 2. If a candidate has composed a piece, he or she should bring a recording of it, or better still perform it. 3. Voice can be offered as main instrument or second study. If voice is offered as a main instrument, a short hymn or song should be sung from memory. The candidate should provide the accompaniment a week before the assessment. 4. The candidate will be given an opportunity to discuss what they have achieved in drama so far, e.g. theatre and/or workshop groups out of school; Grade Examinations (LAMDA, Guildhall); participation in school productions; visits to the theatre. The assessment will last approximately two hours. 4. Candidates will be asked to perform aural tests including clapping and singing back short melodies. 5. Candidates will have an interview with the Director of Music to discuss their musical experiences to date and their musical ambitions and interests. Music Scholarship assessments last approximately 30 minutes. 8 9
Sport Scholarships The Rydal Penrhos Sports Scholarship programme aims to provide successful candidates with the support they require to develop as athletes while studying in a high-achieving, academic school. As pupils progress to the Sixth Form, this may be in pursuit of a full-time sports career. The School s sports staff are ably equipped to support pupils in their athletic development, many with playing and coaching experience to regional, national and international level. The School s fulltime Strength and Conditioning staff are also on hand to support the athletic development of each individual on the Scholarship programme. Rydal Penrhos has an enviable reputation in the sporting arena. The School plays against other independent schools and high-performing state schools in Wales, across the northwest of England and further afield. Many of our sports teams have athletes who compete to regional and national level, most notably in rugby, cricket and girls and boys hockey. Successful candidates must demonstrate exceptional sporting potential and will currently play at, or show the potential to play at, regional level or above in one or more of these sports: rugby, cricket, netball, hockey, golf or tennis. Priority may be given to an individual sport or a specific playing position within a sport at any given time. Candidates who excel in other sports, including sailing, cross country, fives, triathlon and athletics are also required to demonstrate exceptional sporting ability or potential in the sports listed in the previous paragraph. The School boasts outstanding sports facilities: multiple sports pitches including a first-class cricket square, fives courts, boat park with private slipway, golf practice and coaching area, squash courts and exceptional strength and conditioning facilities in the Performance Centre and Cardiovascular Studio. All candidates are required to complete a Sports Scholarship Additional Information form, detailing current sporting activity, which is available upon request. All candidates will undergo a practical assessment at Rydal Penrhos, as well as an interview with the Director of Sport. The assessment day will involve all candidates; skills and technical playing ability will be assessed as well as fitness testing. The assessment takes approximately five hours in total. All candidates will be expected to have a satisfactory level of academic ability assessed through the entrance exam process. 10 11
Frequently Asked Questions If, after reading this booklet, you still have further questions about the admissions process for Rydal Penrhos, Scholarships or Bursaries, please feel free to call the Admissions Office on 01492 530155 or email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com How do I apply and what are the fees? Please complete a Registration Form and return it with the 100 Registration Fee. If you are also applying for a Year 7 or Year 9 Scholarship, please include an application fee of 40 per Scholarship. The School s bank details for payment are available upon request. Cheques should be made payable to Rydal Penrhos School. When is the closing date to apply for a Scholarship? The closing date for applying for a Scholarship is Friday 12 January 2018. By this time all necessary documentation required must have reached our Admissions Office for your application to proceed. How many Scholarships can be applied for? You may apply for up to two awards, e.g. one academic and one practical or two practical Scholarships. When will the decision be made about entry into the School and Scholarship awards? Letters regarding offers of a place and Scholarship notifications are sent out before the end of February 2018. to represent the School as a priority over external club commitments and as directed by the Director of Sport. My child is in Year 6 of Rydal Penrhos Prep School, do I need to complete a Registration Form for the Senior School? No. Completion of a Registration Form and payment of the Registration Fee is not required. Year 6 pupils at Rydal Penrhos Prep are eligible to apply for a Scholarship of Bursary for Year 7 entry. Those wishing to apply for a Scholarship should submit a completed Scholarship Form with the Scholarship Fee. My child is in Year 6 of Rydal Penrhos Prep School, do they need to sit the Entrance Examination? No. However, if your child is applying for an Academic Scholarship, they will be required to undertake the Scholarship examination papers. Can an award be combined with a sibling discount? Where a Bursary is awarded, a sibling discount will not apply. Can overseas pupils apply for Scholarships? Can a Scholarship or Bursary be withdrawn by the School? Yes, if a Scholar shows consistent poor behaviour or failure to work, or fails to fulfil the commitments required of an award holder. The School will do its best to give reasonable warning if such circumstances seem likely to arise. However in circumstances of serious poor behaviour (such as behaviour leading to a suspension from school) an award may be withdrawn without notice. Failure to maintain payment of fees in line with the School s Terms and Conditions may also lead to withdrawal of an award. What sort of income level is likely to attract Financial Assistance (a Bursary)? A family with a gross income of more than 80,000 will not qualify for bursary support. If you wish to apply for Financial Assistance then please call the Admissions Office on 01492 530155 to request a statement of financial circumstances. This will be sent to you and when completed needs to be returned along with a completed Registration Form and a Scholarship application form. Is Financial Assistance (a Bursary) awarded for the duration of a pupil s school career? Bursaries are held on the same basis as Scholarships in respect of effort and behaviour. In addition, parental circumstances are subject to reassessment on an annual basis. As a Bursary is awarded to support a pupil whose parents could not otherwise afford to pay full fees it follows that an improvement in parental financial circumstances would normally lead to a reduction in the level of Bursary awarded on a sliding scale. Note: All awards and any variations to arrangements for testing are at the Headmaster s discretion. What do I do if my child falls ill on the day of the Entrance Examination or Scholarship assessment? If your child is ill please inform us as soon as possible. What is expected of an award holder? An award holder is expected to work hard (reflected in consistently good effort grades) and to be committed to the life of the School, both in general and specifically in relation to the award held. For example Sports Scholars will be expected International candidates should contact the Admissions Office regarding arrangements for Academic Scholarships. Are the children of staff eligible for Scholarships? Staff children may be considered for an Honorary Scholarship in recognition of their abilities or potential. There is no monetary value linked to recipients of Honorary Scholarships who are in receipt of a staff discount, but Honorary Scholars fully participate in and benefit from the respective Scholars programme. 12 13
Notes Key Dates Into Year 7 Information Evening Thursday 16 November 2017 Deadline for registering for Entrance Examination Friday 12 January 2018 Deadline for Scholarship applications Friday 12 January 2018 Deadline for Financial Assistance applications Friday 12 January 2018 Entrance & Scholarship examinations day Saturday 27 January 2018 Practical Scholarship assessments week commencing Monday 29 January 2018 14 15
Pwllycrochan Avenue Colwyn Bay Conwy LL29 7BT Tel: 01492 530155 Email: admissions@rydalpenrhos.com www.rydalpenrhos.com 16