Scholarships

The Year 7 Academic Scholarships are awarded to those students who excel in our 11+ entrance examinations. There is no requirement to apply for this scholarship. All children who sit the 11+ examinations will automatically be considered.

The Year 12 Academic Scholarships are awarded to those students with the top 5 GCSE results.

Criteria

Sports scholarships may be offered to candidates with outstanding achievement and potential in at least one of the major Games played at Ratcliffe: for boys, rugby, hockey and cricket; for girls, hockey, netball, athletics and tennis. This may be through representative honours such as county level, however, scholars are also picked on sporting ability and potential.

We are looking for students who:

• Have athletic ability
• Willing to listen & implement feedback
• Have excellent hand-eye co-ordination
• Have determination and drive to succeed
• Are positive and will lead by example
• Use good communication skills on and off the playing field

Scholarships are reviewed annually and their continuance is dependent upon attitude, conduct, participation and progress.

What we Offer

Through our commitment to nurturing talent and developing raw ability, we encourage all our young athletes to confidently strive for continuous self-improvement and towards sporting excellence. We will fully support pupils’ sporting ambitions, to help them achieve sporting success. We provide specialist coaches and guidance to help nurture pupils to reach their potential. Students will have use of state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities to compete regularly.

We offer Master classes with international sports starts such as England Netballer Beth Cobden. Each pupil will have a dedicated mentor and will meet regularly with them to check their progress and wellbeing.

What we expect from our Sports Scholars:

• Commitment to our Major Sports throughout their time at Ratcliffe.
• Consistent availability at training and fixtures.
• Make a significant contribution to the sporting life of the school.
• Display a positive attitude as a role model helping others to develop their talent too.
• Support all aspects of sport where appropriate within school: house competitions, assisting in leadership roles with Juniors.
• Show passion pride and sportsmanship in all they do, whilst remaining committed to their academic studies.

Many of our Scholars go on to play representative sport at county level or the equivalent, in one of the school’s major team sports. It will be anticipated that Sports Scholars will aspire to play representative sport at county level or even their country, through to Year 13 (where appropriate).

Assessment Day

Students will take part in an assessment day/afternoon, in our major sports. Students will be assessed in their core skills, fitness, tactical awareness and potential through different drills and game situations. They will be assessed by Head of Sports and the Director of Sport.

Prospective Sports Scholars are encouraged to contact Mrs Amanda Turns, Director of Sport: 01509 817008 or email aturns@ratcliffecollege.com. She will be very pleased to talk to prospective candidates on an informal basis, prior to making an application.

Criteria

Art Scholars display a natural enthusiasm for the subject, which will already have been proven over a number of years, and will be evidenced in the portfolio of work brought to the Assessment Day. An individual’s creativity manifests itself in an enquiring and curious mind, and we would expect to see evidence of this, together with self-motivation, sound observational skills, sensitivity, and a developed imagination. Any evidence of exhibitions entered, and if appropriate, prizes won would also be good. For Year 7 entry we are looking for this enthusiasm, but also potential. For Year 12 entry the ideal candidate should be on course to gain a high grade in their GCSE Art. If Art has not been studied, evidence from other subjects such as Design and Technology, together with strong observational skills should be clear in the submitted portfolio. Scholars in Year 7 are expected to select GCSE Art in Year 10 and Year 12 Scholars would study Art A Level in the Sixth Form.

What we Offer

The Art Department at Ratcliffe College enthusiastically promotes individual inquisitiveness and nurtures each student to realise their full potential. The atmosphere is friendly but purposeful, and senior students are expected to take an active interest in the work of younger years, either by mentoring individuals, or simply popping in to lessons and offering advice and encouragement. Any and all media can be explored, with the seeds for real ambition being sewn through the encouragement and dedication of the staff. There are termly lunch meetings to check on progress, ideas and thoughts, and we run an annual Scholars-only exhibition in the second half of the winter term. Art Scholars are expected to also submit work to all of our annual exhibitions including the 6-9 Exhibition and End of Year Show both in the summer term.

What we Expect from our Art Scholars

Each candidate is expected to show an enthusiasm for the subject beyond the classroom, and to demonstrate an enquiring mind and a lively interest in the world. We run a number of lunchtime and after school Art club sessions and our Scholars should attend these regularly. Art Scholars support the work of the department, and are keen to be involved in exhibition curating, no matter what their age.

Assessment Day – Years 7 & 12

On the day of the assessment, candidates spend time in the Art Department completing two practical tasks, one of which is an observational study. There is also a discussion with the Head of Art and Design about their portfolio. To that end, candidates are required to bring with them a collection of their work which should include current sketchbooks. It would also be good to demonstrate an interest out of the book, so any 3 dimensional work as well as photography and other media are strongly encouraged.

Prospective Art Scholars are encouraged to contact Mrs Emma Richardson, Head of Art and Design: 01509 817024 or email: erichardson@ratcliffecollege.com. She will be very pleased to talk to prospective candidates on an informal basis, prior to making an application.

Criteria

Music Scholars will demonstrate a deep enthusiasm for the subject through the activities they currently take part in. They will have built up a portfolio of performances and valuable experiences from which they can draw.

Year 7 Entry

Scholarship entry at Year 7 will require a minimum Grade 4-5 standard, although potential is as important as current attainment. Applicants will be active musicians – which could include both ensembles and choirs – as well as performing on a regular basis as a soloist. Scholars are expected to go on and take Music at GCSE and participate in a minimum of 2 co-curricular groups.

Year 12 Entry

Year 12 Scholarship entry at Year 12 will require Grade 7-8 standard. Applicants will have taken GCSE Music and take Music at A Level. The Scholar may well have a second study; this is likely to be of approximately Grade 5 standard. Music Scholars are expected to be positive role models and ambassadors for the Music Department. They are expected to participate in a minimum of 2 co-curricular groups and be willing to perform in school assemblies, informal concerts, recitals and other events.

What we Offer

The Music Department will give the Scholar numerous opportunities to perform, compose, arrange and direct during their time at the College so that they can enjoy a high level of musical exposure. The programme of support will be tailored to the individual’s strengths and musical interests and will be very much ‘bespoke’. Mentoring, overseen from the Director of Music, will support, encourage and stretch the Scholar to excel during their time at Ratcliffe. New musical horizons will be explored both in and out of school so that the scholar is stimulated towards further musical excellence.

What we expect from our Music Scholars

Scholars will be expected to immerse themselves in a plethora of music making and leadership opportunities, as part of the programme offered by the Music Department. During their time at Ratcliffe, they will be developed through a bespoke programme under the mentorship of the Director of Music. Part of this programme will involve the Scholar guiding their peers and inspiring music making within the Ratcliffe community. Scholars will be expected to perform at both major events, as well as more informal music-making occasions.

Assessment Day

The assessment will give the applicant the opportunity to perform, demonstrate their musicianship as well as having an interview. Candidates will have time to warm up before performing two contrasting pieces of their own choice. If appropriate, this should be on their first and second study. Students, if playing repertoire of Grade 7 standard, should let the Director of Music know the repertoire so that any accompaniments can be seen in advance. Aural Tests and Sight-Reading tests will be give relative to the standard of the applicant.

Prospective Music Scholars are encouraged to contact Mrs Katy Donegan, Director of Music: email kdonegan@ratcliffecollege.com. She will be very pleased to meet and listen to prospective candidates on an informal basis, prior to making an application.

Criteria

A Year 7 Drama Scholar will eventually study GCSE Drama in Year 10 and a Year 12 Drama Scholar will take A Level Drama. Candidates need to be:

• Confident performers who can adapt both vocal and movement skills.
• Creative when devising short plays, working collaboratively as part of a group.
• Have a positive and pro-active attitude.
• Convincingly perform a character from a script.
• Able to comment on professionally performed plays.
• Have performing experience either by taking the lead role in school productions or being involved with outside theatre groups. This could include: Stage coach, Lemon Jelly, The Curve Young Company, The Television Workshop, Urban Young Actors, National Theatre.

LAMDA (or equivalent) awards may be taken into consideration but are not a pre-requisite. Scholarships are reviewed annually and their continuance is dependent upon attitude, conduct, participation and progress.

What we Offer

Under the guidance of professional performers, teachers and technicians, we provide Drama Scholars with the opportunity to continuously hone their craft, gaining understanding of a wide variety of performance styles, whilst improving technique. They will be attending a number of theatre trips to see cutting edge and highly acclaimed productions. Opportunities will also be provided for students to attend workshops in school led by professional companies such as the internationally renowned, ‘Frantic Assembly’.

Ratcliffe College stages a number of productions each year and drama scholars will attend as audience members as well as learning the ‘tricks of the trade’ backstage. Here, under the guidance of professional technicians, they will be able to assist with costume/make-up, light and sound and front of house. Scholars will take a principle role in the creation of performances for the House Drama competition as well as attending or assisting with the weekly drama club. They will also represent the department by performing for Exhibition Day and other school events. In addition, we provide one to one training and advice for students who wish to audition for the National Youth Theatre, Drama Schools or holiday courses.

Year 7 Entry

On the day, students will be given a Drama lesson based on mime, devised and scripted work. Additionally, they need to prepare a monologue of their choice lasting no more than one minute. Their participation will reflect team skills, an awareness of the use of the stage and a sense of performance. Their vocal and physical skills will portray a wide range of characters. They may also be asked about any drama activities they have been involved with.

Year 12 Entry

Candidates will be asked to prepare a monologue of their choice lasting no more than two minutes. On the day students will also be given a Drama lesson based on devised and scripted work. Their participation must reflect team skills, an awareness of the use of the stage and a confident sense of performance. Their vocal and physical skills will portray a dynamic range of characters. There will be a short interview where candidates are asked to reflect on previous performances they have been involved in; they may also bring along a portfolio which demonstrates past performance work.

Prospective Drama Scholars are encouraged to contact Mrs Jessica Munton, Head of Drama: 01509 817063 or email jmunton@ratcliffecollege.com. She will be very pleased to meet prospective candidates on an informal basis, prior to making an application.

This scholarship is offered to students with significant talents in a range of disciplines.  A candidate applying for the Year 7 All-Rounder Scholarship will show a strong academic profile as measured by the Ratcliffe College Entrance Examinations. They should also be able to demonstrate that they could make a significant contribution to the extra-curricular life of our College.