General Information
Awards at 13+

Academic

Standard expected:

Awards are made to those who can be expected to gain high grades at GCSE and later at ‘A’ level.

Nature of exam:

Papers will be set in the following subjects

English 1 hr 30 mins History 0.75 hr Geography 0.75 hr

French 1 hr  Mathematics 1 hr Science 1 hr

Religious Studies 0.75hr

The length and nature of the papers will be as in the specimen papers available from the Registrar. All candidates will sit a Verbal Reasoning test.

Supporting Subjects:

It is hoped that candidates will enter for these papers where possible. Good results will count in a candidate’s favour, but poor ones will not count against in considering an award.

1 hr German, Latin or Spanish an examination will be set by the School if requested

If candidates are unable to offer any one or more of the above papers the parents or Heads should consult the Headmaster of Bloxham about other options available.

Optional subjects:

Candidates may offer any of the following:

Music Art Design and Technology

The nature of the examination will be as for the Music, Art and Design and Technology as shown below. When these are offered as a support for an Academic Award a lower standard will be expected than for a Music, Art or Design and Technology Award.

Art

Standard expected:

Candidates are expected to produce a portfolio of recent work in any medium, which will be assessed for evidence of imagination, creativity, sustained effort and range of interest. The portfolio is considered of prime importance. A high standard of drawing is looked for in the exam. It is recommended that the parents, Heads or Directors of Art of potential candidates contact Bloxham’s Director of Art well in advance to discuss the examination and the candidacy.

Nature of exam:

A practical test of 2 hours will be done in the Art School. Candidates will be asked to work from a still life group. There will be an interview with the Director of Art and the Headmaster. All candidates will sit a Verbal Reasoning test and a Maths test.

Design and Technology

Standard expected:

Candidates are expected to produce a portfolio giving evidence of their best recent work in the following areas:

• a short written piece of work (about 50 words) identifying a problem or a situation where a practical solution might be needed;

• design work and drawings;

• small pieces of practical work or photographic evidence of practical work (in more than one material if possible);

• a written evaluation of a project.

It is recommended that the parents, Heads or Heads of Design and Technology of potential candidates contact Bloxham’s Head of Design and Technology well in advance to discuss the examination and the candidacy.

Nature of exam:

A paper of 2 hours will be done in the Technology Centre. Candidates will be asked to produce two or three initial ideas as solutions to a practical problem and then make a detailed presentational drawing of the best of their ideas. There will be an interview with the Head of Design and Technology and the Headmaster. All candidates will sit a Verbal Reasoning test and a Maths test.

Music

Standard expected:

No music award is specifically linked to any earlier success in a graded instrumental examination, but a candidate applying at 13 should offer one or more instruments at the equivalent of at least Grade 5 standard, Voice may be offered in place of a second instrument. Choristers from Cathedral or Collegiate Choirs are particularly welcome in this respect if they are keen to continue singing after their voices have changed.

Nature of assessment:

The audition consists of the performance of two contrasting pieces on the first instrument and at least one on the other(s). There are also ear tests, sight reading, and varied questions about musical knowledge and interest, but no written paper. Evidence of fluency in musical notation is expected. Instrumental scales and arpeggios are expected to be played and seriously presented, rather than offered as incidental extras of uncertain standard. There will be an interview with the Headmaster. All candidates will sit a Verbal Reasoning test and a Maths test.

Sport

Standard expected:

Awards will be made to those who can be expected to make an active contribution to the sporting life of the school, as individual players and as members of teams. They will be expected to provide leadership at their own level, by their example and sportsmanship and in their knowledge of the game. They will have achieved or be of a standard to achieve representative honours at County, Regional or National level.

The awards will be based on:

• a report from the present school, indicating the nature and the standard of the contribution to the school sport, as well as on general behaviour;

• achievements outside the school at county or club level;

• performance in the tests and interviews on the day

Achievements in any sport that the school offers is welcome, but preference may be given to those able to contribute to the major sports.

Nature of exam:

The tests will consist of (i) tests of physical attainment, (ii) performance on the day in their sport or sports,

(iii) interview. All candidates will sit a Verbal Reasoning test and a Maths test.

Candidates for Scholarships at 13+ must be under 14 years of age on 1 September of the year of entry. In the case of potential candidates who are older than this you should approach the School to discuss the situation. An age allowance is given to younger candidates. All candidates must be registered for the School.