Hillcrest Scholarships2 0 2 1 - 2 0 2 2

I n s p i r e . E n c o u r a g e . E m p o w e r

HILLCREST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS

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Inspire

Empo

wer

Encourage

For each child to achieve personal excellence as a

valuable member of our global community

CuriosityRe

spec

t

Independence Determ

inat

ion

Respect

Curiosity

Independence

Determination

for ourselves, each other, our community and the environment

to discover, explore and develop personal interests and strengths

to strive to achieve

to develop self-motivation and purposefulness to learn on an independent basis

OUR VISION, PHILOSOPHY & VALUES

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Introduction Scholarship awards are offered by Hillcrest Secondary School for entry to Year 9 (13+) and Year 12 – Sixth Form (16+). In line with our Vision ‘for every child to achieve personal excellence as a valuable member of our global community’, these awards are intended to recognise the potential for excellence in a range of areas and support those candidates in achieving their very best by providing opportunities they may otherwise not acesss. Candidates are also expected to demonstrate personal determination and show evidence of independent thinking, curiosity and respect, in line with our values.

This booklet gives details of the various awards available, the procedure for application and the expectations of a Hillcrest Scholar.

In all the testing, the emphasis is on allowing the candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their individual strengths. We hope that they find the experience stimulating and enjoyable.

The first step is to complete the application form which is available on our website or may be obtained from the applicants’ current school or our school office. Following an initial assessment, candidates are shortlisted and those selected will be called back for an interview with a member of our Senior Leadership Team. At the interview, the emphasis is on putting candidates at ease and allowing them an opportunity to talk about their passions. Credit will be given to those who show genuine interest in their subjects, have read widely and can apply their knowledge to new situations and problems. During theinterview, candidates need to demonstrate they have the potential to develop into emotionally intelligent, independent thinkers, equipped to become effective young adults and valuable members of our global community.

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Protocol Before applying for a Scholarship award, Hillcrest Secondary School encourages parents of applicants to

inform, and liaise with the Head Teacher of their current school as recommendations and previous reports

will be requested.

Scholarships equate to a reduction of between 10% and 25% of the tuition fees for the successful

applicants.

A scholarship awarded in Year 9 will be valid until the end of Year 11, of course assuming that the

scholar does not contravene scholarship expectations. In Year 11, a student may apply for a Sixth Form

Scholarship. All scholars are monitored by the Scholarship Committee. The Committee meets at regular

intervals to discuss each scholar’s contribution, commitment and effort. If the Committee has any cause

for concern, the parents of the scholar will be contacted, and a meeting set up to discuss any issues that

may be jeopardising the scholar’s status. The scholar will then be supported and encouraged to rectify the

situation. Please note that this is a rare occurrence and that the majority of scholars do themselves, their

parents and the school proud.

Key Dates Year 9 Deadline for submission of applications Friday 5th November 2021

Assessments Dates Saturday 20th November 2021

Shortlisted Candidate Interviews Saturday 27th November 2021

Apply through https://hillcrest.openapply.com/

Key Dates Sixth Form Deadline for submission of applications Friday 5th November 2021

Assessment Dates Saturday 27th November 2021

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Hillcrest offers a range of eight different scholarships. Applicants may only apply for one category. Scholarships, and the assessments required for each, are as follows:

Academic Scholarship – 1 hour English examination; 1 hour Mathematics examination; 1 hour examination of a third subject of the student’s choice (from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, French, Spanish).

All-Rounder Scholarship – 1 hour English examination, 1 hour Mathematics examination; 2 x 1 hour assessments in 2 disciplines (from Music, Drama, Art, Robotics, Swimming and Sport);

• All Rounder Robotics assessment – problem solving challenge and interview • All Rounder Music assessment – solo recital and interview; • All Rounder Drama assessment – monologue recital and interview; • All Rounder Art assessment – portfolio discussion and individual task; • All Rounder Sport assessment – sporting drills and interview. • All Rounder Swimming assessment – drills and interview.

Robotics Scholarship – 1½ hour assessment to include a problem solving exercise that does not require knowledge of any specific programming language as it focuses on aptitude, and an interview with the Head of Computing. Candidates are encouraged to share examples of any previous programming experience and expect to be asked about this during their interview.

Music Scholarship – 1½ hour assessment to include: Solo performance with instrument of choice or vocal piece (pre-prepared); group improvisation activity; interview with Head of Music with discussion on portfolio of supporting evidence. Art Scholarship – 1½ hour assessment to include: Art based activity (usually a still-life drawing); interview with Head of Art with discussion on portfolio of supporting evidence. Drama Scholarship – 1½ hour assessment to include: Monologue performance (2-3 mins) of student’s choice (pre-prepared) and group improvisation activity.

Sport Scholarship – 2½ hour assessment to include a range of fitness tests; group sporting games/scenarios; interview with members of the PE/Games department with discussion on portfolio of supporting evidence. All students should expect to participate in the following sports, girls - hockey, netball and rounders, boys - football, hockey and cricket. All will be asked to swim. If students are offering other sports we will make every effort to accommodate them.

Swimming Scholarship – 2 hour assessment to include a test session, need to provide a portfolio with evidence of pb times and interview with director. KSF National Standard level.Portfolio of supporting evidence - this is essential for Sport, Creative Arts and All-rounder Scholarships and should include references and school reports - academic/sporting performance, documentary/photography evidence from the previous 3 years (no more).

Categories of ScholarshipsYear 9 Scholarship Categories:

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Application Procedure Complete scholarship application form online at https://hillcrest.openapply.com/ before Friday 5th November 2021. Long-listed candidates will be invited to undertake scholarship assessments and will receive the scholarship day programme. Scholarship Day (Saturday 20th November 2021)General welcome and introduction for parents and candidates from Head Teacher.Sitting of exams and/or assessment of skills - Discussion of portfolio of supporting evidence. Short-listed candidates will be invited for a final interview on Saturday 27th November 2021, with the Scholarship Committee.

Letter of Offer Following the interview process, the Head Teacher will send a feedback letter to each candidate. Unsuccessful applicants may be offered the opportunity of a full fee-paying place if there are vacancies within Hillcrest. Letters will also be sent to the candidate’s schools informing them of the outcome. The offer will clarify the value of the scholarship, the period for which the scholarship applies, and the expectations of the student should they accept. Acceptance of the scholarship should be made in writing within the time detailed in the letter. Candidates are required to register with Hillcrest at this point. Please note that the Hillcrest Secondary School scholarship process does not disadvantage any pupils. The Scholarship assessments and examinations are not based around curriculum and prior knowledge therein. Rather, the Hillcrest Scholarship assessments and examinations aim to allow any student with sufficient talent and academic potential to be able to demonstrate their skills in a particular area. Please do not hesitate to contact our Registrar Maria Kimata on admissions@hillcrest.ac.ke should you need clarification on the above.

Sixth Form Scholarship Categories:

At Sixth Form, 7 different scholarship categories are offered:

• Creative Arts; STEM; Literacy; Languages; Humanities; Sports; All Rounder

The assessment process is as follows: • Group discussion which involves problem solving; (topic given on the day) • Written paper/task in chosen subject; • Interview by the Scholarship panel; • Individual student presentation followed by Q & A by the panel. (Creative Arts requires practical

presentation) (topic shared after application form has been received)

The criteria that the scholarship applicants shall be judged against are: • Excellence and active interest in chosen scholarship area; • Strong predicted/final grades for IGCSE or equivalent; • Leadership potential.

The application form, together with predicted grades and previous three school reports (for external candidates) must be submitted by no later than Friday 5th November 2021.

Year 9 Scholarships

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Effort Grades2 Excellent or outstanding effort. 1 Good effort. The student is working hard and behaving well.0 Satisfactory. -1 Under performing and needs to improve.-2 Drastically needs to improve. Intervention is urgently required.

These numbers will be awarded to measure your homework, classwork and behavior effort. Apart from the numbers, your report will also reflect your attainment grades. These reports are one way in which your progress will be measured. The other way is through comments from your Form Tutors, subject teachers and any other person we feel can adequately comment on your progress whether in school or outside.

Expectations of a Hillcrest Secondary School ScholarPlease note that this document is applicable to Frank Thompson, Sixth Form and Year 9 Scholars.

At Hillcrest Secondary, we value respect, curiosity, independence and determination. We would like all our Scholars to nurture these values and always be guided by them. We also strive to inspire, empower and encourage all students to reach their full potential. As a Scholar, you will receive ample support and motivation to enable you to excel on all fronts. You, in turn, must exert maximum effort in all areas of school life, take all the opportunities availed to you and fully cooperate with your teachers in order to attain your potential.

An explanation of our reporting system:Every half term and at the end of every term, you will receive a report. On this report, you will see the following numbers. (A description of the numbers is given next to them).

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General expectations which you must meet as a scholar.If your conduct outside school is deemed to be harmful to the reputation of the school or is in contravention of school rules and the standards we expect of you as a scholar, you risk the chance of forfeiting your scholarship.

• All scholars are expected to consistently maintain excellent effort grades in both homework and classwork. This will be reflected by the number 2.

• All scholars must display outstanding behavior in and outside the classroom. This will also be reflected by the number 2 in the report.

• Scholars are viewed as the best ambassadors of the school and so must always be in the correct school uniform, on their best behavior and always at the forefront of effecting positive change and influence amongst their peers.

• All scholars must conduct themselves in a mature and socially acceptable manner.• Irrespective of the type of scholarship, all scholars must be seen to be exerting maximum effort

towards attaining excellence in their academics.• Scholars will be closely monitored and supported but they must be proactive in seeking help when

they are in need of it.• Scholars are expected to be the winners of subject prizes in our Annual Speech Days.• Scholars are encouraged to undertake peer tutoring. This way, they will be helping others and also

improving their own skills.• Scholars are encouraged to take part in community service projects whether in school or outside

school and to provide evidence of the same.• During the holidays, Scholars are encouraged to undertake work experience, in order to help equip

them with certain soft skills, such as teamwork, communication skills and commercial awareness. It also helps in the making of appropriate academic choices at IGCSE or A-Level.

• Scholars are encouraged to run for leadership positions like House captains, Student Parliament and Interact positions. Sixth Form scholars are also encouraged to vie for prefectship, executive positions within The Scholars Society and for positions in the Interact and Ecobus Clubs.

• Scholars are encouraged to initiate and run their own clubs which will of course have to be supervised by adults.

• Scholars are expected to do work experience and community service. This expectation may be overlooked because of the pandemic but where possible, it is highly recommended. The structure is as follows:

• Year 9s and 10s are required to conduct a minimum of 3 days of work experience and/or community service during holidays.

• Year 12s are expected to conduct work experience related to their chosen university courses during holidays and over the summer holidays. All Year 12s regardless of scholarship status have to do a minimum of 2 weeks work experience during their Summer holidays.

• Scholars are expected to participate in all School-based Scholar programmes during term time.

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Scholars are expected to take a full and regular part in School sport. They must:• Participate in all school sport practices for which they are required (in a minimum of three

different sports throughout the school year).• Participate in all school matches for which they have been selected.• Attend all mentor meetings.• Maintain a good fitness level during school holidays.• Inform their mentor and coaches of all out of school sporting commitments, particularly in

regional and National sporting teams to ensure overtraining does not occur.• Seriously consider taking IGCSE Academic PE and at Sixth Form are encouraged to take Academic

PE or BTEC Sports.

Assessment, Tracking and Monitoring Scholars’ practical performance will be assessed in all sports in which they participate at school. These assessments, along with attitude and fitness level will be recorded, tracked and monitored. If a Scholars’ mentor feels that a student is underperforming this will be highlighted to the Head of PE who will work with the coaches, scholar and Scholars’ parents to improve performance.The Scholars’ mentor and coaches will ensure that pupils are not overtraining and maintain their academic progress. This will be achieved through discussions with Scholars, Scholars’ teachers’ as well as academic tracking and monitoring.

Expectations from specific departments:Sports Scholar Expectations:Hillcrest International School is committed to supporting all young athletes. Scholars will be supported in many particular ways, with attention given to physical conditioning, skills acquisition, healthy living, and mental health. Each Scholar will be mentored by the Sports department. There will be regular meetings where discussions will include sporting performance, academic performance, diet and fitness.

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Robotics Scholar Expectations:• Robotics Scholars are strongly encouraged to take IGCSE Computer Science. Sixth Form Scholars are

encouraged to take A Level Computer Science.• They are expected to be leaders in the classroom, assisting and encouraging others when necessary.• They are expected to develop at least one independent robotics project in our school makerspace, and

mentor other students who have a passion for robotics.• They are strongly encouraged to take part in or lead teams in local and international competitions that

the school enters, such as Hackathons.• Sixth Form Scholars are expected to assist IGCSE level students on a weekly or fortnightly basis

during lunchtime support sessions.

Opportunities provided by the Computing department:• They will be provided with priority access to our makerspace and additional learning resources, such

as micro:bits and Arduinos to use for independent projects.• They will receive support and guidance from the Head of Computing in pursuing extra curricular

interest areas in the subject, whether this simply be a different programming language or developing machine learning algorithms.

Creative Arts Scholar ExpectationsWhilst Hillcrest has certain expectations of Creative Arts Scholars, the Creative Arts Faculty will also strive to provide Scholars with greater opportunities for growth.

Music Scholar Expectations:Music Scholars are expected to take Music in Year 9, and strongly encouraged to take GCSE Music in Years 10 and 11. Sixth Form Scholars are encouraged to take A-level Music or Music Technology. They are expected to be leaders in the Music classroom, assist and encourage others when necessary. Music Scholars are expected to take part in the orchestra and/or choir, and to perform in school concerts and plays. They are also expected to take advantage of as many performing opportunities as possible.

Opportunities provided by the Music Department:Music Scholars will be given priority when:• opportunities arise to perform at school events • being offered places on workshops or trips to external music events• be given the opportunity to enter The Young Musician of The Year competition.

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Drama Scholar Expectations:• Drama Scholars are strongly encouraged to take IGCSE Drama whilst Sixth Form Scholars are

encouraged to take A Level Drama.• Drama Scholars will be expected to audition and take part in school productions• They will also be expected to participate in any additional performances for the school or local

community.• They are encouraged to attend Drama trips or workshops.• Drama Scholars are expected, where possible, to also be involved in any community or professional

theatre in the local area. • Drama Scholars will be expected to take every opportunity to produce their own performances for

viewership.

Opportunities provided by the Drama Department:

• They will receive support and encouragement from the Head of Drama in case they would like to

direct and produce their own performances.

• They will be provided with the opportunity to audition for productions within the school.

• The Creative Arts faculty will support provide support for any auditions with local theatre groups.

• Drama Scholars will be encouraged to attend trips or workshops.

Art Scholar Expectations:• Art Scholars are strongly encouraged to take IGCSE Art and Sixth Form Scholars are encouraged

to take A Level or BTEC Art and Design.• They are expected to help out with set design and backdrop painting during school plays.• They are expected to enter external competitions like the Orchid Competition.• Art Scholars must take part in creating and designing Art murals for the school and encouraging

other Art students to participate.

Frank Thompson Scholar coming from the 8-4-4 systemThe Frank Thompson Scholarship was set up by Hillcrest International Schools, with the support of the Thompson family, in memory of the late Frank Thompson, founder of Hillcrest Schools. It is intended for academically gifted students with a minimum of KCPE 400 for entry into Year 9 (13 years) and KCSE A- for entry into Year 12 / Sixth Form (16 years) who would otherwise not be able to attend Hillcrest without the support of the scholarship. Apart from maintaining excellent effort and behaviour, Frank Thompson Scholars are required to attain excellence in all subjects throughout the year. Excellence in academic attainment is represented by a minimum of Garde A or, in cases of subjects assessed on a 1-9 scholar, a grade 7. Where a student commences the year on a minimum of Grade B, it is vital that the student is seen to be making progress towards attaining excellence. All other expectations as listed must also be met by Frank Thompson Scholars. Progress is reviewed termly with a comprehensive review taking place at the end of each academic year. Students failing to meet these standards risk having their scholarships withdrawn.

If you have any questions, please contact our Registrar, Maria Kimata on

admissions@hillcrest.ac.ke or call 0724 255 444, 0735 255 442

www.hillcrest.ac.ke

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Tel: +254 (0)20 266 2139/41, (0)724 255 444, (0)733 255 442Email: mailto:admissions@hillcrest.ac.ke

www.hillcrest.ac.ke