Art scholarships

[Madsometimes]

We are applying for dd1 to go to a private school, and they have an art scholarship.

Dd1 adores art and drawing, but how just how good does a child have to be to win an art scholarship? She is the best in her primary school at art, but there is no way that she is at GCSE level at the age of 10. Some of her work is amazing, but other items seem quite immature, and she has very little experience of painting. There is little room for art in the national curriculum, so she is self taught.

My mum says that many of the children going for art scholarships will have parents that are artists, and will have guided their dc to produce a good portfolio. Dh and I are not artistic at all. It seems easier for parents with musically talented dc, because they will have sat exams so will have had their talent "quantified."

If anyone has a dc on an art scholarship, could you tell me how good they were.

Are you going to visit the school. I suspect that the Art department will have no problems in discussing what they're looking for.

Yes, we go for an interview after half term, so I will ask then.

I would ask before half term...phone them up and just ask them to clarify what they are interested in....I suspect that at this age, perfect ability is not half of what they want. They will also want a child who displays an advanced interest in art history....and who can discuss real artists and their work both past and present.

If your DC is not well versed in talking about art then get working now! Show her websites about art...take her to galleries...make sure she is comfortable with art terms like Impressionist, Cubist etc.

Get some books on art history and read them with her....discuss the art and get DD comfy with talking about who she enjoys and why.

And please feel free to PM me for more advice, I have quite extensive knowledge re. art in all forms which I would be happy to share.

They have to be pretty good technically (eg must be able to draw).

They should have a portfolio and sketchbook showing a variety of work, and be prepared to talk about their pieces.

They have to be able to talk about visits to galleries and what they found interesting.

Competition for art scholarships is really high.

At local boys schools (I have no girls, unfortunately!) they have to provide a portfolio of work and a letter of support from a teacher. In addition, they have to attend a half day session to be assessed.