Scholarships and extra tuition

[Brandysnap1]

Hi
Advice and thoughts gratefully received. My 12 year old son has been put forward to try for a art and an academic scholarship for his next school with exams in feb. He is currently in his last year a private prep school. Yesterday, first day back, I was informed that to support him in his attempt for the art scholarship, the art teacher was offering extra 3 hr weekly lesson at a cost of £45 per lesson , that would be 10 lesson this year and presumably on going til feb 2013 . I am some what shocked that I am being asked to pay for extra lessons, but maybe this is the norm ?? I thus so far have not been informed I need to pay for extra lessons toward to academic scholarship. Before I go and speak to the head master/ art teacher I would be pleased of some thoughts......

I haven't ever come across this to be honest and it sounds a bit tacky doesn't it - "oh your DS has a good shot at this scholarship, by the way extra coaching is £135 per week" .

My DS is going for an academic scholarship for his next (not very selective) school and his current Prep do 3 hours of coaching and practice papers per week for free, they do this for all children sitting any kind of entrance exam including CE because obviously, the more scholars and children getting into their first choice schools they can boast about, the better for their reputation. These coaching sessions are run as after school clubs and are not compulsory, although most DC's do attend.

I'm not sure what I would do in your situation. Can your DS put together a good art portfolio without this support ? Would you prefer an independent tutor if you decide you do need one?

I would contact the school he wishes to apply for and ask them what is expected. My DS has an academic scholarship and it was assessed on potential rather than exam results alone using a particular computer programme test that they do in the particular school. Also take into consideration what a "scholarship" actually means, will there be a fee concession (Thereby offsetting the up front cost) or will it be for the honour only with any fee concession being means tested? This may help you to balance the decision. Furthermore, you need to assess the chances of actually getting a scholarship e.g. how many have been awarded each year vs applicants over the last few years, again something that the Senior school can tell you.

How certain are you that he will get a place simply on the basis of the exam.

Applying for a scholarship can help a marginal academic candidate. If they are good at sport, art or music sitting the scholarship means they are looked at twice and even if they dont get it, it might mean they have the edge over another borderline candidate as the sports/arts/music teacher should argue that they will make the greater contribution to the school.

That said prep schools usually like to boast of scholarships received. It helps their marketing. I am surprised that you are being asked to pay extra. I would ask to talk to the Head or Deputy.

It's pretty normal for Art Clubs to make a charge for extra materials, but the teacher time is normally free (especially in prep schools). This does seem very expensive though at £15 per hour.

Could you find out more about that they propose to do, and how many sessions they were thinking of?

This is outrageous. Firstly, your child is good at art and doesn't need 1-1 lessons to get a scholarship. If they do then they shouldn't be going for one. Art scholarships generally are only honorary so you'd spend more getting one than the discount would be.

Secondly, the art teacher does not get paid £45 per hour teaching at the school so it is outrageous to suggest that you should pay her around 2-3 times her current hourly rate!

Thank you all for your comments.
Colleger you have really summed my thoughts up perfectly. Everything you say is how I feel about the situation.
Only 2 children from the school have been offered the chance to try for the scholarship and I did have a call from the other childs mother , who felt exactly the same. Think we were both stunned.
And as you say , we would be spending more than the small discount would be worth...Both children started a portfolio in June, and I was told this was so they had sufficient time to complete all the work. They are both very enthusiastic and capable children.
Anyhow , my husband and I sent an email back with a copy to the head, stating that we were concerned that the extra lessons and associated costs were not mentioned at the time of the offer and that we would not be taking her up on her offer.
I sent that wednesday and am yet to have a response.
He is also in the scholars group for an academic scholarship and I have not been told of any extra payment there !!

Could you imagine if they then said that the academic scholars needed extra tuition! If one subject was exceptionally weak and they were brilliant at the others then maybe one would consider it for an academic scholarship but that would be the only instance.