Holland park school

[deanyyy]

Hi all... can anyone help? I've applied for my daughter to take the art test for holland park school... Can anyone tell me what sort of questions are asked in the test and what sort of practical work I could expect my daughter to be asked to do?

I don't have current knowledge I'm afraid but my daughter was among the first art aptitude intake a few years back. There was a picture on display on a screen and they had to do a response to it - ie create an art work. Various materials were provided. I think they are looking for genuine talent and interest in art.

Two years ago DS had to draw a hand. It is an art test, there was no writing. There was something else but I remember that as it is quite daunting to the non-arty! He failed the test. (I only know that as I asked - you're not told as it were)

There is the persistent rumour that the Art Aptitude that used to take place the week after the banding test was a ruse to give places to bright out of borough kids - but all the kids I know on Art Aptitude are properly arty. HP will correct me if I am wrong but I believe there is a lot of extra art for those students too - ie you must really want to do it, the two I know from DD's year are both doing the GCSE for example.

Yes, Sinclair is right on both counts. I am certain there was a disproportionate number of kids in Band 1 in the first intake. We were within catchment so DD would have got in anyway.

They do offer extra classes but quite a few dropped out, they don't force them to do GCSE, a lot are G&T at art or have arty parents though. DD was offered the chance of A level early but she refused. By the way there are kids doing well at art who weren't part of the art aptitude intake.

No portfolio needed.

Pencil skills only - 1 hour, two things to sketch. Shading etc.