Hobbies and interests section on independent school applications

[Sunshineismyjam]

Hi

I have a quick question for those who have been through this process before, if I may.

All the independent school application forms ask for information on hobbies and interests. Are you supposed to big the child up so they sound impressive? Or is that too try- hard?

Or do you keep it simple and just list their activities- or is this underselling them?

Or does it not matter and the section is simply to give the interviewer something to talk about? I think I am way overthinking this!

Schools will be looking to see if kids are rounded and have not just been hot housed for the entrance exam.
They will be interested to see if they are interested in the wider world , have some initiative, can be part of a team.
The prep schools will be expert at writing these for their pupils so give it your best shot without sounding like you are bragging would be my advice.

Keep it simple but where they have achieved or excelled then highlight it.

For example:

Piano - Grade 3 ABRSM

Football - Member of for five years

Chess - U10 World Champion

Playing video games

I put their most impressive one first, followed by their favourite hobby (if that isn’t the same).

It has a two fold purpose as you note. Firstly it’s a conversation point. Secondly they are looking for what you can bring to the school so if it’s something great they can brag about it in the future.

We've recently done an application. Hobbies is exactly that and we didn't make it about achievement, but recently tried ventures and what engages them. I don't know if this is what all schools are looking for but the head teachers speech and literature were all about the whole child and extra curricular activities.

They are looking for two things, and ideally your DC will,have one or the other (you don't need both, but obviously some paragons will have everything)

a) recognisable achievement (often to a high level) - as that will bring reflected glory to the school. And usually shows that the candidate is capable of sustained effort, has self discipline, can work towards a goal

b) just has interests - possibly lots of things, not necessarioymwith any achievement at all, but things the DC has stuck at and genuinely enjoyed. These may well be asked about at interview, so if your DC only has a sullen interest (because they've only done it because their mate likes it, or their parents prodded them into it) it will show. They want to see DC who are enjoyng life, taking opportunities and just Doing Stuff beyond a screen

I wouldn’t list video gaming - even if it’s true! We listed music and sport interests and clubs such as Brownies/scouts etc. Very few under 10s have achieved anything notable. So not having anything outstanding isn’t a deal breaker and the art/sports/music/drama prodigies will be going for scholarships anyway. You don’t have to compete with them. Never list anything your child cannot talk and enthuse about. Don’t list reading and books if your child couldn’t talk about anything they have read. Doing something, even if it’s not examined or competitive (riding a bike regularly in the countryside or helping to look after/walk grandmas dog) is better than nothing! Any participation in school events, sports or music could be listed. Think of anything that shows effort beyond school work - highlighting - teamwork, empathy, effort, enjoyment and perseverance. But above all is truthful.

I absolutely WOULD include video gaming if it’s something they enjoy, do a lot of, and can talk about in great detail. To be fair, I would put it last, but In not including it you are opening yourself up to your child answering “video gaming” when asked what they like to do in their spare time anyway.

There is increasingly huge demand for games designers - it’s a huge industry. Just because other parents can be a bit judgy about it, doesn’t mean you should not include it if it is your child’s main passion.

A girl at our prep is a big gamer and got into one of the top London day schools talking about how she is coding her own games in Roblox and her love of anime. It’s her passion, she is awesome at it, and the school really valued her being so different.

To be more specific, we listed making a gaming app with her father during lockdown and with her interest in Harry Potter she has looked at explaining some of the magic with science. All genuine interests, with no achievement, but it engaged her. Gaming can be really good, showing logic, puzzle solving and of course coding on Roblox/Minecraft. I'd mention it if it's what they enjoy. We didn't mention the hours of Netflix/YouTube watched though!