There is no need to make a separate application for an academic scholarship as all girls are considered based on their performance in the Entrance Examination. You will be notified if your daughter has been successful when places are offered.

Opportunities for Academic Scholars

From the beginning of Year 7, A Sydenham & Dulwich Girls’ Academic Scholar will accelerate their cognitive skills by embarking on the Socrates Programme, which provides the following:

• Bespoke mentoring to both support and stretch the individual.
• Inspiring lectures delivered by leading experts, including climate change scientists, UN delegates and designers.
• Hands-on creative experiences, including ‘behind-the-scenes’ museum visits.
• Academic workshops, which develop skills such as research and referencing.

This culminates in the completion of an annual individual project (Year 7 to 9) that reflects the personal interest of the pupil and demonstrates the development of an initial idea and self-reflection. In addition to a written element, final pieces have recently included: short films, plays, models, displays and robots.

Additional opportunities

• Invitations to lectures and activities in specialist areas, e.g. Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), plus Humanities, Performance and Creative subjects, when spaces are limited.
• Academic extension trips.
• GDST events and workshops.

The financial value of an Academic scholarship is usually up to 20% of the annual school fee and is expected to be held continuously throughout Years 7 to 13.

Sixth Form Academic scholarships recognise and reward academic excellence. A Sixth Form Academic Scholar will gain a wealth of exciting opportunities designed to expand minds, deepen thinking and cultivate intellectual curiosity.
The Academic Scholars’ Programme aims to cultivate intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and academic excellence in our Sixth Form students. This programme provides a challenging and enriching learning environment to foster the holistic development of students who exhibit exceptional academic potential.

Academic Scholars benefit from:

• Attending the Thriving Minds Conference
• GDST Oxbridge Conference
• Academic competitions related to A Level subjects
• Mentoring to support with applications for
  competitive Higher Education courses

In addition, all Sixth Form scholars benefit from our Critical Thinking Curriculum. This curriculum is designed to challenge students’ thinking, encouraging them to adopt a broader approach to their perspective of knowledge.
Through the consideration and debate of philosophical propositions such as:

• What did you once believe but now no longer do and why?
• What would you really like to know that you do not know now?
• What difference does it make in your life to believe or not believe something?
• Academic Scholars will be challenged to cultivate an academic mindset, and develop their critical thinking
  skills and cognitive flexibility.

The financial value of an Academic scholarship is usually up to 20% of the annual school fee and is
expected to be held continuously throughout Years 12 and 13.