What are our top tips for anyone preparing for an interview at their senior school?
1) Practise being interviewed. Our Year 6&8 scholars* were put through their paces by three of our governors, but anyone - parents, godparents, neighbours - can be asked to help! It is a good idea to practise thinking on your feet.
2) Watch Newsround, read The Week etc – read and listen to the news regularly (every day is best) and discuss the topics with your family and teachers so you can start to form your own opinions. This advice is relevant not only to academic scholars but also sport, art, drama and music scholar applicants too - read the sports news, the culture section, follow favourite musicians on social media, listen to podcasts on relevant topics - all helpful.
3) Prepare answers to key questions, such as who is someone you admire? Which person inspires you the most in your field? What would ask them if you had the chance? What motivates you? Which are your favourite subjects and why? Which book are you reading? What did you do at the weekend? Do you have any hobbies outside of school? What do you think of your school?
4) Think about how you present yourself: strong handshake, eye contact, smile, brushed/tidy hair, dress smartly (even if it is in sports kit) – all important. Our Year 6 pupils recently practised their handshakes, eye contact and how to enter a room in their study skills lesson. Worth practising with family members too! Remember that during a tour, and interview or on “activity days” at senior schools, you are on show and your behaviour and how you interact with other pupils is being observed.
Thank you to our governors for giving up their time. It means a lot.
*Pupils are applying to senior schools for a range of scholarships: academic, all-rounder, art, drama, music and sport.
If you'd like to come and see Westbourne House School, our upcoming Open Morning would be the ideal time.
