Academic Scholarship Criteria

Students applying for academic scholarships should show a range of advanced analytical, critical and creative thinking skills essential to achieving success in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. Scholarship candidates should show evidence of participation in rigorous learning and enrichment experiences both within and beyond the classroom.

Selection of academic scholars is based on the results of past academic performance indicated by school reports, letters of recommendation, testing, portfolios and interviews coordinated by the Discovery College scholarships committee. Students coming from the MYP curriculum are expected to have a score of 46 across all eight subjects (excluding Personal Project); students in the DP curriculum are expected to have a score of 35 across six subjects (excluding TOK and Extended Essay). New applicants should have a Semester 1 grade at or above the minimum listed above.

In addition to school performance, academic scholarship applicants will also be asked to sit an external scholarship examination. The scholarship examination includes individual assessments in the areas of mathematics, language, writing and academic potential. Each test will last approximately 30-40 minutes. A score in the top twenty percent on this examination is expected in order for the student to be invited to an interview with the scholarship committee.

Scholarship students should be able to present themselves as well rounded individuals who participate in activities and community service outside the school environment. Demonstrated leadership ability will also be closely looked at by the scholarship committee.

Please note, scholarship applications are reviewed and examinations scheduled promptly; following the exam, short-listed candidates are invited for an interview with the scholarship committee at the College. In addition to the documents required of all scholarship applicants, academic scholarship applicants must also submit a fee of $650 to support the cost of the scholarship assessment administration. Cheques should be made payable to Discovery College.

Other Criteria:

In addition to criteria specific to the scholarship type, to receive a scholarship award at Discovery College, students must demonstrate themselves to be leaders among their peers in both academics and community service. This commitment should be demonstrated through contributions to the college community and beyond through service and leadership.

Discovery College looks for globally minded candidates who are able to make sound decisions and solve complex problems with integrity, honesty and a sense of fairness. Candidates should be able to approach unfamiliar situations without anxiety, show sensitivity towards the needs of others and respect the views, values and traditions of other individuals and cultures. Above all, DC Scholarship students should be able to give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and development.

All external candidates are expected to pass the Discovery College admissions assessment for their respective year level.

Continuing Requirements:

Once awarded, academic scholarship recipients are expected to maintain an exemplary standard in their academic pursuits and commitment to Discovery College. Students in the MYP curriculum are expected to have a minimum average score of 46 across all eight subjects (excluding Personal Project) across Semester 1 and 2 grades; students in the DP curriculum are expected to have a minimum average score of 35 across six subjects (excluding TOK and Extended Essay) across Semester 1 and 2 grades. It is compulsory for recipients to be active participants in College activities and community service initiatives through the end of Year 13.

Scholarship students are expected to follow the Discovery College code of conduct, as well as continue to demonstrate themselves as leaders within and outside the College community. Commitment to the College and academic pursuits will be monitored by the assigned scholarship mentor. The renewal of scholarship awards is at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee through their annual review process, which takes into account feedback from the scholarship mentor, deans, and academic grade reports.

Athletic (Sporting) Scholarship Criteria

Athletics scholarships are awarded to students in recognition of outstanding achievement in the field of Physical Education and Sports. Athletic scholarship applicants should be able to make a considerable contribution to the quality of sport performance at DC. This commitment should be demonstrated through current and past participation in competitive athletic programmes and extra curricular activities at a local, national and/or international level. Evidence such as performance summaries, national/provincial representative selection, coaches references or letters of recommendation, as well as video of performance, will be reviewed to determine the quality of athletic performance.

Please note, scholarship applications are reviewed, in the first instance, by the head of the physical education department, and short-listed candidates invited for an interview with the scholarship committee at the College.

Other Criteria

In addition to criteria specific to the scholarship type, to receive a scholarship award at Discovery College, students must demonstrate themselves to be leaders among their peers in both academics and community service. This commitment should be demonstrated through contributions to the college community and beyond through service and leadership.

Discovery College looks for globally minded candidates who are able to make sound decisions and solve complex problems with integrity, honesty and a sense of fairness. 

Candidates should be able to approach unfamiliar situations without anxiety, show sensitivity towards the needs of others and respect the views, values and traditions of other individuals and cultures. Above all, DC Scholarship students should be able to give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and development.

All external applicants are expected to pass the Discovery College admissions assessment for their respective year level.

Continuing Requirements

Once a scholarship is granted, athletes must maintain a very high standard in Physical Education classes and/or sporting commitments while meeting overall academic standards. Applicants should display a strong commitment to the continued development of sport and sporting performance at Discovery College. Requirements could include compulsory attendance at trainings/practices, development workshops, coaching roles for senior students, running lunchtime sport, as well as College representation at sporting competitions. Athletes will also be required to commit to a College code of conduct at sporting events. The development and fulfilment of requirements will be monitored by an assigned scholarship mentor. The renewal of scholarship awards is at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee through their annual review process, which takes into account feedback from the scholarship mentor, deans, and academic grade reports.

Community Engagement Scholarship Criteria

Students applying for Community Engagement scholarships should show a range of participation and leadership in the area of Community Engagement, leading to demonstrated and significant change as follows:

Leadership: Community engagement scholarship students are role models for compassion and service, making a significant contribution to building a sense of shared purpose and community responsibility. They should be able to demonstrate their ability to build stronger communities through helping others flourish in their school and the wider community. In particular, they should be able to demonstrate a substantial track record in initiating and leading positive change both within and beyond their school. Examples could include creating, founding, and/or playing a leading role in social projects or NGOs; holding events or developing programmes that bring about benefit to other people and/or the environment; and/or advocacy at a significant level to benefit a social or environmental cause. This track record should include measures that clearly demonstrate the impact of the students’ leadership.

Collective Social Responsibility: Community engagement scholarship students support their peers in improving their community through championing volunteering, CCA’s and leadership, and participation in Community Engagement Groups. They can demonstrate how they have contributed to a community program or initiative with measurable results, showing how their leadership or participation has had a positive and long lasting impact.

Community Mentorship: Community engagement scholarship students demonstrate positive values and behaviours that inspire and influence others. They should be able to demonstrate how through their mentoring they have supported the personal growth and development of others.

Agents of change: Community engagement scholarship students influence or motivate others to effect positive changes through personal development and self-improvement. They should be able to demonstrate their role in empowering other learners to take principled action, making a difference for themselves, our planet and humanity.

Through a detailed presentation of Community Engagement activities, students should identify each activity, give a description of how they are involved, and outline the significant contribution and outcome of their participation. Students should be able to reflect on their experience and talk about how they would plan to increase participation in meaningful activities at the College.

Scholarship students should be active and engaged learners and be able to present themselves as well rounded individuals who participate in a range of activities outside the school environment. Demonstrated leadership ability will be closely looked at by the scholarship committee.

Other Criteria

In addition to criteria specific to the scholarship type, to receive a scholarship award at Discovery College, students must demonstrate themselves to be leaders among their peers in both academics and community service. This commitment should be demonstrated through contributions to the college community and beyond through service and leadership.

Discovery College looks for globally minded candidates who are able to make sound decisions and solve complex problems with integrity, honesty and a sense of fairness. Candidates should be able to approach unfamiliar situations without anxiety, show sensitivity towards the needs of others and respect the views, values and traditions of other individuals and cultures. Above all, DC Scholarship students should be able to give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and development.

All external candidates are expected to pass the Discovery College admissions assessment for their respective year level.

Continuing Requirements

Once awarded, community engagement scholarship recipients are expected to maintain an exemplary standard in participation in Community engagement activities throughout the year.

Scholarship students are expected to follow the Discovery College code of conduct, as well as continue to demonstrate themselves as leaders within and outside the College community. Commitment to the College and academic pursuits will be monitored by the assigned scholarship mentor. The renewal of scholarship awards is at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee through their annual review process, which takes into account feedback from the scholarship mentor, deans, and academic grade reports.

Design scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate a distinctive personal design style, with advanced ability to communicate design ideas and design detail. Students will produce design products that show refined technical skill and high-quality finish. Students are expected to excel in the practice of design, both inside and beyond the classroom, through personal design projects or extra curricular activities. To be considered for a Design scholarship, students must have a Semester 1 achievement grade of 6 or above in Design in the MYP or Design Technology in the DP.

Please note, scholarship applications and portfolios are reviewed, in the first instance, by the head of the design department, and short-listed candidates are invited to participate in a design assessment and an interview with the scholarship committee at the College. Students will be required to present a portfolio of design projects, which includes a minimum of two design outcomes and annotated sketches illustrating their design process.

Students will show their work and provide an oral presentation to the scholarship committee. Scholarship candidates should be able to talk about their work, clearly defining their design vision and aspirations.

Other Criteria:

In addition to criteria specific to the scholarship type, to receive a scholarship at Discovery College, students must demonstrate themselves to be leaders among their peers in both academics and community service. This commitment should be demonstrated through contributions to the college community and beyond through service and leadership.

Discovery College looks for globally minded candidates who are able to make sound decisions and solve complex problems with integrity, honesty and a sense of fairness. Candidates should be able to approach unfamiliar situations without anxiety, show sensitivity towards the needs of others and respect the views, values and traditions of other individuals and cultures. Above all, DC Scholarship students should be able to give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and development.

All external candidates are expected to pass the Discovery College admissions assessment for their respective year level.

Continuing Requirements:

Recipients of Design scholarships will be required to support the Design department at Discovery College. It is compulsory for scholarship students to be enrolled in design classes as part of the DC curriculum and continue to develop a portfolio through the end of Year 13. The continued expectation is that students with Design scholarships earn a minimum average achievement grade of 6 in Design/Design Technology across Semester 1 and 2.

Once awarded a scholarship, students will be expected to continue to grow and excel in the area of Design, providing mentorship and inspiration to fellow students. Scholarship students should also be prepared to display their work, work with students as instructors/mentors, and participate in design competitions and exhibitions as a representative of Discovery College. 

Scholarship students will also actively seek opportunities to contribute to school initiatives, such as furniture for classrooms, lamps/bowls/sculpture for meeting rooms or offices, library stands/holders/resources, end of year gifts for leaving students and staff, display stands for student work and service to local or wider communities. Scholarship students are expected to follow the Discovery College code of conduct, as well as continue to demonstrate themselves as leaders within and outside the College community. Development and fulfilment of requirements will be monitored by the assigned scholarship mentor. The renewal of scholarship awards is at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee through their annual review process, which takes into account feedback from the scholarship mentor, deans, and academic grade reports.

Music Scholarship Criteria

Discovery College invites talented music students to apply for music scholarships. Students applying for a music scholarship should strive to develop their ability and love for music through music creation, analysis, performance and reflection. Applicants should submit a video/audio portfolio of their work demonstrating their ability. To be considered for a music scholarship, students must have a Semester 1 achievement grade of 6 or higher in music.

Please note, scholarship applications are reviewed, in the first instance, by the head of the music department, and short-listed candidates invited for an audition and interview with the scholarship committee at the College.

Invited Music Scholarship applicants will participate in an audition consisting of a performance of music, site reading, and aural tests. Technical work, scales for example, will be tested at the level of the applicant’s last exam. Applicants will be required to perform two pieces of music they’ve prepared in contrasting styles with a maximum time of 8 minutes total. Students will be asked general knowledge questions based on the pieces they played. Music theory and musicianship will also be addressed. If accompaniment is required on performance pieces, the accompanist should be provided by the student.

Other Criteria:

In addition to criteria specific to the scholarship type, to receive a scholarship award at Discovery College, students must demonstrate themselves to be leaders among their peers in both academics and community service. This commitment should be demonstrated through contributions to the college community and beyond through service and leadership.

Discovery College looks for globally minded candidates who are able to make sound decisions and solve complex problems with integrity, honesty and a sense of fairness. 

Candidates should be able to approach unfamiliar situations without anxiety, show sensitivity towards the needs of others and respect the views, values and traditions of other individuals and cultures. Above all, DC Scholarship students should be able to give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and development.

All external applicants are expected to pass the Discovery College admissions assessment for their respective Year level.

Continuing Requirements:

Recipients of music scholarships will be required to support the overall music programme at Discovery College. It is compulsory for students to be enrolled in music classes as part of the Discovery College curriculum through the end of Year 13. Recipients will also be required to participate in at least two music ensembles at the discretion of the head of music. 

Scholarship students should also be prepared to play at concerts and other events sponsored by and representing the College. The continued expectation is that students with Music scholarships earn a minimum average achievement grade of 6 in Music across Semester 1 and 2 grades.

Scholarship students are expected to follow the Discovery College code of conduct, as well as continue to demonstrate themselves as leaders within and outside the College community. Development and fulfilment of requirements will be monitored by an assigned scholarship mentor. The renewal of scholarship awards is at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee through their annual review process, which takes into account feedback from the scholarship mentor, deans, and academic grade reports.

Drama Scholarship Criteria

Drama scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate the ability to make an exceptional contribution to the College in the area of Drama and Theatre Arts. Successful candidates should have already made significant contributions in the area of performing arts in their current school and/or community. To be considered for a Drama scholarship, students must have a Semester 1 achievement grade of 6 or higher in Drama/Theatre.

In addition to the DC Scholarship Application, Drama Scholarship applicants should prepare and submit a portfolio or scrapbook of theatre involvement and written reflections.

Please note, scholarship applications are reviewed, in the first instance, by the head of the drama department, and short-listed candidates will be invited to an audition and an interview with the scholarship committee at the College.

Through performance, candidates will be able to demonstrate their ability to interpret written material in a dramatic context. They should demonstrate the ability to create and convey character, mood, atmosphere, emotion and narrative with style and accomplishment.

If invited to audition, candidates will be asked to perform two contrasting monologues, one from a modern (post 1950) and the second from a classical play. Candidates will be expected to answer questions about their character development and choices made using the context of the play. Candidates are advised to choose monologues that demonstrate a range of mature acting skills. Other skills such as song, dance, mime and improvisation may also be offered together with evidence of theatre design or technical expertise.

Scholarship applicants should be able to speak with the Scholarship Committee about their experiences with Drama as well as their goals and aspirations in the theatre.

Other Criteria:

In addition to criteria specific to the scholarship type, to receive a scholarship award at Discovery College, students must demonstrate themselves to be leaders among their peers in both academics and community service. This commitment should be demonstrated through contributions to the college community and beyond through service and leadership.

Discovery College looks for globally minded candidates who are able to make sound decisions and solve complex problems with integrity, honesty and a sense of fairness. 

Candidates should be able to approach unfamiliar situations without anxiety, show sensitivity towards the needs of others and respect the views, values and traditions of other individuals and cultures. Above all, DC Scholarship students should be able to give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and development.

All external applicants are expected to pass the Discovery College admissions assessment for their respective year level.

Continuing Requirements:

Recipients of Drama scholarships will be required to support the drama programme at Discovery College. It is compulsory for students to be enrolled in drama classes as part of the Discovery College curriculum through the end of Year 13. Scholarship students should also be prepared to participate in College drama productions and perform at assemblies and other events sponsored by and representing the College. The continued expectation is that students with Drama scholarships earn a minimum average achievement grade of 6 in Drama/Theatre across Semester 1 and 2.

Scholarship students are expected to follow the Discovery College code of conduct, as well as continue to demonstrate themselves as leaders within and outside the College community. Development and fulfilment of requirements will be monitored by the assigned scholarship advisor. The renewal of scholarship awards is at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee through their annual review process, which takes into account feedback from the scholarship mentor, deans, and academic grade reports.

Visual Arts Scholarship Criteria

Visual Arts scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding artistic ability with clear evidence of technical proficiency across a variety of media, and a distinctive personal aesthetic. Students are expected to excel in the practice of art, both inside and beyond the classroom through art exhibitions, private art lessons and/or extra curricular activities. To be considered for a visual arts scholarship, students must have a Semester 1 achievement grade of 6 or higher in visual arts.

Please note, scholarship applications and portfolios are reviewed, in the first instance, by the head of the visual arts department, and short-listed candidates are invited to participate in an art assessment and an interview with the scholarship committee at the College.

Students will be required to present a portfolio of artwork, which includes a minimum of six finished studio pieces and a sketchbook of their ideas and development work. Students will show their work and provide an oral presentation to the scholarship committee. Scholarship candidates should be able to talk about their work, clearly defining their artistic vision and aspirations. Evidence of prior achievements will also be taken into consideration, such as participation in art competitions, exhibitions and extra curricular artistic activities.

Other Criteria:

In addition to criteria specific to the scholarship type, to receive a scholarship at Discovery College, students must demonstrate themselves to be leaders among their peers in both academics and community service. This commitment should be demonstrated through contributions to the college community and beyond through service and leadership.

Discovery College looks for globally minded candidates who are able to make sound decisions and solve complex problems with integrity, honesty and a sense of fairness. Candidates should be able to approach unfamiliar situations without anxiety, show sensitivity towards the needs of others and respect the views, values and traditions of other individuals and cultures. Above all, DC Scholarship students should be able to give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and development.

All external candidates are expected to pass the Discovery College admissions assessment for their respective year level.

Continuing Requirements:

Recipients of Visual Arts scholarships will be required to support the Visual Arts department at Discovery College. It is compulsory for scholarship students to be enrolled in visual arts classes as part of the DC curriculum and continue to develop a portfolio through the end of Year 13. The continued expectation is that students with Visual Arts scholarships earn a minimum average achievement grade of 6 in Visual Arts across Semester 1 and 2 grades.

Once awarded a scholarship, students will be expected to continue to grow and excel in the area of Visual Arts, providing mentorship and inspiration to fellow students. Scholarship students should also be prepared to display their work, work with students as instructors/mentors, and participate in art competitions and exhibitions as a representative of Discovery College. Scholarship students are expected to follow the Discovery College code of conduct, as well as continue to demonstrate themselves as leaders within and outside the College community. Development and fulfilment of requirements will be monitored by the assigned scholarship mentor. The renewal of scholarship awards is at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee through their annual review process, which takes into account feedback from the scholarship mentor, deans, and academic grade reports.

Questions about the scholarship programme or application process can be directed to communications@dc.edu.hk.