Special trajectory – ‘Speccie’
At the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague (KABK), it is possible to combine art courses with secondary education. You are admitted as an external student in one of our preparatory courses and follow a special trajectory (Speccie). This is usually arranged on a case-by-case basis since school schedules are not always compatible with the schedules of the KABK classes.
You can become a 'speccie' if you are not attending one of the art plan schools or the School for Young Talent for reason being that you are used to a different type of educational system and are attending a Vrije School, International School or Montessori.
In most cases it is possible for students to follow part of our School for Young Talent programme or one of the Art Plan schools. An admissions procedure is required for participation in this Special trajectory of combined education. Where possible, the applicant’s own school will be consulted, in order to determine the extent to which participation in the preparatory track is compatible with the regular school curriculum.
Specifications
Language
Dutch
Study duration
Varies per candidate's level
Head preparatory courses
Zanne Zwart
Costs
A fee is required for this form of participation, based on the number of classes/half-day periods taken. After completing HAVO, a student may apply for admission to one of the bachelor programmes offered at the KABK. A separate admissions procedure is required for these programmes. Participation in the combined education trajectory does not directly qualify you for admission to the bachelor programmes.
Admission
An extensive admissions procedure applies for participation in the combined classes at the KABK. Interim admission is also possible.
In order to be admitted, applicants will have to contact voortraject@kabk.nl to make an appointment for consultation. For this consultation, you will be asked to bring a portfolio (i.e. a folder composed of your recent original work). You may also bring a laptop to show videos, photographs or other digital products.
The work will be examined for creative capacity, motivation, talent, ideation, uniqueness/originality and capacity for growth, in addition to diversity and the ability to work with materials and techniques. All of these aspects are discussed with the applicant during the interview. After the admissions interview, a decision will be taken concerning whether the student is eligible for admission or whether a second interview will be held, possibly with a follow-up assignment.
‘Speccie’
Students who are following a special combined learning track are sometimes referred to as ‘speccies’. Since the KABK class schedule and that of the students’ own schools varies each year, we request that ‘speccies’ contact the coordinator at the beginning of each academic year in order to agree upon a schedule for that year. In this way, we can prevent a ‘speccie’ from following the Drawing/Painting course on Thursday afternoon for a whole year, and then taking the same course on Wednesday afternoon the following year, to name an example. It is possible to take either one or two courses each week.
A 'speccie' can only be placed after successful admission and provided that an approval is given by their own school for attending classes at the KABK and related activities that are aligned with the school's programme.
