The Arts
Creativity is one of our School Values and we see it in bucketloads in our pupils across the school! The Creative, Digital and Performing Arts are very much part of life at Shebbear College and we offer a varied programme of co-curricular activities, giving all pupils the opportunity to find something to suit them. There is so much on offer here, and passion and creativity for Art, Music and Drama can be felt throughout the school.
Our pupils have the chance to develop and excel as performers, directors and set designers in our various productions and concerts, boosting their confidence and learning new skills.
Music
All of our pupils are encouraged to develop an appreciation of music, and there is a wealth of opportunities on offer with our numerous choirs, instrumental ensembles and orchestras allowing pupils to experience all aspects of music-making. We provide options for pupils who wish to enjoy making music as a pastime as well as options for pupils who want to take their skills to the highest level.
At whatever level pupils choose to take part in music at Shebbear, they benefit from the exceptional facilities we provide. Our dedicated Music School is superbly equipped with the latest facilities including our music tech suite, teaching classrooms and numerous practice rooms, performance areas, a sound-proofed recording studio and a suite of computers with editing software. We also have an excellent selection of instruments including Steinway pianos and keyboards.
Pupils from Reception upwards enjoy music lessons in the Music School, making the most of everything on offer from an early age.
Our Peripatetic musicians teach a number of subjects including flute, clarinet, saxophone, strings, brass, guitar, percussion, piano and singing.
Formal concerts provide an opportunity for our gifted and able musicians to perform solos. We also provide opportunities to perform within the local community and encourage participation in music festivals. All forms of music at all standards are encouraged and celebrated!
We are proud to have been awarded the Incorporated Society of Musicians’ Gold certificate in GCSE music, putting the school in the top 87 schools nationally.
Drama
We offer a far reaching range of opportunities in the Drama department, with chances to explore and excel as performers or be part of the backstage team developing skills in lighting, sound and stage management. Drama is a popular activity at Shebbear College and we hold several productions a year including whole school Musicals and Plays as well as House competitions and year group performances. Games and exercises are used to encourage communication and control as well as to inspire enjoyment and laughter. Drama is enjoyed by all of our pupils, from Reception upwards.
In March 2022, after two years of Covid restrictions, we were able to return to the stage for our school production of Grease - which involved around 40 pupils as cast and crew and was a true triumph - dynamic, feel-good and fun! You can read more about this succesful production here.
Our pupils have the chance to develop and excel as performers, directors and set designers in our various productions and concerts, boosting their confidence and learning new skills.
Art
Our Art & Design studios are creative spaces where our pupils can let their intellectual, observational and imaginative skills flow. We encourage our pupils to use their own interests to shape the work that they do.
All pupils study Art from Reception through to Form 3 (Year 9) and a large number choose the subject at both GCSE and A-level. Pupils have access to our three Art & Sculpture Studios (Prep School, Senior School and Sixth Form), as well as our Pottery and Textiles workshops. We follow a range of disciplines, developing skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media and photography and experimenting with different mediums.
We have a dedicated Sixth Form Art studio where A-Level lessons take place. Each pupil has their own work area where they can leave work out and return to it; this space can also be used outside of lesson times.
As part of the Art syllabus, our pupils also have the opportunity to visit Art Galleries, Studios and Museums, as well as attending workshops with artists and photographers.
