The Arts

Music Academy

Our Music Academy for talented Musicians launched in 2024, offering the opportunity to take their musical skills  to the highest level through our extensive programme. 

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.

Each year, we hold a big Senior School Musical Production, which is always hugely popular – both with the audiences and with our students wanting to be involved! We let the students have a say in which show we choose, and try to choose well known and popular productions. In March 2024 we performed the iconic ‘Les Misérables’ with a huge cast of over 70 children! In 2023 we performed ‘Into The Woods’, the choice of some of our Sixth Form actors, and the previous
year, we had great fun with the ever popular ‘Grease’! 

In June 2024 we performed our first Middle School production – The Lion King Jr – including pupils from Prep 3 through to Form 2, giving our younger children the chance to be a part of a show with a real theatre experience. The children were absolutely outstanding with 7 and 8 year olds working with our senior school pupils on this really well known musical.

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.