The Music Department enjoys a high profile in the school. We have an extensive extra-curricular programme throughout the week that contributes to a large number of concerts and performances throughout the year.

At the center of the department is an engaging classroom curriculum which is designed to inspire, engage and challenge students to develop their performance and composition skills on a number of instruments including piano, guitar and ukulele along with the use of music editing software.

The department has four well-resourced teaching areas. The first is a traditional music room with 17 keyboards and 32 ukuleles. The second is a Music Technology suite with all the latest Apple Mac recording and editing equipment along with Sibelius music notation software. The third is a traditional music room with 18 keyboards and 32 ukuleles and also features a large live music performance space with guitars, bass guitars, amps, piano and drum kit set up. The fourth space is set up for A-Level study with a further 2 Apple Mac computer stations. We also have 32 acoustic guitars, African drums, steel pans and four practice rooms available and a further two peripatetic teaching rooms.

The schemes of work provide a diverse, interactive and practical pathway through a number of musical styles ranging from Pop Music, Jazz and Blues, Hip-Hop and Impressionism.

The curriculum overview for Key Stage 3 can be viewed below:

Music KS4:

At Shenfield High School, we offer two courses at KS4, we offer two different courses: Outlines of the courses provided are stated below:

GCSE Syllabus: OCR GCSE 2016 Specification
BTEC First Award Music (Technology)
NCFE Music Technology

Music KS5:

At Shenfield High School, we offer two courses at KS5, we offer two different courses: Outlines of the courses provided are stated below:

Edexcel A-Level Music
Edexcel BTEC Music Performance

Extra-Curricular

The extra-curricular programme is one of the most extensive and wide ranging in the Brentwood area. Our aim is to provide an opportunity for every student in the school to develop their musical ability. We have clubs for complete beginners all the way to more advanced instrumental groups. The clubs take place during morning registration, lunchtime and after school. All clubs are free of charge.

Current clubs and activities. 

Music Tours and Educational Trips

We like to reward our students for working hard throughout the year by taking them on a music tour. We have performed in Barcelona, Cologne, Paris, Lake Garda and Salzburg over the years giving students a well-earned rest but also providing further performance opportunities. The school have also been fortunate to welcome special guests such as the Coldstream Guards to lead masterclasses with students and discuss what professions there are for musicians.

At Shenfield High School the music department continues to develop new strategies and follow student trends in order to provide the most engaging learning environment we can.

Why not come along to one of our concerts to see for yourself?

Useful Links

Follow us on twitter @SHSmusicdept for all the latest Music department news.