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Music

The Music curriculum at Southend High School for Boys.

Music

Curriculum intent

Music at Southend High School for Boys develops creative, skilled and reflective musicians who understand both the artistic and technological dimensions of music-making. Students are encouraged to explore music as performers, composers, listeners and producers, developing technical expertise alongside creativity and critical understanding.

The curriculum enables students to appreciate music from a wide range of historical, cultural and stylistic contexts while developing practical musical skills. Students learn how music communicates ideas, emotions and cultural identity, while gaining confidence in performance, composition and analysis.

Particular emphasis is placed on the role of technology in contemporary music production. Students develop expertise in recording, sequencing, synthesis, mixing and mastering, preparing them for further study and careers within the creative industries.

Music at SHSB

In the classroom

The student experience

Students experience Music through performance, composition, listening and practical music technology activities. Lessons combine creativity with technical skill development, enabling students to develop confidence as musicians and producers.

Students engage with live performance, ensemble work, composition projects and music production software. Through practical experimentation they learn how music is created, recorded and distributed in modern society.

Students are encouraged to become independent, creative and technically competent musicians capable of expressing themselves through performance and production.

Year by year

Curriculum journey

Key Stage 3
  • Performance skills
  • Composition techniques
  • Listening and appraisal
  • Ensemble work
  • Musical elements
  • Music theory
GCSE Music
  • Performing
  • Composing
  • Appraising Music
  • Musical contexts
  • Genre and style
A Level Music Technology
  • Recording and mixing
  • MIDI sequencing
  • Synthesis
  • Audio editing
  • Mastering
  • Composition using technology
  • Studio engineering
  • Independent production projects

How pupils are assessed

Assessment

Assessment includes performance, composition, listening analysis, production tasks, coursework projects and practical examinations.

Beyond lessons

Enrichment opportunities

School ensembles
Concerts
House Music
Performance opportunities
Recording projects
Music technology workshops

Where it leads

Careers & progression

Performance
Music production
Sound engineering
Composition
Media production
Creative industries
Teaching

Music at SHSB — full brochure

Download the full 4-page Music department brochure for detailed year-by-year curriculum, ensembles and performance opportunities.

Download Music brochure PDF →

Questions about Music?

Contact the Subject Leader via the school office.

Contact the school

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Part of something bigger, our wider school family.

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