music
Our aim is to provide all pupils with a comprehensive music education, a solid grounding for further study and an appreciation of a wide range of musical styles.
We also believe that music is a powerful tool in young people’s lives and we love to watch them grow into confident, creative, courageous individuals.
Pupils study music for one lesson each week in Years 7–9 and are given opportunities to develop their performance, composition and listening skills. Pupils can then choose to continue to GCSE in Year 10. Music is also offered at A Level.
Key Stage 3
Music lessons cover a range of different musical styles, learning about the different elements of music and music from different cultures. Lessons combine the three musical skills of performing, composing and listening. Students have the opportunity to play a range of instruments, including djembe, keyboards, ukulele, electric guitar, bass guitar, drum kit, and compose using both staff notation software and DAWs such as Cubase and Edu Band Lab.
Key Stage 4
Course: GCSE Music (9-1) Exam Board: Edexcel
As a standard pre-requisite for GCSE Music, students should show a basic understanding in music theory prior to joining the course and should be proficient to at least a Grade 3 standard (ABRSM or Trinity College London) on an instrument of their choosing. Having an understanding of keyboard skills is also incredibly useful but not essential.
Students will be expected to complete a series of compositions in various styles both for their instrument and for an ensemble. Students will learn about the traditional Western music such as the Baroque, Classical and Romantic eras, Descriptive music such as music for film and musicals, Popular music and Fusion music.
Students will hone their skills in performing, listening, appraising and composing through the two year course which will also prepared students to study further to A-Level Music.
Key Stage 5
The Music Department currently teaches the Eduqas specification for A Level Music.
Extracurricular Music Clubs 2024-2025
Year 7 Wind Band
Year 7 students at the Ashcombe School have an exciting opportunity to join a unique music programme. Run partly during school and partly during extracurricular time, the Year 7 Wind Band will provide 18 students with the chance to learn to play an instrument that they have not learnt before and immediately become a member of a band that will perform in at least two school events. Read more about the opportunity here.
For any enquiries regarding the programme, please do not hesitate to contact the Head of Music, Mr Houlston via email: houlston.edmund@ashcombe.surrey.sch.uk
Instrumental Lessons
Instrumental lessons at the Ashcombe School are provided by Surrey Arts. Applications for lessons can be found via this link.
Free School Meals Surrey Arts Music Lessons
Students in receipt of Free School Meals, are eligible for either a free 15 instrumental individual lesson or a free group lesson. Instrumental hire is free but subject to availability. If you are interested in taking advantage of this, please apply through the Surrey Arts Website.
Cheryl King Trust
The Cheryl King Trust is a trust fund based in Surrey who believe that all young people should be able to experience the joy of music making. The trust fund focuses on helping young people who would not otherwise have music opportunities because of financial disadvantage. Please note this aimed at students who do not qualify for Free School Meals. Please see more details on their website.
Ensembles are open to all students through Year 7 to 13 of all abilities. There are several concerts in school and within the local community. Please see the extracurricular timetable:
