About
Liverpool Cathedral Schools Singing Programme (SSP) has been working with primary schools since 2012. During this time, we’ve worked with some 8,000 children from over 40 schools, run more than 20 music projects, and given large-scale performances both at the cathedral and across this Diocese.
We currently work with 15 partner-schools across the diocese of Liverpool, with pupils in Years 1-6.
Our curriculum-driven model enriches music provision in schools, enabling schools to meet the developmental targets set in the National Plan for Music Education (2022) for Key Stages 1 and 2.
Our two packages
Singing, Musicianship and Performance
Our original package which targets all 8 points of the Model Music Curriculum through developing singing and enhancing musicianship, all through performance.
Singing and Musicianship with RE and SIAMS Focus
As above but with the curriculum content shifting to focus on satisfying the RE and SIAMS criteria in both non-faith and church schools.
Delivery
The SSP is run as a partnership with schools. Our expert music staff visit partner-schools across 30 weeks of the year to provide one hour of singing-based workshops (2 x 30 minutes) across two classes or year groups. Workshops include warm-ups, singing games, new songs, and musicianship skills which include improvisation and music notation reading.
Partner-schools receive a whole school singing assembly each term. These are huge fun and are great for lifting energy and morale amidst a busy term.
After-School Choirs
Pupils of partner-schools can access our after-school choirs programme across the Diocese of Liverpool. Choirs include the Liverpool Cathedral Choir and our Junior Choirs in Liverpool, Knowsley and Sefton.
For Church of England Church Schools and Religious Academies
The Liverpool Cathedral SSP supports these schools in helping them to meet the guidelines set out by SIAMS (Strategic Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools), boosting leadership and vision of Christian education and the effect of Religious Studies in schools through:
- Enhancing the impact of collective worship
- Using music to promote character development
- Teaching dignity and respect through music
- Widening Christian knowledge, wisdom and skills through music
- Encouraging good team-work and harmonious living through music
For joint-denominational schools, the SSP also meets the guidelines set out in the Catholic Schools Inspectorate, specifically with access to liturgical music to aid collective worship.
For Non-Religious Community Schools and Academies
The Liverpool Cathedral SSP has strong working relationships with many non-religious schools in Liverpool. Our curriculum is easily adjustable to suit the RE requirements set out in the Locally Agreed Syllabus.
Becoming a Partner-School
To become a partner-school of the Liverpool Cathedral Schools Singing Programme please contact:
| The Director of Music | Stephen.mannings@liverpoolcathedral.org.uk |
We are proud to be working in partnership with staff of Liverpool John Moore’s University, who are researching into the social value of music through our SSP.