The Liverpool Cathedral Schools Singing Programme is now taking on new Partner-Schools to start in September 2023.
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.
Over the last three years St Mary and St Paul’s School have been involved in a number of exciting musical projects delivered by the brilliant Music Outreach team at Liverpool Cathedral. Initially it started with in school support to prepare for the performances in the Cathedral and these have been highlighted by children as “the best part of the year”. Watching, listening and taking part in such high class music sessions has inspired a number of our children to play musical instruments – something that wouldn’t have happened without these fun and engaging sessions. – Stephen and his team are excellent and a joy to work with!
"Our school has been taking part in the inspirational, outstanding schools’ singing programme since it began. The programme is extremely well organised and provides the children with singing experiences which they will never forget. The ten singing sessions before the concerts are fabulous because Mr Mannings is such a wonderful, energetic teacher. The concerts are an amazing experience which enable the children to showcase all their talent and newly found confidence to their families. The whole process is pure enjoyment for all involved and I can’t thank Mr Mannings enough."
The Cathedral school's singing program has been such a valuable addition to our Music curriculum in school. The high-quality sessions are lively and fun and crafted to ensure full engagement from our students. Our children have loved working towards a performance and having the opportunity to perform in an environment such as Liverpool Cathedral has been simply awe-inspiring for them. The chance to sing as part of a larger group of schools, being directed by a real conductor, alongside live musical performance has been truly fantastic. I could not have more praise, or recommend, this program for other schools more!