SOUTHAMPTON school pupils are set to be taught in the art of rap and hip-hop thanks to a £65k grant.

Starting in September, pupils at Bassett Green,St Monica and Weston Park Primary School will receive lessons in rap and hip-hop.

This comes thanks to a £65k grant from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and will see pupils and teachers work with rap artist, Rob Bradley.

The project, which is being led by Southampton Music Hub, will also see class teachers bring rap music into weekly music and English lessons.

Matt Brombley, Development Manager from Southampton Music Hub, said: "Young people in the city tell us they love rap music,and we’re tapping into that enthusiasm to help make sure that what happens in the classroom is as exciting and inspiring as the music they’re passionate about.

“Rap is the perfect art form for this project because,to be a successful rapper, you have to blend so many important skills and qualities. "It requires both written and spoken language development; rhythmic and melodic flow; as well as self understanding and self expression."

The investment by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation is now expected to help pupils to benefit from the same "inspirational power" of music which changed Rob Bradley's life growing up.

He said: "Like many young people I needed an outlet for my thoughts and emotions when I was growing up.

"When I discovered rap music around age nine I fell in love. It was a world of limitless self expression. The rappers I listened to had a hypnotic mix of passionate performance, captivating stories and clever one liners.”

"I hope to inspire young people to write.I want them to pay attention to their use of language. Iwant them to be confident enough to perform and owntheir work, and I want them to have fun whilst doing it.”

Cllr James Baillie, Cabinet Member for Education at Southampton City Council added: "At SCC we are determined to provide the best possible start to life and opportunities for our young people.

"This exciting project is an excellent example of creatively using the power of music and a medium they love to provide the children with key skills they need. I look forward to seeing the results!"