Wayne McGregor for the London Curriculum

Iconic choreographer Wayne McGregor, alongside the Mayor of London Boris Johnson, has launched a new dance module for the London Curriculum at City Hall this month. The London Curriculum is an initiative for secondary schools in the capital, aimed to help pupils learn more about their city and experience the wealth of cultural opportunities London has to offer. Running alongside the National Curriculum, the programme already includes modules in English, Art, Music, Geography and History.

Developed in partnership with Sadler’s Wells, the new dance module for 11 to 14 year olds will involve visits to organisations including the Royal Opera House, as well as dance classes and workshops with artists and choreographers, offering a wealth of artistic opportunity to the students. The London Curriculum is an exciting programme that will bring the new national curriculum to life, ultimately inspired by ‘London’s people, places and heritage.’

McGregor maintains the importance of enabling children to learn about dance within education, as it nurtures creativity, helps with self-expression and boosts confidence and self-esteem. It is clear that dance inspires young people to work in the creative industries: people who study dance become more focused, motivated and disciplined throughout the rest of their lives.

Teachers are encouraged to register in order to receive the high-quality teaching resources to help learning in and outside school, developed by the Royal Geographical Society, Museum of London, Institute of Education and other experts; exclusive evening sessions for teachers at leading London venues including the National Portrait Gallery, British Library, British Museum and Shakespeare’s Globe, inspiring teachers to use the city to enrich their teaching; and competitions, events and other opportunities for students to showcase their learning.

The London Curriculum currently supports key stage 3 in English, Music, Art and Design, Geography and History. New resources in STEM subjects will be available from July. Languages, Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE), citizenship and RE will follow in 2016.