Mayor of London launches PE and STEM resources for London Curriculum

15 July 2015

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson announced last week a major new initiative that will see thousands of London schoolchildren being given the chance to participate in and learn about dance. Backed by award-winning choreographer Wayne McGregor and leading dance organisations, the Mayor is introducing a brand new module that focuses on dance as part of the London Curriculum, which will give schools in all 33 boroughs unprecedented access to 27,000 opportunities to experience one of the capital's most exciting and creative sectors.

Developed in partnership with leading dance organisation Sadler's Wells, the ground-breaking Dance Unit is aimed at Key Stage 3 pupils aged 11-14. Schools signed up to the London Curriculum will be able to work with the Pan-London Dance Partnership, representing and connecting them with 30 organisations, including Wayne McGregor | Random Dance, English National Ballet, East London Dance, Greenwich Dance, Rambert, Royal Ballet, Siobhan Davies Dance, The Place, Trinity Laban and Youth Dance England.

These world-leading dance organisations and companies will be offering performances and dance workshops with talented artists and choreographers, as well as welcoming pupils to a variety of theatres and venues.

A range of free resources and workshops are also available to support dance education in the classroom. This includes teachers being given practical guidance to teach pupils five dance styles as well as giving them tips on how to engage pupils in other parts of the curriculum.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: 'As well as helping young people to become more active and confident, the new dance unit provides a wonderful platform for students to learn about the people, places and events that have not only shaped our city, but also had an impact on the world stage and that is what The London Curriculum is all about.'

PE (Dance) - sample available

This unit supports the Key Stage 3 PE curriculum, connecting with dance in London in innovative ways. An extract from a PE unit called 'London Dancing' is now available to download. Inspired by the excitement of the London dance scene, this resource can help you introduce the different types of dance performed in the city and help students connect with London-based choreographers, companies and venues.

Download the sample unit here

STEM - sample unit now available

The STEM London Curriculum units will introduce students to the application of, and innovations in, STEM in the city and help them to think about exciting career opportunities opened up by these subjects. A STEM sample unit called 'The Living River' is now available to download. This unit looks at the ecosystems of the River Thames and how the environment affects them. It also allows students to consider their own impact on the environment and how our waterways can be improved.

Download the sample unit here

For more information about the London Curriculum, please go here

(Images taken from the Greater London Authority's website)