Islington kids got the chance to show off their moves with Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell yesterday (Thursday) as the Mayor of London rolled out the next stage of his curriculum plans for the capital’s primary schools.

Islington Gazette: Moreland Primary School students dancing at the London Curriculum Festival yesterday (Thu).Moreland Primary School students dancing at the London Curriculum Festival yesterday (Thu). (Image: Archant)

Moreland Primary School was one of 30 primary schools taking part in the London Curriculum Festival at Potters Field and City Hall. It involved a series of workshops including a dancing session with the retired ballet sensation.

The event marked the first time primary school pupils in the capital will have access to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s London Curriculum, which has only been available to secondary school pupils in Key Stage 3 until now.

Schools signed up to the curriculum will be given access to a brand new suite of resources and opportunities for Key Stage 2, including trips to the Houses of Parliament and the Natural History Museum.

Inspired by the secrets of underground London, the curriculum teaching resources for primary school children will explore hidden rivers, dungeons, secret wartime bunkers and Roman houses, as well as the London Underground’s art and poetry programmes.

Christopher Quinton, who is assistant headteacher at the Islington school, said: “The nature of the London Curriculum fits in with our curriculum at our school.

“The kids absolutely love the opportunity to get out of the classroom and work with professionals. We have even had representatives from university coming out to speak to the children, which is quite a privilege for students of their age.

“All of our students live in London, but many have them have never seen all the landmarks at London Bridge.”

Deputy Mayor of London Joanne McCartney, who assumed responsibility for education and childcare in August, said: “The new curriculum is about engaging students and giving them an innovative syllabus to learn from.

“It follows on from the success of the London Curriculum, which more than 50 per cent of London schools are using. We want to increase that number and we are confident that we can.

“We need to focus on making sure there are enough school places for our children in London and doing our upmost to retain our teachers. I think that education is in good health London.”

Sadiq said: “I’m delighted that thousands of primary school pupils from all parts of the capital will have the opportunity to enrich their education through London’s cultural gems and rich heritage.

“London has been shaped throughout time by people who have come from around the world to make this city their home – from the Romans onwards.

“Our history and culture is a truly global one, so what better way for primary school children to learn, than directly from London’s museums, arts galleries and other fascinating institutions.”