In conjunction with the visit, the Education Secretary set out plans for a wide-ranging review of what is taught in schools in England. Launching the curriculum review on Friday, Ms. Phillipson emphasised that all children should have a strong academic foundation in subjects like English and maths, but also access to music, art, drama, and sports.

At Heworth Grange School, Mrs Anderson, our Head of Arts and Culture, covers subjects like music and drama. She believes access to those subjects makes pupils "assets to the community." "They learn so much through performing," she says. "They learn how to work together as team players, they get to stand on their own two feet, they can speak more confidently. They can perform and make themselves better in front of people."

Year nine pupil Lucy shared her personal experience, noting that she sometimes struggles in lessons like English and science because she is "really dramatic," but finds her creative subjects less stressful. "When I'm in dance and drama, I can be myself in my lessons. I can be loud, and it's just a confidence boost," she said.

We captured the essence of Heworth Grange on national television, celebrating the dedication and creativity that make our school exceptional.