Last week, the school curriculum for the future King of England was released. People Magazine described it as reading “like a college graduate program.”
Indeed, 6-year-old Prince George’s upcoming school year will be demanding. It will include “core subjects such as math, English, science, history and geography,” as well as “religious studies, French, computing, art/design technology, music, drama, P.E. and ballet,” according to People.
“Good Morning America” ran a segment last week on the young prince’s school subjects, with host Lara Spencer appearing to mock the boy’s apparent affinity for ballet.
“He looks so happy about the ballet class,” she said on air.
“Prince William says George absolutely loves ballet. I have news for you Prince William: We’ll see how long that lasts,” she added.
Spencer was then accused of “bullying” George, according to People. Broadway actress Shoshana Bean tweeted: Dear @GMA… I find @LaraSpencer response to be insensitive and her apology a cop out. Not good enough for me… is it good enough for you?? This statement needs to be made on air in the same forum she so freely judged and criticized.”
Bean was responding to Spencer’s apology on Friday for her remarks. She posted a photo of flowers and mountains on Instagram, writing “My deepest apologies for an insensitive comment I made during pop news on Thursday.”
“From ballet, which I took as a kid, to anything in life you wish to explore, I fully believe we should all pursue our passion,” she added.
She concluded: “Go climb your mountain and love every minute of it.”
People reported that George’s dance curriculum “follows the Royal Academy of Dance Pre-Primary in Dance syllabus and will develop students’ physical skills, stamina, creative, expression and musicality.”
“The curriculum presented in Year 2 reflects the increased ability of the children, both academically and socially,” said Helen Haslem, head of the school, on its website. “It sees the completion of the basic skills in literacy and numeracy in Key Stage 1. Individual strengths and talents begin to emerge, which you will undoubtedly begin to see.”
“The children are asked to become more responsible in Year 2; this may start with the children recording their own homework in their diaries,” Haslem continues. “This increasing independence allows for a smooth transition to the Prep School.”
George, known as George Cambridge at his school, takes a 35-minute dance lesson each week accompanied by a live pianist. The school, according to People, costs $23,000 a year.