Monday, 9 May 2016

SPEAK UP AND SPEAK WELL



Last week we shared some of the features and benefits of the Helen O’ Grady school programme. The benefits are truly endless and reach throughout the students’ career and life.




One of those benefits stems from one of our core pillars: Communication.
Being part of a drama class at school gives students a head start and firm foundation in communication skills.

Students demonstrating one such exercise where effective communication is taught and encouraged.

In class the focus is on learning to read and write. These are fundamental skills indeed. But little interest is shown or lesser focus is given to how clearly and how confidently the student speaks.
As adults we know how vital oral communication and verbal signals are in our every day lives. Whether it be in our professional capacities, community activities and even in the home.
Could you think of ONE profession where no one cared about your communication skills or how you spoke to others? We couldn’t either!


A generous portion of our curriculum focuses specifically on speech: articulation, resonance, projection, diction, volume control etc. However, the curriculum overall encourages clear and confident communication in small group settings, with the teacher as well as to an audience. 

Speech is an intergral and important part of our programme which is taught in a fun, stimulating way!

Wednesday, 27 April 2016

ACCLAIMED DRAMA PROGRAMME NOW AT ELKANAH BLOUBERG PREPARATORY

The best way to start the weekend is with a good dose of drama.
And that’s exactly what the Elkanah House Blouberg Preparatory students have chosen. This term saw Helen O’ Grady bring drama to the young school.

It’s only been a few weeks and already the impact is a far reaching positive one.
One parent shared with our principal saying My daughter really loved her first class and came home so excited and full of enthusiasm… I wanted to pass on my thanks to the teacher for instilling such joy and passion for the arts!”

And she isn’t the only one!

All the students are exposed to a drama programme that uses fun, excitement and enjoyment to develop their confidence, communication and creativity.

Some of our students from Elkanah Preparatory in dramatic play

  
Every activity instils in our students tools they need not only for the stage but also tools for the classroom and the world. Lower Primary students get to participate in activities that teach them how to interact with others, think on their feet and express themselves in interesting ways.

If you are at Elkanah House (Blouberg or Sunningdale campus) and would like to get in on the ACTion contact our principal, Nastassja on nastassja@helenogrady.co.za

Book your spot in this exciting class TODAY!






Tuesday, 19 April 2016

Parents Day Term 2 2016

A Full Family Affair


One of the things we most look forward to during Term II is our Parent Day.

At our Parent Day lesson family and friends are invited to a lesson where students present some of the skills they’ve learnt in class.
It isn’t a polished performance; it is a presentation of curriculum in a performance-like setting.

It’s such a treat! Parents, friends and families have for years shared how much they’ve enjoyed this unique opportunity to be part of the Helen O’ Grady experience.



It is also a time for students to gain performance experience, move past the nerves and embrace their time on stage. They leave with a sense of achievement and knowing they’ve delivered and complete a massive milestone in their on stage and overall development.
Ask your teacher or see you Term II letters for additional information on this year’s Parent Days. Speak to you teacher if you have any questions. Whatever you do, don’t miss this one!



Studio
Parent Day


Atlantis Studio
11th June
Edgemead Studio
8th June
Malmesbury
10th June
Melkbosstrand Studio
9th June
Milnerton Studio
6th June
Sunningdale Studio
7th June
Elkanah House Sunningdale Preparatory
1st June
Elkanah House Blouberg Preparatory
3rd June




Thursday, 7 April 2016

TERM 2 HAS ARRIVED!

And just like that, TERM II is here.

And what a bundle of excitement this term is. For the next 9 to 10 weeks our students will go on a development journey of dramatic proportions. They will be introduced to new activities, re-visit tried and tested techniques and also prepare for our Parent Day at the end of the term.

That’s right, the end of the term brings an opportunity for you as parents, friends and family to visit our class and be treated to a showcase of Helen O’ Grady drama. Keep your eyes on this page as well as our Facebook page and ask your teacher more.



But the bundle of excitement doesn’t stop there. We are excited to share some more good news:

Helen O’ Grady is now at Elkanah House Blouberg Preparatory! Our world renowned curriculum will now be shared and presented as part of an after school programme at the school.

We hope you are all as excited as we are.
But that’s enough talk from our side for now. Let’s get in on the ACTion.

See you in class!

Tuesday, 8 March 2016

Enhance your school curriculum DRAMATICALLY!

Our development through drama programme is a great way to reinforce the rest of your school curriculum.
Our delightful Lower Primary students at Atlantic Beach College in Melkbosstrand absolutely love their weekly  Drama classes!

Not only does the Helen O’ Grady curriculum help students become more articulate speakers and develop the confidence and communication skills required, students are also better able to understand and discuss problems.

Our Lower Primary students at The Learn Vine enjoying their high impact activity in the Drama lesson.


The programme gives students the opportunity to learn and grow with each lesson. And each part of the drama lesson compliments what they learn in school. Students therefore walk away with skills and a dynamic learning experience. 

The Upper primary students at The Learn Vine engaged in partnerwork.
Whats more our international in-school programme is also of great convenience to the school with:

  •  Fully-trained, expert drama teachers. 
  • A full drama package is adapted to your school needs, including performances and parents’ days.
  • Tailor-made programme to suit your school timetable from half hour to full hour lessons.
  • No disruption to the academic curriculum – all work, including production rehearsals, is completed within the allocated drama lesson.
  • Certificates and reports in conjunction with your school reporting system.


Our Grade 3-4's and 5-7's at Atlantic Beach College showing us what dramatic students they are. 

If you would like to know more about what we do or how you could get involved take a look at our website at www.dramaafrica.com. You are also free to visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/helenogradywestcoast for more info and regular updates.

Tuesday, 23 February 2016

20 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN DEVELOPMENTAL DRAMA!

Creativity. Confidence. Communication. For ALL Ages



Helen O’ Grady is celebrating 20 years in South Africa.
While our West Coast Academy is one of our youngest, it has at the heart of it all the pillars upheld by Helen O’ Grady throughout the globe.

Our dynamic curriculum gives students the opportunity to grow beyond the lessons taught in text books and classrooms. It gives them the confidence they need to be the best version of themselves on all stages of life. They are taught and will practice effective communications skills and they are offered a space and the time to release their creativity.

Recently we were blown away by feedback from a mom new to the programme:

Our first contact came before her trial lesson
“… My child is always conscious of other kids and people watching her… won't participate in sports days…. In public she always wants me to join in activities with her or walk with her somewhere.  She won't attend any classes anywhere unless I am with her and then sometimes will not even leave my side…

We heard from mom after the trial 
“…My child couldn't stop talking about her experience and how much fun she had...I couldn't believe how she just came out of her shell and started joining in!!....Looking forward to next week..”

And then…:
“…hello Nastassja! My child says when she has to perform for us 'she won't be afraid this time' ….thanks so much!..”


 And that is why we are going strong TWENTY years on.
If you would like your child to come for a trial please do not hesitate to contact me.

You can call the office on 021 5534458 visit our website: dramaafrica.com or send an e-mail to nastassja@helenogrady.co.za.


Friday, 5 February 2016

SUCCESSFUL BEGINNINGS!

And we're back! 

Term 1 has started with a bang at the Helen O' Grady Drama Academy. We welcome Elkanah House Sunningdale Preparatory to our family as they take on our after-school programme for Gr1-3's; students in our new venue in Malmesbury and all students both old and new. We wish you all well on your journey with us and thank you for supporting our wonderful academy.


Students at our new after-school club at Elkanah House Preparatory




Students in our Milnerton Lower Primary Class having such fun with their speech

 Here at the Helen O' Grady family we strive toward developing self-confidence, self-esteem and communication skills in all our students. Our positive and dynamic approach really allows for not only the extroverted students but also the introverts to come out of their 'shells' and express themselves freely in a warm and friendly environment. 







Through our extensive theatre-arts based programme the students develop skills which are vital to their future success. 
All our students are a valued part of each class and are made to feel just as special as the next child. Their uniqueness is at all times celebrated and nurtured through our fun and internationally developed activities and that is why our students love their weekly drama classes and keep coming back for more! 

Upper Primary students at our Melkbosstrand studio showing off their miming skills as Marionettes

Teaching over 50,000 students a week worldwide we belief in our organisation  and that is why we will continue to grow and spread the joys and benefits of the dramatic arts turning our future leaders into articulate, confident and empathetic human beings.
Creative communication at its best
Our very popular Youth Theatre Group in Melkbos in dramatic action.















For more information on our programme and how to join our amazing academy please go to our website www.dramaafrica.com or contact our office on 021 5534458.