THIS WEEK IN ISTANBUL

Training Supervisor, Becky Goodfield, is currently working with Sercin Duran, new Franchisee in Istanbul. Sercin trained in Bristol in July and is, this week, launching her first classes. What an interesting city Istanbul is! Class was over at sunset last night and there was a stunning view from the studio.

Our self-development classes are designed to build:

• Confidence
• Self-esteem
• Skill in verbal communication
• English language skills
• Social skills
• Listening skills

Yesterday's class was an 'Open House' with children and parents throwing themselves into the lesson with great enthusiasm, even though they didn't quite understand everything we were saying!

Becky explains very carefully about ad-libbing - a new phrase in the children's vocabulary.

The whole lesson was very exciting - the audience joined in with warm up activities and speech work.

Mums, dads and children warming up!

As well as developing the children's confidence, the Helen O'Grady system is a very efficient tool for encouraging English as a foreign language. Each week the students - who already range from 5 to 11 years - will add a handful of new phrases to their vocabulary. Yesterday phrases included:

• How exciting!
• I'm very tired.
• My name is....
• What a beautiful day!
• I feel so much better now.

and they also joined in with several conversations in Turkish as well as in English.

New Principal, Sercin, is fluent in both Turkish and English, so will be her own interpreter in future classes! 

Children playing tricks at the end of the class. Seated l to r - Training Supervisor, Becky Goodield, Training Manager, Margaret Darley and Istanbul Franchisee, Sercin Duran.

Classes start this weekend in Cihangir, Etiler, and Tarabya. Tel: 90 0212 332 10 02
Email: info@helenogradyistanbul .com

Have you had any experience of teaching - or learning - English as a foreign language? Please comment to share your experiences.

TRAINING WEEK IN BRISTOL

This month, another successful training week for new Franchisees was held in Bristol. Lucie Sherwood, who will be taking over from SW London Principal, Melanie Moore, was among those trained. Also there were Jane and Aidan Kielty, who, along with their son, Andy, will now be running South Manchester. Jane said: "It was such a great week. Not only did we learn a lot but we had a great time doing so. I can't wait to implement all I have been told in the coming term."

Sercin Duran, from Istanbul, was the thirdFranchisee. Not only did Sercin have to learn lots of new curriculum, she had to learn it in English! She will be using the lessons as a tool to improves children's English in her native Turkey.

Sercin, from Turkey, learns how to use that all-important 'Tambourine of Power'!

Aidan joins in a mini-script with a Youth Theatre student at our Downend class.

 

 

 

 

Following a busy week, the Principals enjoyed a meal out in Bristol. As is traditional each was presented with a token to celebrate their achievement.

Sercin had talked a great deal about taking Lego home for her children, as it is difficult to come by in Istanbul. We thought it appropriate to reward her with some!

Jane was presented with two elaborate pens to use in class and in the office. The feathers on them were so beautiful she chose to wear them in her hair.

Aidan's present will, hopefully, make him smile as he works on the South Manchester website.

This month saw the launch of the Gromit Trail in Bristol and all delegates took advantage of the good weather to discover as many as they could!

Sercin poses with National Director, Nigel Le Page, with a Gromit on the waterfront.

We, at Head Office, wish the new Principals all the luck in the world as they embark on their new venture.

If you would like to know more about becoming a Franchisee in our network, visit our website: http://www.helenogrady.org.uk for full details.