BIG SURPRISE FOR GARDENERS IN LEICESTERSHIRE

Despite the wintry weather this week, life has continued in Helen O'Grady classes. This week saw the Mime to Music, The Garden Gnomes, performed in many classes. This is a favourite mime for teachers and children alike. When the gardener despairs about the mess in his garden, the cheeky gnomes all come to life and clear up for him. They just can't let the gardener know they are alive or he may find all sorts of other things for them to do.In North Leicestershire the children had a dress-up day and we think their Santa hats may have come in useful!

Congratulations to all the gnomes - and their parents - on the fabulous costumes. And congratulations to Principal, Beth Daniel, for inspiring them to get into the spirit.

There are still spaces left in classes around the country. Visit our website for details of your nearest classes and you, or someone special to you, could join in the fun!

NATIONAL TALKING WEEK IN NORTH LEICESTERSHIRE

Principal of North Leicestershire branch, Beth Daniel, had lots of exciting activities going on during the recent National Talking Week for BBC Children In Need.

Many of her students were proud to sport the special edition T-shirts which were available.
They wore them proudly!
Parents came along to hear their children do their National Talking! They were expected to join in with the drama activities too, of course!
The children had been encouraged to write a story about their adventures with Pudsey Bear, so they could read it for National Talking Week!

THE ADVENTURES OF IGOR THE ORANGUTAN

Principal in North Leicestershire, Beth Daniel, told us the story of Igor the orangutan, the treasured pet of one of her students, Gene. Gene left his pet behind after class so Beth took him home and put him to work! Here he is preparing to send some very important emails.

In North Leics., Grady Giraffe and a Grady Monkey often visit class and spend weekends away with students. Igor had a great time with them while he was in the office. Here they are, resting after a hard day.
After all the excitement, we are sure Igor was very glad to go home and be reunited with Gene, especially as he is now sporting a very smart Helen O'Grady T-shirt!

SUMMER SEMINAR

Principals from the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy met earlier this month on the beautiful island of Guernsey in the Channel Islands for another informative and motivating seminar. Part of the day was spent workshopping the curriculum for the new term and, as always, Principals joined in with gusto!

PRINCIPALS, HELEN WALLS (BROMLEY)

AND BECKY GOODFIELD (SOUTH WALES)

DEBATE A POINT IN A YOUTH THEATRE GAME

NORTH SURREY PRINCIPALS, ANDY BEYNON

AND LISA DAVIDSON ARE VERY GOOD FRIENDS REALLY!

As part of the proceedings at the July Seminar Nigel Le Page presents his National Director's Award to a Principal who has made an outstanding contribution in some way. Portsmouth Principal, Anrea Ward, was delighted to receive the award in recognition of the work she had put in to help her sister, who is Director of the charity Village Africa, organise a national ambulance drive. See earlier blogs for full details.

ANDREA RECEIVES HER AWARD FROM

NATIONAL DIRECTOR, NIGEL LE PAGE

After a busy day, everyone took the boat over to Herm for a barbecue - with tropical island theme dress! It was a beautiful evening and the dress made it very colourful to say the least!

ANA VAZ AND LILIANA BRITES, WHO

RUN A BRANCH OF THE ACADEMY IN PORTUGAL

BETH DANIEL, WHO WILL RUN

THE NORTH LEICESTERSHIRE BRANCH

AND GILL HOLLIS FROM SOUTH MANCHESTER

At these events there is always a prize for the best male and best female fancy dress of the evening. This is always a difficult decision as everyone makes a huge effort.

PRESTON PRICIPAL SARAH IBBOTSON

CERTAINLY LOOKED THE PART!

NOT SO EASY FOR THE MEN ....
'NICKOLA' (NICK) CHADWIN, SHEFFIELD PRINCIPAL,
FOUGHT OFF THE COMPETITION

THE MANAGEMENT TEAM
TRAINING MANAGER - MARGARET DARLEY
NATIONAL DIRECTOR - NIGEL LE PAGE
EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL - ALISON MAZANEC