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.

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

AMBULANCE STOP 9

The ambulance stop in Manchester saw a friendly ambush by students of the Academy. Principal, Gill Hollis, had no chance to drive the vehicle as it seems to have been taken over by Oscar the dog!

So far over £3000 has been raised on the journey and still the fun continues!

You can donate at www.villageafrica.org and you can follow progress of the charity's group on Facebook and Twitter.

Photos back to normal size today after a little hiccup with yesterdays pics!