FROM SOUTHAMPTON, BERMUDA TO NEWPORT, SOUTH WALES AND BEYOND!

"The Sword In The Stone" is a new production this year and has been beautifully performed all around the world. Here are some pictures from a Composite class in Bermuda - we are told they executed their lines with beautiful English accents! Well done to all of them, this was their very first Helen O'Grady production.

"Whoever pulls the sword from the stone shall be the rightful king of England."

Will anyone be strong enough?

Surely someone will be able to do it?

"All Hail King Arthur!"

Earlier in the play, the knights all attend the Grand Tournament. Everyone is very excited about the jousting and two girls have been practising. Here is the South Wales version of how that jousting practice concludes.

 

We are so proud our programme is touching so many people's lives around the world. Helen O'Grady teachers the world over are following the same curriculum and parents the world over are seeing the same results. 

Congratulations to students everywhere who have performed already or are still to perform. We are immensely proud of you all!

NEW BRANCHES & NEW PRINCIPALS THIS TERM

September has seen the opening of several new Helen O'Grady branches, as well as a handful of new Principals taking over existing areas.

In Manila, in the Philippines, Monique and Vince Bunuan have had a great start introducing the unique Helen O'Grady programme to dozens of local children. Here they are above with the magnificent banner they are using to promote their classes. We are very proud of their opening classes and know they will spread the word very quickly.

New mum, Iesher Fitzmaurice Mendez (above), who gave birth to baby Zain at the beginning of August, took over the reins in the Staffordshire area. She has been teaching for the Academy for several years and jumped at the chance of becoming Principal. As well as making a great start with existing students, she has opened three new classes which have all started well.

In South West London, Melanie Moore has opened new studios as well as taking over some existing students. Although drama trained, Melanie was new to the programme and has taken the very structured lessons to heart. She is, as you can see below, very excited to be part of the network. In Northamptonshire, Gemma Knight has succeeded Sarah Moloney as Principal. Sarah was a hard act to follow but Gemma had worked with her for some time before the handover and the students remain in more than capable hands!

In the Herts-Cambs area, retiring Principal, Fiona Taylor, was more than happy to pass the business on to her former teacher, Lucinda Symonds, pictured below. Lucinda will continue to teach and work with her sister, Jessica, who will take most of the responsibility for administration and marketing the business. the Symonds sisters don't believe in doing things by halves! During the first weeks of term they were also planning a wedding. Lucinda married Tim Gray on 1st October. We wish them all the love luck and happiness they deserve.

Last new Principal to launch was Lisa Bennett in Southampton. Lisa, too, has taught for the Academy and is already building the numbers up in her own branch.

All the new Principals have started well and we wish them a long and successful association with the Academy.