DRAMA CLASSES IN KIEV, UKRAINE

This month has seen the opening of the first Helen O'Grady Drama classes in Kiev. Training Manager, Margaret Darley, spent two days there with Principal, Elena Ischenko, and teacher, Maya Nickolayevna, helping teach the first classes. With Upper Primary aged children (9 to 12years), the programme will be taught mostly in English, using drama activities to help develop the students' command of the language. With the younger children (below), who have much less experience of English, specific words will be picked out of the exercises each week and reinforced during the lesson.

Margaret, pictured below (centre) with Elena (left) and Maya, said: "It was fascinating delivering the curriculum to children who do not have English as their first language. The skills we teach are, however, universal as all children respond to praise and encouragement, while having fun in a positive environment. Even the youngest child was able to leave the class understanding what a 'big chocoalte cake' is! I have no doubt classes in the Ukraine will be very successful."

NEW KINDY DRAMA NOW WIDELY AVAILABLE

Some time ago, the Academy piloted 'Kindy Drama' classes for pre-school children. These classes are now widely available around the country. Visit the website to find out if there is a class near you.

The acclaimed drama programme, which has changed the lives of thousands of children over the last sixteen years in the UK, has been adapted for the younger children. With the emphasis on self development the lessons include some basic speech exercises, lots of movement and some 'dramatic' content each week.

These children were taking part in a short play and imagining they were being moulded out of playdough. Their nursery teacher, who always stays to join in and observe the classes said: "This really captured their imagination. They concentrated so hard and could all tell us what shape they had made"

Using stories, rhymes and songs, classes encourage children to listen carefully, to take turns and share and gives them the confidence to speak out with clarity and conviction. Many will go on to join the primary programme when they start school.

These classes are carried out privately and in nurseries and pre-schools. Contact your local branch to find out what is available in your area.

NEW ADULT CLASSES!

In the last twelve months, The Helen O'Grady Drama Academy has extended the availability of its renowned self development through drama classes to adults of any age.

Already known for running an excellent programme for primary and secondary age children, the same principles are applied to the lessons delivered to adults.

Tayforth Principal, Barbara Brett, has been one of the first to offer classes to the whole age range. She has had a particularly good response to the adult classes. Barbara says:" No matter how confident we may feel in a small group, there are always occasions when we, as adults, are thrust outside our comfort zone. For some this can induce crippling nerves: others panic: many of us freeze in fright! This course addresses many of these problems and gives advice on breathing control, effective delivery, eye contact and confidence. Week by week, we examine the tricks of the trade to counter the qualms we all experience when asked to address an audience."

Classes do not teach acting skills, nor do they culminate in productions. They are designed to help adults in everyday situations which can cause concern and distress - from complaining effectively to offering advice.

To find out if these classes are available in your area, visit out website and check out the location of your nearest Helen O'Grady branch.

NEWEST BRANCH OPENS IN BLACKPOOL AREA!

Last week saw the opening of the UK's newest branch in Blackpool and the Fylde. New Principal, Sarah Walton, visited a school in the village of Weeton to conduct a series of workshops to introduce the unique Helen O'Grady programme to the area. There was, of course, strict security surrounding the barracks including the armed guard Sarah had to encounter on the way in.

Once safely inside, though, there couldn't have been a warmer welcome from staff and students. Several teachers were even inspired to join in! Sarah taught all the children in the school in three age groups, from Year 1 through to Year 6 and a great time was had by all!

Sarah, a qualified and experienced school teacher, was awarded the Blackpool franchise after qualifying in the Remote Worker Awards last year. Training Manager, Margaret Darley, who was with

her for the launch said: "Sarah is a natural in the classroom. She delivers the programme with boundless energy and enthusiasm, constantly aware of the children's needs and capabilities. Her lessons are great fun and her aims are very clear - to develop her students' confidence and skill in verbal communication. She has the makings of a great Principal!"

Classes are now enrolling in Blackpool, Lytham St. Annes and Singleton. For more information contact Sarah direct on 01772 750624 or email blackpool@helenogrady.co.uk

LET'S TALK IN 2010!

The beginning of the new Academy term in the UK has been very interesting! With snow covering much of the country and schools being closed, it could have been disastrous but Principals have battled through the elements to provide the classes they have promised!

This 'Christmas Card' scene, close to a drama studio in Somerset, has been repeated around the country. But the message is always the same - let's keep talking! Principals have spent hours on the phone reassuring parents and the children who have managed to arrive at classes have, of course, had a great time - often doing one to one exercises with their parents!

Pre-school Kindy classes are being rolled out across the country this term, full details of these can be obtained from local Principals, with adult classes following very close behind! The Helen O'Grady Drama Academy now offers award winning classes for all ages from 3 years upwards.

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS FOR LONDON PRINCIPAL

This week, Academy Principal, Emma Steel, had a wonderful white wedding in the snow! Emma, who is Principal in North West London, married Andrew Butler, an actor, who is also actively involved in running the branch. The couple met at drama school and when Emma decided she wanted to use her acting skills to inspire children and help them develop confidence and self esteem, Andrew remembered his own time as a student with the Academy and contacted Head Office. Emma has never looked back, now running classes for almost 250 students in her area. Their wedding took place on a farm in Cheshire, and, as the pictures show, it truly was a white wedding! Everyone at the Academy wishes them all the love and luck in the world for a happy marriage and a successful future.

NEW PRINCIPALS RARING TO GO

From left to right, Catherine Prout, Warwick, Sarah Walton, Blackpool and Abbe Martin, Exeter, are the three new Principals who were chosen from hundreds who entered the Remote Employment Awards this year and are now preparing to start their own Academy in January 2010. After training in October, they were sent away with a list of tasks to work on to have the best possible start in the New Year. All three are very excited. Sarah said: "It was amazing to see my name in the listing on the website http://www.helenogrady.co.uk/ It makes it all real and I can't wait to start classes."

In Spain, it is the same story - Jose Miguel Cubillo (L) and Luis Valenzuela (R), seen here with National Director, Nigel Le Page - are working closely with schools in Madrid to confirm classes for 2010. We wish them all the best of luck in the New Year.