MARCH 2015
Newsletter
Photograph courtesy of Helen O’Grady, Bristol
“Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right!” Henry Ford
Contents 3.
Welcome
4.
Meet the management
5.
Shakespeare Week
6.
News from around the Network
8.
Coming soon
10.
Featured Principal
11.
The Adventures of Grady Bear
12.
Make it your business to teach drama
13.
International News
15.
Contact details
www.helenogrady.co.uk
Page 2
WELCOME TO THE HELEN O’GRADY NEWSLETTER
So many times, parents have commented they never expected their child to stand up so confidently, join in with the rest of the class and maybe even say some lines on their own. This is what the Helen O’Grady programme is all about. Every child in our classes is involved fully in the productions. Even if they are not one of the ‘main’ characters, they have lines to say with everyone else, songs to sing, dance routines to practise and a great deal of opportunity to utilise the language skills they have been learning. It is a chance for every child to be involved in something positive and successful. It is a time when memories are made! “A few years ago my daughter was quite timid and would never have stood in front of an audience never mind had a major role. She will miss drama in Sheffield when she moves away with her Mum, but you have added a vein of confidence which will be invaluable to her over the years.
The Helen O’Grady Drama System for children has been developed to meet the needs listed above. In the fast moving world we find ourselves in, many children are learning to communicate by text, email and social networking and, because of this, they may lack the essential talking skills necessary for them to speak up with confidence and have something worthwhile to say and interesting to listen to. As we move on from the ‘depths’ of winter and welcome in the spring, so Principals around the country have welcomed new students into their classes this term. With Easter looming, it can only mean one thing – we are heading for PRODUCTION TERM! This exciting time of year is seen by many as the culmination of the work being done in class over the previous terms. It is an opportunity for children to appear on stage, in costume, with make-up, lights and all the trappings which accompany performing! “The whole production was fantastic and a real credit to you and your talented team, and of course the children. The little ones had me in stitches - they weren't fazed by anything, and the older ones had such poise and confidence. Wow, it was fabulous!” Parent, Dorset
Many, many thanks.” Parent, Sheffield
Principals and teachers have a wealth of material to choose from. Lower Primary plays include ‘Pirate Joe’ and ‘The Emperor & The Nightingale’. Upper Primary may be circus performers or superheroes and Youth Theatre could be starring in a melodrama or a football fantasy set in a ‘haunted’ house. The possibilities are endless! Principals and teachers will be gathering in a venue in Birmingham, after the Easter break, to workshop the productions they will be teaching. This is always fun to do, as the ‘responsible adults’ can act like children for the day!
Principal and teacher, from Stockport, in robot costumes at last year’s production Seminar.
www.helenogrady.co.uk
Page 3
MEET THE MANAGEMENT
respected for her presentation skills at State seminars which were aimed at enriching the teaching skills of teachers and franchisees. Alison moved to Bristol in April 1994 to assist with the UK business. She now operates the Bristol training Academy as well as training and launching all new Principals. In September 1997, Alison was made a Director of Helen O’Grady (CI) Ltd.
MARGARET DARLEY - TRAINING MANAGER NIGEL LE PAGE - NATIONAL DIRECTOR Nigel was employed for fourteen years by the Guernsey Recreation Committee, latterly as Chief Recreation Officer for the Island and as such was responsible for 240 staff; his responsibilities included advising the Committee on both operational and policy requirements for all indoor and outdoor facilities in Guernsey. In 1990 he elected to join the commercial sector and assisted the Garenne Group in the development of a Leisure Division; in 1991 he acquired Sueco Limited, Guernsey’s leading outside catering company from Garenne and has subsequently sold that business. Nigel set up Helen O’Grady (CI) Ltd. After a training visit to Australia, he commenced the introduction of Helen O’Grady Children’s Drama Academy in Guernsey and the UK in 1994. Nigel lives in Guernsey with his wife. They have two daughters; his elder one giving birth to twins in 2014.
ALISON MAZANEC - EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL Alison joined Helen O’Grady in Perth, Australia in 1986. In 1989 she was promoted to Deputy Principal, which now has in excess of 1,000 students per week. She assisted Helen with franchise liaison and training and was well
Margaret Darley was one of the first UK Principals to launch a branch in 1994. Formerly a qualified and experienced primary school teacher, she built up a successful business with more than 450 students. In 1997 she was invited to help with interviewing and training new Principals around the country and, in 1999, she became a full time member of the management team. Margaret is also involved with training and monitoring UK and International Principals. She chairs the Helen O’Grady curriculum group, working with Training Supervisor, Susannah Gill and different volunteer Principals each term to update existing, and develop new, curriculum for the Academy. In 2009, Margaret was one of four teachers to pilot the introduction of our preschool programme – Kindy Drama. She has now been running weekly classes in her area for five years and continues to train more Principals as the programme becomes more popular. Watch out for the profiles of Training Supervisors: Susannah Gill, Beth Daniel and Becky Goodfield in our next newsletter.
www.helenogrady.co.uk
Page 4
For the second year running, the Academy has been taking part, this term, in National Shakespeare Week, an annual celebration giving primary school children a great first encounter with Shakespeare.
As are students in Sefton, below, – who are waking up to the vision of Bottom being transformed into a donkey!
Principals were provided with specially written lessons, this year themed around “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” but presented in the familiar Helen O’Grady format students know and love. Lessons started with some compliments, for example:
Shakespearian
“Thou sweet, tiger-booted pigeon egg.” Older students were invited to make up their own. Quite a contrast to last year when they worked in a similar way – but with insults!
All students participating in the lessons were awarded a special Shakespeare certificate.
SHAKESPEARE WORKSHOPS Earlier in the term, groups of Youth Theatre students were given the opportunity of attending professional workshops, hosted by people from the Shakespeare Schools Festival and “Google Squared”. The latter is a project engaging people in the creative arts. The day was an introduction, including some text based work and games exploring themes relevant to Shakespeare’s plays.
Obviously, classes were encouraged to dress for the occasion – above, St. Helens Principal, Andrea Williams, got into the spirit with her students.
Three Principals from South London accompanied their students to an exciting day, leading to all of them considering involvement in the Shakespeare Schools Festival in the future.
Exeter Shakespeare students, above, expressing a range of emotions.
www.helenogrady.co.uk
Students and teachers at the end of their busy day! Page 5
OTHER NEWS FROM AROUND THE NETWORK GETTING INTO THE FESTIVE SPIRIT A new phenomenon hit the North West of England over the Christmas season. Principals in Sefton and Oldham, amongst other local community groups, were invited to exhibit a tree at their local Christmas tree festival in the lead up to the holiday period.
Rachel Powell, Sefton “The festival gave me a presence in the local community and one church even featured me in their newsletter. Next year I plan to create an even better looking tree!”
Wendy Orrell, Oldham “We entered a Christmas Tree Festival which gave us an opportunity to highlight the Academy to the public. We turned the world upside down as students were asked to share a thought, wish or prayer which then hung on our upside down tree.”
“Sophie definitely wants to continue with her drama class. I wanted to let you know how her drama has helped her confidence. She has just won the talent competition at schools for the second year running! Thank you so much!” Parent, North Leicestershire
www.helenogrady.co.uk
Page 6
MORE NETWORK NEWS:
Abbe Martin, Exeter IT IS THE LITTLE EXTRAS THAT COUNT Abbe and her team of teachers took a number of students on another fantastic Christmas trip to watch ‘George’s Marvellous Medicine’ at the Exeter Northcott Theatre before the Christmas holidays. The students were treated to a Christmas quiz, fun games, prizes and lots of chocolates. The special trip was enjoyed by all and parents were thrilled with how well everything was organised. “We received some lovely cards from parents thanking us for doing these extras – makes it all worthwhile!” – Abbe Martin
Barbara Brett, Tayforth KILTS FOR KIDS Barbara and her students have once again shown their generosity with another fun Tartan Week in classes raising £279.11 for local charity, Children 1st – who help vulnerable children throughout Scotland. “Thank you so much to my students for joining in, dressing up, making cakes, being silly, buying badges and guessing the teddy’s name.” – Barbara Brett
www.helenogrady.co.uk
Page 7
COMING SOON! Summer Term in the Academy is a very exciting time for students. Each of our established classes works on a short, scripted production, which they perform for an audience of parents and friends at the end of the term. For many, this is their first experience of performing and it affords them all the opportunity to be part of something positive and successful! Among our plays this year, there are some International folk tales as well as more contemporary pieces for each age group. Here is a snapshot of the plays the children will be tackling:
LOWER PRIMARY PIRATE JOE
THE EMPEROR & THE NIGHTINGALE A delightful African folk tale telling the story of how the mighty lion developed a voice as meek and mild as a lamb into the ferocious roar we know today. The story involves a variety of wild animals and a hive full of angry bees!
COMPOSITE TRIP IN TIME This year’s composite play sees Spuggy, Spike and Silver left behind from the school trip. They have to help the caretaker clean out a cupboard – and to learn some lessons about selfishness and caring for others. When they find an old Victorian desk with some strange looking buttons on, they learn their lessons quicker – and very differently – than they expected.
All children love to dress up as pirates. Pirate Joe has become much too demanding and his crew never seem to be able to have fun. So, of course, they have to come up with a way to overthrow the captain. Oooh Arrr!
THE OLD WOMAN IN THE SHOE The old story of the woman with so many children she didn’t know what to do – so she hired a housekeeper. With so many children it was never going to be easy, especially when you add in too much broth and a very large spider!
“I just wanted to say thank you to you and Naomi for all your work with Toby and Joe. I am sure the drama has helped the boys' confidence hugely and, equally importantly, they really enjoyed it. They are both so much more confident in their social interactions than either their mother or me at that age and you both played a significant part in that. Thank you.” Parent, South London
www.helenogrady.co.uk
Page 8
UPPER PRIMARY CIRCUS CAPERS All is not well in the big top and the performers are not looking forward to another show with hardly any audience. The Ringmaster is in despair as no-one seems to be taking any responsibility. When Caspar the lion escapes they discover the only way to capture him is to work together. This lion sequence has been updated to incorporate more movement and to make it more exciting. Is this their lesson for the future of the circus?
YOUTH THEATRE THE TRIUMPH OF TREVOR TRUELOVE Trevor and Lucy are in love but times are hard and Lord Villiers, who owns their land, has a cunning plan to prevent the two being together. Marrying Villiers seems like Lucy’s only way of ensuring her parents don’t lose their jobs and their homes. And what of her true love then? In all the best melodramas and this is one of the best - good triumphs over evil and everyone receives their just desserts.
MURDER AT MORNINGTON MANOR THE PIED PIPER Based on the poem by Robert Browning, this traditional tale sees Hamelin Town desperate to rid their houses and their streets of rats. The Mayor – not known for his innovations – hears of a strange man, dressed half in yellow and half in red, and, sure enough, he plays his pipe and all the rats follow him to the river. When the Mayor refuses to pay the required fee there are dire consequences.
It’s the society birthday party of the year and anyone who is anyone – and a few who aren’t – is there. In this revised version, the servants play a bigger part in the plot and Albert, the butler, perhaps knows more than we think. The attendance of a much reviled newspaper reporter does nothing to add to the atmosphere of the party and, when he suddenly drops down dead after drinking one glass of champagne too many, there are lots of people with every motive to kill him. How will it all end – in fact will it all end at all?
A SCORE TO SETTLE SCHOOL FOR SUPERHEROES When the school hears of its impending inspection, they realise it is time to have all the little superheroes brought into line. They begin with the school motto, which will be the first thing they are judged on. But they just don’t seem to be able to get it right. Is there someone trying to sabotage their attempt?
On a very stormy day, two buses, carrying rival football supporters, break down. The only place to shelter is a big old house in the middle of nowhere. There is tension in the air already but, when the teams start playing tricks on each other, everyone feels it’s time to leave. And what happens if they can’t get to the game?
www.helenogrady.co.uk
Page 9
FEATURED PRINCIPAL Adam Damerell, West London
great start, building something important and want parents to feel I am giving children something brilliant in their lives so they stay with us for years and become tremendous adults. I saw this in Croydon and that’s what it is all about for me. Being a Principal will give me a real focus in life, concentrating on really important things rather than the trivia which comes along with a jobbing actor! I feel I can say to any parent bringing along a shy child, they will see a difference within two terms. 95% of the time it will happen within one term. I am that confident in our curriculum!”
Adam, our newest UK Principal, opened classes in his own West London branch in January 2015, after teaching Helen O’Grady classes in the Croydon area for the previous five years. Though drama was not offered as a subject at his school, after being cast in an extra-curricular production of “The Importance Of Being Earnest”, Adam was hooked for life! Later, at Cardiff University, he studied and gained a BSc (1st class Hons) degree in City and Regional Planning but, during the course, he spent most of his time with the University Drama Society. Struggling with accents, the society hired a vocal coach from the Royal Welsh College of Music and she invited Adam to audition for a post-graduate drama programme. Although feeling well out of his depth, he was very proud of the Diploma of Acting he gained that year. Adam spent a few years working as a professional actor on screen and stage. He played many and varied roles, including being cast on the ‘darker side’ as rogue police officers and serial killers. Several years ago, he auditioned for a part in a play being directed by Helen O’Grady Principal, Ian Brown, in Croydon. Although he wasn’t cast, Ian offered him a job teaching and that eventually brought Adam to where he is now. He says: “I loved teaching and built up really good relationships with parents who were grateful for what we achieved with their children. This led to me thinking about opening my own Academy and Ian was, and is, very supportive. I have made a
Following a very successful launch, in January 2015, with more than 100 students enrolled in the first few weeks, Adam said: “Parents are already thanking me because they have seen their child’s confidence grow in a few short weeks and that means the world to me. I have also enjoyed integrating the Academy into the community by doing workshops in local schools and getting to know the staff. I have had tremendous feedback and look forward to working with those schools in the future.” “My son has been attending Helen O’Grady classes for two years. He is a thoroughly pleasant 6.5yr old young boy but he has some issues which mean his balance and co-ordination are very poor. He found these classes to be hugely enjoyable and has noticeably developed his confidence and left every class with a smile. I have seen the teacher, Adam, interact with the children there and he commands their respect in a way I could never do, even with my own son and I have no problem with that. He seems to do it by balancing the needs of each student with fairness and respect." David G - proud Dad
www.helenogrady.co.uk
Page 10
THE ADVENTURES OF GRADY BEAR Here, we chronicle the adventures of “Grady Bear”, a special little teddy, kitted out in his Helen O’Grady Tshirt and sent home with a deserving child from class each week. Over the past months Grady has been very busy. All sorts of exciting things have been happening. In South East London in January, he introduced a new friend to class (left). Grady likes to spend time with children who are particularly good listeners, so it made sense to bring along Freddy Focus, who could go home with students who have excellent concentration. Both bears are having lots of adventures.
In the recent Mother’s Day fundraising event for MacMillan nurses, ‘children’ were invited to ask mum’s forgiveness for something which happened in the past. The idea was to post a picture with the confession and invite contributions from friends and family. Grady Bear (right) decided to share his own #sozmum confession to raise awareness of the campaign. You can still text SOZ to 70550 to give £3 to Macmillan. T&Cs can be found on their Facebook page. Macmillan Cancer Support
Grady also took part in the fun on Red Nose Day. Here he is (left) ready to rattle his collecting bucket along with hundreds of others wearing red noses! And finally, a first look (below) at the ‘Malta Bears’. Horatio, Hugo, Harry and Bob have been in training and are now ready to deputise for Grady in classes. Good luck boys!
www.helenogrady.co.uk
Page 11
MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS TO TEACH DRAMA! Principals – Franchisees – all with an interest in drama, and possessing great energy, benefit from the widespread recognition, loyalty and support the Academy receives wherever it operates. They also benefit from a stimulating, friendly and positive environment which provides them with outstanding job satisfaction. ! Franchisees are fully trained in all aspects of teaching, marketing and administration of our programme. A comprehensive scheme provides pre and post launch training, continuing into Term 3 of the first year. ! Our advertising and marketing programme has been devised through experience and with the assistance of a top advertising agency. It has proved to be extremely effective.
“Please pass on to the Management team our gratitude for a wonderful and inspiring seminar. The workshops have given us a real insight into getting the best out of rehearsals. All enjoyed by my staff too!” Seminar Testimonial, Judy Adams, Principal, South East London
! Assistance is given to Franchisees in the selection of their initial studio locations. ! All curriculum content and lesson plans are provided each term over a fifteen year period. The curriculum is constantly revised and updated by a team of experts. ! The Academy year works alongside school terms in each country of operation meaning school holidays may be enjoyed. ! The franchise is operated from home, with teaching venues being established in suitable halls within an exclusive franchise territory. ! Hours of work are far less than other businesses of comparable income. This is an excellent cash flow business, with the bulk of the fees being collected at the commencement of each term. All territories are exclusive. With good teaching, smart administration and excellent marketing and promotion the possibilities are endless. The growth of the business is limited only by the Principal’s creativity and imagination.
For more information on our franchises visit: http://www.helenogrady.org.uk
www.helenogrady.co.uk
Page 12
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Stephanie Parrish, (Franchisee, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada) ALBERTA 55-PLUS WINTER GAMES
Arpita Mittal, (Franchisor, India) CELEBRATING TEN YEARS OF FRANCHISING Our Indian Network held a special ‘10 Years of Collective Wisdom’ Franchise Meet earlier this year in Hyderabad, India. Franchisees from all across the country (including our Maltese Principal, Alan Montanaro) travelled long distances to meet with each other to celebrate the network’s 10 year Anniversary and take part in some fun-filled and interactive sessions. “Fabulous experience!! Always enriching to be at the Franchise Meet for more wisdom and charging of batteries.” - Meghna Saigal, Delhi
The Youth Theatre class from Lethbridge were invited to perform at the Closing Ceremony for the prestigious Albert 55-Plus Winter Games to audience of over 2,000. Principal, Stephanie Parrish, was very proud! “My students were totally amazing! The audience loved them so much. There was lots of laughing and cheering for all of them. We performed an adapted version of one of last year’s productions which we re-wrote to fit in with the Closing Ceremony and the many events involved in the Winter Games. We tried to make sure as many events that could be mentioned were included. These events included indoor sports, such as snooker, badminton and darts, as well as the more traditional ones.
What an experience!” – Stephanie Parrish “It was my honour and privilege to address the Helen O’Grady India Franchise Meet in Hyderabad during my holidays in India. There are a lot of similarities between India and Malta in that we both seem to be working against a rather antiquated way of schooling which is extremely goal/result oriented.” – Alan Montanaro
You can watch the performance by clicking on to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoKz787JaAE
www.helenogrady.co.uk
Page 13
PROUD OF OUR CURRICULUM By Adila Budullah, Mauritius Mauritius is a predominantly “French” speaking country and because our aim is to have as many children follow and enjoy our unique programme, I am overwhelmed with excitement as we now have our curriculum available in French. Our students learn best when they understand. Our program is designed to develop language skills and I have truly witnessed how the children enjoy:
SHARING CHRISTMAS SPIRIT Nicole Beauvais-Holt, (Franchisee, Simcoe, Ontario) Nicole, and a small team of Christmas helpers, really got into the Christmas spirit last term as part of the ‘Innisfil Santa Claus Parade’.
“Development through Drama” through better communication.
Local spectators at the parade were greeted by smiling Helen O’Grady students as they distributed postcards and handed out sweets as part of the festive celebrations.
Language development in drama helps encourage and motivate our students to express themselves freely. Students must answer and learn to use and build their vocabulary through expressive skills, skills we teach, skills they need in their everyday life and learning.
“This is a really good programme to help my child come out of her shell and become more confident in herself.” Parent, Manila, Philippines
Nicole ran a series of Kindy workshops in a local Elementary School and had excellent feedback from teachers and students alike. See above one of the very colourful thank you letters she received.
www.helenogrady.co.uk
Page 14
Contact: Helen O’Grady (CI) Ltd., North Side, Vale, Guernsey, GY3 5TX Tel: Email: Web:
00 44 01481 200250
[email protected] www.helenogrady.co.uk http://www.helenogrady-kindydrama.co.uk
Info On Franchises
http://www.helenogrady.org.uk
Blog:
http://helenogradydramaacademy-ukeurope.blogspot.com
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Helen-OGrady-Drama-UK-Europe/
Twitter:
@HOG_UKEurope
You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3JrER6-o70
WATCH OUT FOR OUR SUMMER NEWSLETTER IN JULY
www.helenogrady.co.uk
Page 15
