Helen O'Grady Academy introduces classes for adults

Development through dramatic arts - letter to the editor of The Times

Education is very much in the spotlight and, at the start of a new scholastic year, it may be prudent to consider the benefits of the arts not just as important and necessary educational tools but also as therapeutic benefits in promoting a healthier lifestyle and a sense of well-being among children.

Drama in education is an important means of stimulating creativity. It challenges students’ perceptions about their world and about themselves. In an age where the word “interactivity” seems to have found its home within the technological world of computer games, self-exploration through drama provides students with an outlet for emotions, thoughts and dreams that they might not otherwise have means to express.

Students may, in the course of a drama lesson, become someone else, explore a new role, try out and experiment with various personal choices and solutions vis-à-vis very real problems – even problems from their own life. The world of make-believe goes a long way in eradicating the destructive fear of making a mistake, so prevalent with schoolchildren today.

Take eight-year-old Becky*, for instance. She suffers from a slight twitch in her eye, which was hardly noticeable at all, though it was spotted by the school bully who would tease her incessantly. Becky, reserved and reticent, would often come home in tears and hated waking up for school... until the day she stood up to her bully. “If you don’t leave me alone, I’ll teach you a lesson you’ll never forget”, she yelled at him.

Becky attends the Helen O’Grady Academy Development Programme and, one week before, the class covered a short drama piece that tackled the problem of bullying. The play ended with the very words Becky used to reprimand her tormentor.

Becky’s outburst probably didn’t stop the bullying but it did wonders to her sense of self-worth. Her parents tell me they have noticed a tremendous difference in her self-esteem and she is no longer as shy.

Ten-year-old, David* was a painfully reserved child who didn’t take to football like the other children in his class and felt a bit of an outcast. Consequently, he found it extremely difficult to make friends. His drama classes have changed all this. David’s social abilities have improved tremendously and his latent leadership skills and sense of fun have surfaced beautifully.

Participation in drama sessions requires self-control and discipline that will serve the student well in all aspects of life. This will result in a more positive, confident self-image. Students learn how to work together, to cooperate, to contribute and to listen to and accept the viewpoints and contributions of others. No art form is more truly collaborative. Drama is an important tool for preparing students to live and work in a world that is increasingly team-oriented.

Drama students are also less likely to have difficulty in speaking in public when the need arises and will be more persuasive in their communications, both written and oral, as they will be better able to put themselves into the shoes of others and relate to them.

The good news just gets better. Studies carried out by Matt Buchanan of Harvard University show that drama may even reinforce the rest of the school curriculum. Since communication and empathy are central to drama, a student will be better able to understand and discuss problems. The link between the dramatic arts and subjects such as English, history, social studies and related areas is obvious. The study of literature would be impossible without drama.

One other marked area of improvement was in written and spoken English. After all, a lesson learned through fun is never forgotten. And, because drama is so practical, one can adopt Aristotle’s wisdom: “Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I will remember. Involve me and I will understand.” Students grasp the language because they work the language and bring it to life.

The Helen O’Grady Academy is the only school of its kind to follow a prepared curriculum that was developed over the years by teachers, parents and child psychologists to ensure the healthy development of children in an energetic and fun-filled environment without the pressure of looming examination.

There are no end-of-term examinations because we believe that children have enough academic pressure as it is. Since there are no exams, there can be no failures – only an uplifting sense of achievement because students would have started and finished something wholesome each week.

Classes cover speech, movement, creative drama, language development and studio productions. Above all, lessons are great fun and the children love and look forward to their weekly lessons. Classes are held in different locations around the island.

 *The names of the children have been changed.  http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111007/letters/Development-through-dramatic-arts.388085

Helen O’Grady Academy Kindy Drama Training

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110130/social/helen-o-grady-academy-kindy-drama-training 

Margaret Darley, training manager for the internationally acclaimed Helen O’Grady academy was in Malta recently to coach teachers in the implementation of the academy’s popular Kindy Drama programme for children aged three to four years.

The classes are designed specifically to develop those all important verbal communication skills.

The programme allows pre-schoolers to express themselves creatively through movement, story-telling and song, resulting in a unique way for young children to interact in a group and learn about individual roles.

This is achieved through dramatic play, speech training, creative movement, storytelling, song and fun language activities.

Alan Montanaro, principal for Malta, said: “We understand that children in this age group are still learning classroom rules and etiquette, social interaction skills within a group, as well as concentration and focusing skills. With this in mind, the high-energy lessons are made up of a number of short dynamic segments.”

 Classes are held in various locations around the island. For more information, visitwww.helenogradymalta.com.  

Helen O'Grady Academy to Open Mellieha Branch

Mr Alan Montanaro, Principal of the Helen O’Grady Academy recently announced that the internationally acclaimed development programme through drama will now be available in 6 localities around the island with the introduction of classes in Mellieha.

“The importance of drama as a development tool is indisputable”, explained Mr Montanaro. “Children who learn to speak out clearly and relate enthusiastically and confidently with others develop skills that make the journey through life much easier. We feel it is the Academy’s responsibility to make its product more accessible to more children”.

Classes are already available in Sliema, Attard, Cottonera, B’Kara, San Gwann and now in Mellieha.

The Helen O’Grady Academy provides children between the ages of 3 and 17 with unique opportunities to develop clear speech, fluent delivery and pleasing social skills. The program gives children the confidence to participate in all aspects of their lives, enables them to ask questions, seek answers and share information with others. Children who mix well with others find it easier to make friends and adjust to new situations.

 
The understanding of English through usage is also a very important by-product of our curriculum.

“The Academy takes a very naturalistic approach to teaching drama”, concluded Mr Montanaro, “we believe in nurturing the innate talents of all our students to ensure each student is encouraged in a warm, positive learning environment”.

 
More information is available at www.helenogradymalta.com. Alternatively, call 21465928 or 79647239.

Sir Alex Ferguson Congratulates Helen O’Grady Academy

You wouldn’t normally associate the manager of Manchester United FC with a drama school, but Sir Alex Ferguson recently wrote a personal letter of congratulations to the all students and staff of the Helen O’Grady Academy.

“Drama is a great way of expressing ones self and can have so many impacts on people’s lives” said the charismatic, Fergie, famed for being the most successive manager in Premier League history after an incredible two decades in charge of Manchester United.

The Helen O’Grady Academy’s offers a development through drama  The concept and philosophy behind the Academy is to provide children with a self-development programme that’s been specifically designed to increase their confidence, self-esteem, communicative ability and creative talents. The programme also imparts social skills that often don’t come out at an academic level. Classes are given in English and encourage proficiency in spoken English, through usage. This is all done in a fun way using a carefully constructed, progressive syllabus.

Principal for the Malta branch of the Academy, Mr Alan Montanaro said “Our developmental programme through drama really works. And it’s great that it is being recognized by people who know a thing or two about young people, education and self-expression.

The Helen O’Grady Academy recently received a letter from HE, Jan Fidel, Member of the European Commission responsible for Education and Culture in Brussels, who states that the Academy’s approach based on drama and building up of self confidence offers “interesting opportunities to help young people to develop their full potential.

For more information visit www.helenogradymalta.com