Training in Bristol for Helen O'Grady Teachers

Alan Montanaro, principal of the Helen O’Grady Academy in Malta, returned recently from the UK where he was invited to participate in an intensive training programme to launch the new curriculum for term 3.

The workshops involved intensive sessions with British students designed to ensure that teachers are kept up-to-date with the latest teaching techniques.

Short plays such as The Grasshopper and the Ants, Fiesta in Triesta, Fancy That andThe Perfect Scandal were worked through in great detail These plays will be performed for parents and friends towards the end of the scholastic term.

The internationally acclaimed academy boosts children’s self-esteem, confidence and verbal skills, whilst also teaching English and creative thinking through drama.  Put simply, the dynamic programme adopts the philosophy that “A lesson learned through fun, is never forgotten”.

 “Training at the Helen O’Grady Academy is an on-going commitment”, explained Alan Montanaro, Principal for the Malta branch, “The Academy insists that all its teachers are fully trained and accredited to ensure the award-winning curriculum is implemented in the best possible way for the benefit of students.”.

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

Vodafone Malta Foundation extends opportunities for growth to Kalkara primary students

Through the Helen O’Grady Academy programme, the Vodafone Malta Foundation is once again giving children from Kalkara Primary School valuable opportunities for growth through classes specifically designed to tap into children’s creativity and build on their social skills.

By taking part in a specialised syllabus that primarily uses its unique developmental programme as a means of attaining character, children learn confidence, clear speech and articulation, and a positive self-concept – priceless skills that help children build strong personalities and participate more in all areas of life.

During a visit to one of the Academy classes at school, Gemma Mifsud Bonnici, Chairperson, Vodafone Malta Foundation remarked that there is no better way for children to learn lessons for life through a progressive and rich syllabus that also doubles up as fun and leave you with a lasting sense of achievement.  “Providing opportunities for children is at the core of the Foundation’s work and experiencing the children’s successes gives us great satisfaction and joy,” she continued.

Head of Kalkara Primary Ms. Miriam Mallia spoke about the resounding success of the first year of participation in the Helen O’Grady programme.  “We are elated that the Vodafone Malta Foundation has extended its support for the second year running.  We now have first-hand experience of the benefits of this comprehensive and dynamic curriculum and can vouch that student progress has been very tangible.  We look forward to being part of this great experience once again.”

Alan Montanaro, Principal of the Helen O’Grady Academy in Malta, thanked Vodafone Foundation for making this important initiative possible. “Our development programme strives to build ongoing confidence, improve self-esteem as well as teach English through an award-winning curriculum that has been developed over many years by teachers, psychologists and students. Judging by the positive feedback we have had from class teachers, students and parents this initiative is a resounding success”.

Over 70,000 students attend Helen O'Grady classes weekly throughout 23 countries including Malta.

Helen O'Grady Academy Launches Development Programme for Pre-Schoolers

Following numerous requests from parents, the internationally acclaimed Helen O’Grady Academy will be launching Kindy Drama this October for children aged 3 to 4 years old.

The unique programme allows preschoolers to express themselves creatively through movement, storytelling and song, resulting in an enchanting way for young children to interact in a group and learn about individual roles.

The aim of the development programme is to give young children on-going confidence, self-esteem and skill in verbal communication. In Kindy Drama, this is achieved through dramatic play, speech training, creative movement, storytelling, song and language activities. All segments of the classes have been specifically created and adapted for this age group, with a strong focus on enjoyment and fun for the young students!


“In many ways, preschoolers are really not that much different from teenagers,” says Helen O’Grady Academy Principal, Alan Montanaro, “often they’re insecure, full of bottled up energy and a passionate need to let the creative images racing through their minds out. Often times the wild play that preschoolers can engage in comes from the need to externalize their imagination”.

The programme will strive to improve language and communication skills through a unique and affordable development programme and, above all, lessons are great fun.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to provide pre-school classes in our Malta. Having seen children develop so much in our other classes, the opportunity to introduce them to our programme from the age of three is extremely exciting", concluded Mr Montanaro.