Primary Focus

Much has been said and written about Early Child Development and the importance of the first years.

As teachers and parents we're often reminded of the great responsibility afforded us to do the best we can to ensure our students and children get the best start in their education journey.

Studies show the first 8 years  life are critical to the child's holistic growth. The emotional, social and physical development of young children has a direct effect on their overall development and on the adult they will become. 

At Helen O' Grady we don't see this a daunting task or great challenge to shy away from. We see this as an opportunity to make a life-changing impact on the young ones who carry our future.

Our primary school programme gives students the start they need for this all-round development. We are thrilled to part of every child's journey!

Great start for Bellville

The week got off to a brilliant start as our Bellville school and studio students met their new teacher,  Ansuné van der Merwe.

Ansuné has always been passionate about all performing arts. 

So much so she started ballet at the age of 4! She went on to train in modern, Spanish and tap dancing.

She also loves singing and playing piano – we can’t wait to see her in action with the students at the year-end productions.

She had Drama as a school subject and was involved in various 

productions during her high school career. After graduating with a B.A. in Media & Writing and Law, Ansuné decided to follow her heart and pursue a career in the performing arts. She trained at the Waterfront Theatre School where she gained invaluable experience on stage.

She is currently working as a freelance actress and dancer while reading towards her ATCL Teaching Diploma in Speech and Drama through Trinity College.

While she enjoys performing, Ansuné is most excited to share her love for drama with others as a teacher. She believes drama is a powerful tool which allows students to find their voices, feel safe and loved, express their creativity and develop into confident individuals. It was a great start at Bellville yesterday and we can’t wait to see her and the students grow!

Drama Day Is Our Favourite Day!

The students at Bellville Christian Academy have for years looked forward to Monday afternoons.

Every Monday the centre auditorium comes alive with vibrant drama activities that teach the students invaluable lessons in communication, encourages creativity and builds their confidence.

The Upper Primary Group at BCA full of dramatic expressions

The students in this class have through the years shown tremendous growth, increased vibrancy and a keen knack for drama the Helen O’ Grady way.

When new students join they are quickly welcomed and made comfortable. They soon learn the drama activities in class are not only leading them to become great performers on stage but also good people off stage.

Helen O’ Grady Drama comes to Bellville Christian Academy every Monday at 2pm.

We're in Bellville!

We are very excited to launch our Bellville Studio classes this term.

There was a great demand for Helen O Grady classes in the area and we thought it was time to take up the challenge. And what a start it's been!

Every Monday you can find us at the Collective Arts Theatre easily accessible coming from Durban Road or Frans Conradie Drive.
If you are in the area, come around, pop in for a trial class and we're sure you'll stay.

For our Primary School students we have a composite class from 15h30 -16h30
And very exciting...we have a Youth Theatre group from 16h30 - 17h30.

You don't want to miss it!

Bellville Studio Opening January 2016!

The growth of Helen O’ Grady Drama Academy knows no bounds.

We are ever growing, ever moving forward and we want you to join in the adventure.

Next year Helen O’ Grady Northern Suburbs and Winelands will be expanding and opening our Bellville Studio.

The Studio will be hosted at the Collective Arts Theatre…yes…a REAL Theatre!

We welcome all Primary and High School students as we will run a Composite Primary class as well as an exciting Youth Theatre class.

If you live in the area and surrounds, don’t hesitate, get in touch and sign up today.

Collective Arts Theatre: Corner of Frans Conradie Drive and Alexdra Street, Bellville                         (next to DF Malan High School)
3:30– 4:30pm    6-12 years old (Primary Class)
4:30– 5:30pm    13-18 years old (Youth Theatre Class)

Term 1 opens with a roar

Helen O Grady Drama Academy in the Northern Suburbs and Winelands opened their doors last week to welcome the new year, and the new term as well as 100s of returning and new learners.

The first week saw the opening of the Kenridge Kindy class where our youngest stars took their first small steps to success. And oh what fun we had!

The Kenridge studio welcomed back learners who have been with us for a number of years and they, along with their teacher, Nastassja gave new learners a treat setting them up for a dramatic 2015.

Our Durbanville studio enjoyed a full house of new and old faces throughout the age groups. The High Impact Activity in the image below shows the Lower Primary girls enjoying an improvisation session taking domesticated house cats living in the lap of luxury to the mean, dark alleys and streets. This class wasting no time in getting the year off to roaring start.

Reports from other teachers active in Bellville, Kuils River, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington and Somerset West showed that students, old and new, were eager to get into character, learn and grow.

Movement, Mime, Speech and Improv, the year ahead promises to be one filled with learning and laughter. Be sure to keep your eyes on this page for weekly updates, news and images.

For more see our website www.helenogrady.co.za

Like us on Facebook: Helen O'Grady - Cape Town North & Winelands

Follow us on Twitter: @HOG_CT_North

We're excited to share this year with you.

Bellville students shine at their first Parents Day Presentation!

The Helen O'Grady Drama Academy has been running our programme at Bellville Christian Academy for a year now. The children recently performed at their first annual parents day for family and friends. Here the children showed their excellent communication skills developed by the Academy. From speech to mime to improvisation, the children have really grown throughout the year. They all received Achievement Certificates for successfully completing their first year with Helen O'Grady.