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!

Don't Miss Helen O' Grady 2017

They say time flies when you’re having fun but boy, where did 2016 go?! 

What a great year it was filled with highlights and memories and it isn’t over yet. But we do have to start thinking and planning ahead. 2017 is around the corner and we need to ensure all our current students are given an opportunity to sign up for drama next year. We don’t want you to miss out!

This week all our teachers will be giving re-enrolment forms to all of our students.

Attached is all the information you need for next year.

 

And of course, if you bring back your forms next week – you stand in line to win amazing prizes so be sure to bring back those form as sooooooooooon as possible.

If 2016 is anything to go by you definitely don’t want to miss out on 2017 where it all gets bigger and better. While staying in line with our globally renowned curriculum we bring our students more skills and techniques in the form of high energy lessons.

We love it when a plan comes together

Term four has got of to a rocking start with students filing in to class ready for action.

This term is extra special as we gear up for our year-end productions. It’s great to see that students spent time during the holidays learning their lines, familiarising themselves with their scripts and getting ideas for costumes and characterisation.

Productions are a highlight of the Helen O’ Grady calendar. It’s a great time to bring together all the principles we’ve taught our students throughout the year.

Students will get to show what they’ve learnt in the speech component of the curriculum as they deliver their lines in crisp, bold voices.

We will see their movement skills as they assume the levels, special awareness and planes of different roles.

Ad libbing, which is an important skill taught, practised and emphasised throughout the year will be on show throughout the plays throughout the age groups.

Parents, friends, family and teachers can look forward to a display of skill wrapped up in clever stories in a showcase of colour and fun.

Dreams begin at Kindy class

Helen O' Grady and their teachers strive to inspire students to dream. And dreaming is not age restricted. Dreaming starts right now!


Last week the Kenridge Kindy princesses ended off the second theme for this term: Night and Day. They got to do this with sleepover themed lesson. Not that any sleeping happened!

The girls practiced their speech, did their movement exercises and discussed what they'd learnt thus far during the Night and Day theme. They then ended off the lesson with The Pillow Fight improv.

The Kindy class is a great platform for young students to learn the basics of speech and drama in a high energy, interactive and informal way. They are also exposed to other students and learn to listen not only to instructions but the stories of their classmates.

Call the office or visit our website to find out more about the Kindy class.
We're waiting to meet you and your little one.

With opportunity comes responsibility

As parents and as teachers we have been entrusted with a great responsibility to give our children the best models and the best versions of who we are, and who they can be.

At Helen O' Grady we don't take it lightly that us as teachers have a portion of influence over our students. It is up to us to not only teach them our internationally renowned curriculum and equip them for performance on the various stages of life but also to show them respect, integrity and care. While we only see them for one lesson a week, we would like to ensure our parents that us as teachers do our utmost to positively influence our students. This all forms part of our mission to build their confidence, expand their creativity and equip them in communication.

We would like to thank all our parents for their continued support. Together we can bring out the best in our children and see them soar to great heights.

Making a Scene

We've just about made it to the half way mark of Term 2. We've learnt so much while we also have so much more in store.

Every term brings something new to each age group. For the Lower Primary group, curriculum has been enhances with the addition of Scene Starters towards the end of each lesson.

During Scene Starters teachers provide students with the opening lines to short scenes, it is then left up to the students create and complete the scene. What we've seen so far is students exercising their creativity, using the skills taught during Group Improvs and working in teams to produce well-rounded stories.

The Helen O' Grady curriculum is used at all the Academies around the world. The drama principles taught remain the base and platform of each lesson with enhancements, like the Scene Starters, added with each term and each year to keep our students a step ahead.

Durbanville and Kenridge Lower Primary students
show their best side.

There's something for every child of every age. Contact us today for a free trial lesson.

In the mean time, go over to www.helenogrady.co.za for more information.

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Lights. Camera. Action. Sport!

Our Kindy classes are a great way for young drama kings and queens to get familiar with drama principles. Our teachers love teaching these classes as energy and enthusiasm levels are at its highest. Students are aged between 3 and 5 and get to learn to express themselves, tell stories and communicate with others. We have found that this space offers our students the opportunity to grow their confidence as well as their self-esteem.

The term is divided into themes allowing students to learn about the world we live in and expand their language and understanding. 

We’re currently enjoying a sport theme in our Kindy class and our young ones are getting to mime their favourite sporting activities, learn the role of referees, and learn to work in teams as well as other key learnings. This is done through movement, mime, improv, storytelling and listening games. 

Students use balloons to play various sports. What fun!

The Kindy class is the best possible start for children with an interest in drama. It is also a great place for children to start interacting with others in preparation for school and life. 

If you would like to visit one of our Kindy classes get in touch with us: 

021 913 3635 or mari@helenogrady.co.za
Also, visit our Facebook page for more.

Imagine That

Carl Sagan said, “Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere.” Sagan, a scientist and astronomer, believed that our imagination is the key to opening our minds and hearts to new worlds and places. At Helen O' Grady we believe that drama is at the centre of developing our imagination. Drama helps our young students exercise those muscles as they learn to create, invent and discover throughout each lesson of our programme.

No matter the age, there is something unique and extraordinary for each child.

If your child is between the ages of 3 and 18 find a studio near you. Trial lessons are free.

If YOU are in this age group and would like to get involved, tell your parents about us, give us a call and we'll tell you more.

In the mean time, go over to helenogrady.co.za for more information.

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And follow us on Twitter

Be sure not to miss out.

There's a reason we're the first choice for schools world wide.