PARENT DAYS APRIL 2009

GRAVESHAM AND BROMLEY: Children have fun performing in front of parents

CHILDREN at a drama school have had fun performing in front of their parentsThe performers from the Helen O Grady Drama Academy took part in the end of term parents days on March 26 and March 28.

The students, aged five to 17 years old, put on scripted plays, improvised plays, music and movement pieces.

The academy aims to give children confidence, self-esteem and skills in verbal communication.

Principal of the academy in Bromley and West Kent, Helen Walls, said: “The support of the parents and schools in the local community has been fantastic.

“We are very much looking forward to more creative work after the holidays, when, in our annual production term, all classes work on short scripted plays to perform for an audience of parents and friends in July.”

The Bromley and West Kent academy teaches children across different areas including Gravesham, Petts Wood and Orpington.

ACTING UP FOR CHARITY CASH

Drama students enjoyed dressing up to raise money for charity.

In support of this year’s ‘do something funny for money’ campaign, children at the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy, which offers lessons all over Bromley and West Kent, were all invited to ‘dress for drama in a funny way’ and to bring along a donation for Comic Relief.

Academy principal helen walls said: “i knew our students were talented in the comedy department but some of the outfits were very funny indeed. we had children in their pyjamas, boys dressed as girls and vice versa, back to front outfits and clowns. we have raised £330.91 a great amount for this worthwhile cause.”

CASPA PRESENTAION

Members of CASPA (Children on the Autistic Spectrum Parents Association) took a break from rehearsals for their club activities to recieve a cheque for £155.00. The money was raised by members of the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy in Bromley & West Kent during their 10th Birthday Celebrations in July 2008. The donation will be put towards their Christmas Show which takes place in December.

ASDA BAg PACK

The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, renowned for helping children develop confidence, self esteem and verbal communication skills, has made a huge effort throughout the UK and raised the fantastic sum of £20,000 for Children In Need.

All over the country, children attending drama classes devised ways to raise thousands of pounds to present to the charity. These included:

• Big Bag Packs at ASDA Supermarkets around the country. This year, Children In Need is ASDA’s chosen charity so many Principals had a special visit from Pudsey Bear himself.

• Special edition Academy T-Shirts on sale, which children proudly wore at their school’s non-uniform days, with all proceeds going to the charity.

• Bad hair days, with prizes for the best hairstyle.

• Bring a parent day, giving mums and dads chance to experience the exciting drama classes children attend each week. Obviously parents made a contribution for this pleasure.

• Bear-themed lessons, when children and parents dressed as, or brought a bear to class. All activities were based around teddy bears.

• Sponsored talking – children raised money by continuously performing one drama activity for up to 15 minutes.

• ‘Celebrity Scissorhands’ – one Principal and her teacher volunteered as models and were accepted on the television show during the run up to Children In Need

Our Bromley and West Kent Classes have raised over £550 towards the grand total. This was through the bag pack at ASDA Gravesend and our ‘design a Pudsey costume’ competition. We have been thrilled to be a part of such a worthwhile cause and are very proud of everyone who helped in raising such an amazing amount of money.

The Academy has been operating worldwide since 1979 and in the UK since 1994 and we are proud our students had the confidence to join in all these activities and raise money for children less fortunate than themselves.

With forty eight branches of the Academy around the UK, and approximately 13,000 children attending classes each week, the target was set high and Principals and their teachers worked hard to raise a total of £20,000.

DGS MENCAP PRESENTATION

Members of DGS Mencap’s Drama Group took a break from rehearsals for their forthcoming production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to recieve a cheque for £155.00. The money was raised by members of the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy in Bromley & West Kent during their 10th Birthday Celebrations in July 2008. The donation will be put towards the production which takes place in December.

DRAMATIC FUNDRAISER

STUDENTS at The Helen O'Grady Drama Academy in Bromley and West Kent have raised £465, which will be divided between three local charities - Children on the Autistic Spectrum Parents' Association (CASPA), The Phoenix Centre and Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Mencap.

The students, aged between five and 17, raised the money using sponsored improvisations, inviting parents to join in the fun of a drama class and running collections at summer shows.

The award-winning Helen O'Grady programme aims to develop enthusiasm, confidence, self-esteem, communication skills and creativity through an extensive drama curriculum. The academy's specialist drama teachers, who undergo extensive training, ensure each student is encouraged in a warm, positive learning environment, where mutual respect is a priority.

The charity fundraising formed part of the academy's 10th birthday celebrations.

Principal Helen Walls said: "It is wonderful our drama classes are still within easy reach for so many children.

"Since we introduced the programme to the area, we have seen fantastic development of essential life skills in the young people who attend our classes.

"Parents and teachers have commented on the difference they have seen at home and at school and I know every student enjoys being part of something positive and successful in our child-centred, friendly lessons."