First Class is a gentle introduction to communications skills and performance. Learning through play and experience is vital and the children have the chance to try things out in an atmosphere of fun and support. Of course not all the children are comfortable with performance - indeed many are initially nervous or shy. But it is amazing how quickly that changes as we help them grow the confidence to move forward.
Click here for a copy of our First Class leaflet!
Each class lasts for 1½ hours mixing together elements of drama, music and dance, gently encouraging small but significant steps in their development. There will be games, songs, dances - all kinds of activities specifically selected to take the group to their next stage.
Group sizes are kept deliberately small so that we are able to focus on each child as an individual, getting to know their likes, dislikes and personality. A class may also have a classroom assistant to help the lead teacher with the activities (and of course trips to the bathroom).
Shows and Showings
Once a year the children put on a full showing for their parents - 2010's showing will be Jungle Book!
We try to make these first forays into public performance as gentle and considerate as we can - without big lights and sound systems - but they give a chance for the children to put their lessons into practice. We never ask children to do things they are not happy with. And even during the final shows children are affected by nerves and shyness in very different ways. This is entirely natural and we will never be cross with a child who finds the experience in any way overwhelming.
We have other get-togethers during the year too. At Christmas we have a showing, often festive, followed by mince pies and coffee. In the summer we try and ease the pressure to perform, although often parents may be invited in at the end of the last lesson to see some of the fantastic things the children have been working on.
We never lose sight of the fact that the performance is only a very small part of the learning experience. Whilst it's the bit that the parents actually see it is vital that the children have had a rewarding, stretching and very enjoyable experience getting there.
Moving on...
When the time is right for them, the children have the opportunity to graduate to 'big best' and we aim to guarantee a space for any child wishing to make the transition. This happens usually at some time when they are 6. It can be a sudden change or a more gradual maturing but we will notice it happening and will discuss with parents what might be best to do next. There is never pressure from us to move up - it must be the child who wants to try it.
When a child expresses an interest in moving up we will invite him/her along to a Best school for a session to give it a go. This is a very exciting experience which we try to make less daunting through a Best Buddy system where an established Best child of a similar age will specially look after the newcomer.
If the trial session is a success then the move will happen at the beginning of the following term. In this way we are able to preserve priority to children already in our school.
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