Three year study shows self-esteem and confidence is raised hugely by drama classes. See our Plumstead classes demonstrating how this works.

In a recent study over three years, it was shown that primary school children who took part in National Theatre of London’s outreach work have made “significant gains” in their speaking skills and show more self-confidence, independent research has found. If you see the way our Plumstead children participate with their teacher, Dana, there is no doubt that the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy can utterly agree with this recent study.

Jenny Harris, the NT’s head of education, commented: “The key findings of this rigorous study raise critical considerations that we hope will inform the current debate about the role and, more importantly, the value of arts.”

Among the report’s main findings are that children who participated in the National Theatre drama programmes, run in London, reported an increased enjoyment in school and that they learned to speak more clearly and listen more attentively than the test group of children. But it also discovered that children gained self-esteem and self-confidence, which are regarded as key in the ability to learn.

Researcher Helen Turner said: “Our research highlights several key educational issues – how to make school more enjoyable, how to provide learning environments where different talents are recognised and valued, how to make literacy more exciting, how to encourage and promote creativity and how to ensure cultural entitlement. We think that the National Theatre’s drama programmes provide a guide for others to follow.”

Principal of the Cape Town Academy, Duncan Rice, says "Like the National Theatre, the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy’s international programme is focused on building children’s confidence, self-esteem and communication skills. Parents around the world have realised the importance of this but more work needs to be done to educate parents throughout Africa about the importance of drama classes in children’s overall development. Education is not just about remembering - it is also about application."

The study tracked the work of the NT’s education department with children aged seven to ten from eight inner London primary schools for three years. During that time the children took part in three programmes – Primary Shakespeare, focusing on The Tempest, a storytelling programme called Word Alive and Primary Classics, based on Christopher Marlowe’s Dr Faustus.

Professor Berry Mayall, who was also part of the research team, added: “Ministers have recognised the intrinsic value for children of engaging with the arts. The results of our study present a clear case for the government to support drama work in schools for the enrichment of children’s lives.”

The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy runs drama classes throughout Cape Town, and the Plumstead studio has three classes of different age-groups ranging from 5-18 years. 

For more information about our drama programmes and how they can enhance your child’s development socially and educationally, contact us on 021 6747478

Head to our website www.dramaafrica.com

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