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Newsletter

Newsletter (Summer 2024)

Admin

We send out the Dramatis newsletter three times a year (Summer in March, Autumn in August and Spring in December) to provide highlights from the previous term along with plans for the upcoming one.

The below is a copy of the Summer Term 2024 newsletter (sent in March). To make sure you get all our news delivered straight to your inbox, SUBSCRIBE HERE!

Hi Everyone,

After 10 weeks of conjuring up ‘The Magic Within’ through drama games and exercises, Spring Term has now come to an end. This term’s focus has been on Vocal Expression and it culminated with pupils creating their own unique devised piece that they performed to camera. These have been submitted for a Trinity graded exam and we’ll update parents on results in the coming weeks.

We’re now busy finalising plans for the ‘Spooky Spectacles’ Summer Term which will be focused on Spontaneous Improvisation. The 13 week term starts on Mon 15 April and culminates in a Class Performance.

But if you’re nervous about committing your child to a full term (or you know someone who might want to give Dramatis classes a try) take a look at the FREE taster workshop we’ll be running on Wed 3 April.

This past term has also seen us continue to develop our relationships with local schools (running three history themed workshops for Bishop Tufnell pupils) and continue our professional development (gaining additional qualifications in safeguarding and SEND education through our affiliations with The National College and the Out of School Alliance).  

More information about all of this is below.

I wish pupils, parents and everyone else we work with a very Happy Easter and I look forward to another term of watching more local children thrive at Dramatis!

Kind Regards

Suzy (Principal)

News about upcoming Summer 2024 Term

Summer Term Classes
Have you got a sensitive soul at home who tends to shy away? Or a tweenager who’s ghosting you in more ways than one? This Summer Term, pupils will be channelling their creative energies into all things scary as they develop unique characters and storylines to create their own ‘Spooky Spectacles’. Games & exercises will be focused on Spontaneous Improvisation which will help pupils to elevate their devised scenes. These will be shown to parents at the end of term during a Class Performance. Ready to get silly with the spooky? CLICK HERE TO JOIN US.

FREE Workshop for new starters
Know someone who might be interested in Dramatis classes? Or are you feeling nervous about committing your child to a full term?  Join us on Wednesday 3 April for a FREE workshop that will give them a good insight as to what goes on during weekly Dramatis classes. During this one hour session, children will take part in games and activities based around the upcoming ‘Spooky Spectacles’ theme. SIGN UP HERE.

FREE Workshops for Schools
We’re keen to help as many children as possible harness the power of Pretend Play and develop key Life Skills. As part of this, we offer free drama workshops to local schools. These can be used by teachers to bring educational topics to life in a fun and engaging way. If you know a school or organisation in Bognor or the surrounding areas that might be interested in having us run a free workshop, please GET IN TOUCH.

News from Spring 2024 Term

School Workshops for Bishop Tufnell
Here at Dramatis, we harness the power of Pretend Play to help children develop emotional and social life skills. We usually do this during our weekly classes and holiday workshops but we also offer FREE one-hour drama workshops to schools and youth organisations in the local area. Last month, we were excited to partner with Bishop Tufnell CE Primary School in Bognor Regis, to run workshops for their Year 3, Year 4 and Year 6 class groups. To learn more about how we used Pretend Play to bring their history classes to life CLICK HERE.

In the News…
With the future workplace becoming harder to predict, it’s a challenge for parents and educators to know how to best prepare children for the working world. Across all industries, a huge emphasis is now being placed on the importance of creativity but in a landmark report published earlier this year, it was said that creativity “seems to have been all but expunged from the school curriculum in England”. Last month, Principal Suzy spoke with ABC Magazine about how Dramatis classes can help foster creativity and prepare children for the world of work. CLICK HERE and head to page 52 to read.

News

Dramatis brings history to life with free School Workshops 

Admin

Here at Dramatis, we harness the power of Pretend Play to help transform children’s confidence.

We usually do this during our weekly classes and holiday workshops but we also run one-hour drama workshops for schools and youth organisations in the local area. 

Last month, we were excited to partner with Bishop Tuffnell CE Primary School in Bognor Regis, to run workshops for their Year 3, Year 4 and Year 6 class groups.  

Our School Workshops use drama games and exercises to bring educational topics to life in a fun and engaging way. Bishop Tuffnell’s Head of History, Charlotte Richardson, was keen to find a creative way to introduce pupils to the historical topics they were studying this term. 

We therefore tailored our usual workshop plans to incorporate their topics. As with our classes, all our workshops include an Energiser Game, a Drama Exercise (focused on learning about a specific skill) and finally Pretend Play (during which children create their own totally unique scene).

During our Year 3 workshop, we explored the Romans. For our Energiser Game we played ‘Legionnaire Shuffle’ where children were given a role in the Roman Army (Medicus, Centurion or Legionnaire) and had to run to their bases as their roles were called out.

The children did a brilliant job and we were particularly taken by the way they really entered into their roles coming up with their own take on what life would have been like in the Barracks and inventing their own ways of training (such as weight lifting rocks!)

Our Year 4 workshop, focused on the Egyptians. Our Drama Exercise focused on Tableaux (“living pictures”). Children created different Tableaux’s depicting key moments to the lead up of Harold Carter discovering Tutankhamun’s tomb (from his arrival in Egypt and 5 years of excavating, to the rumours that started circulating and the eventual discovery). 

It was wonderful to see the Year 4’s embrace the workshop and their excitement when taking on the role of excavators and archaeologists!

In our Year 6 workshop, we turned our attentions to WW2. For their Devised Scene pupils were given a setting (and told they were part of a small family in Arras the night before a suspected German invasion). They were told to include in their scene a plan for what they are going to do (would they hide, fight, run away or wait and see what fate had in store for them?). Pupils were also told they needed to end their scene with the line “Let’s go to bed and talk about it in the morning”.

The Year 6 scenes were particularly poignant and it was beautiful to watch their responses to the stimuli.

We had some lovely feedback from both pupils and teachers including: 

“It was really fun, I liked making up stories about being in the army and talking tactics“
Jessie (Year 3 pupil) 

“I learnt who discovered the tomb, I didn’t know they searched for 5 years”
Lukas (Year 4 pupil) 

“I really felt like I was there. I was a shoe maker and I could imagine what it was like to not have any business”
Toby (Year 6 pupil) 

“It is so nice to have the opportunity to do this. The children don’t get a lot of time to just be freely creative like this”. 
Year 6 Teacher 

“We were so impressed with Suzanna in our History drama sessions at Bishop Tufnell Primary School. She really helped to bring the Romans and Egyptians alive for Year 3 and 4 children , and to help our year 6s empathise with people in a WW2 aid raid. Children loved the opportunity for active learning and enjoyed becoming the historical figures they had been learning about. We are really grateful to Suzanna for introducing a new, creative way to bring History alive for our children.”
Mrs Richardson, Year 5 Year Group Representative

A few photos of the Workshops can be seen below. If you’re a teacher keen to add a creative activity to your lessons which will help bring your curriculum to life, take a look at our SCHOOL WORKSHOP page or get in touch with us on info@dramatis.co.uk.  

Newsletter

Newsletter (Spring 2024)

Admin

We send out the Dramatis newsletter three times a year (Summer in March, Autumn in August and Spring in December) to provide highlights from the previous term along with plans for the upcoming one.

The below is a copy of the Spring Term 2024 newsletter (sent in December). To make sure you get all our news delivered straight to your inbox, SUBSCRIBE HERE!

Hi Everyone,

…and just like that Autumn Term has come to an end! Thank you to all the parents and family members who joined us on Saturday for ‘Enchanted Trails’ – our end of term school showcase. We loved watching our pupils’ creative ideas brought to life on stage. And with hairy grandmothers, naughty children, awkward dinners and royal fallouts, it was a typically festive start to the holidays 😉  

The theme for the upcoming Spring Term is ‘The Magic Within’ and 10 weeks of classes will culminate in pupils recording their devised pieces to camera. These will then be submitted for a graded Trinity exam. 

If you know any parents who are interested in Dramatis but are nervous about committing their child to a full term,  please let them know about our FREE workshops.

Next term will see us further develop our relationships with local schools. We will be launching an After-School club for Nyewood infant school pupils and also working with Bishop Tuffnell primary school on a series of FREE workshops.

More information on all of this is below.

Thanks as always for your ongoing support and patience as we continue to grow and develop Dramatis. I wish pupils, parents and everyone else we work with a very Happy Christmas and I look forward to another term of watching more local children thrive at Dramatis!

Kind Regards

Suzy (Principal)

News about upcoming Spring 2024 Term

Spring Term Classes
Has your child devoured a well-known wizard book series? Or tried to cast a spell on a Sibling?  If so, they’re going to love ‘The Magic Within’! This Term’s theme will see us embrace all things magical and mystical. We’ll be using ice-breaker games and drama exercises (based on vocal expression) to help pupils create their own unique characters and stories. Once they’re cackling like pros and waving wands with ease, they’ll create their own devised performance. This will be filmed at the end of term and submitted for a Trinity graded exam. Click here to find out more & book.

FREE Workshops for new starters
We offer various free experiences so potential new pupils can get a feel for what Dramatis is about before committing to booking a full term.
FREE WORKSHOPS take place at the start of each term, and mean children can try out a class with other potential new starters.
FREE TRIAL SESSIONS can be booked at any point during the term and mean children can join in a class with current pupils.
On Monday 8 January, we’re running three free workshops (themed around ‘The Magic Within’). Click here to sign up.

FREE Workshops for Schools
We’re keen to help as many children as possible harness the power of Pretend Play and develop key Life Skills. As part of this, we offer free drama workshops to local schools. This Spring Term, we’ll be working with Bishop Tuffnell CE Primary School on a series of workshops that will help bring their history lessons to life. If you know a school or organisation in Bognor or the surrounding areas that might be interested in having us run a free workshop, we’d be very grateful if you could send THIS LINK on to them.

News from Autumn 2023 Term

End of Term School Showcase
During Autumn Term’s, ‘Enchanted Trails’, pupils explored famous characters from much loved fairy tales and put their own unique spin on classic stories with help from drama exercises that focused on freeze-frame, voice and gesture. The term culminated in a ticketed School Showcase on Saturday 9th December. Thanks to all the parents who joined us to see the children’s creative ideas brought to life. Photos from the performance can be seen on our Facebook page HERE.

In the News…
Last term, ABC Magazine asked us to share our expertise with their readers. With more children than ever before being home-schooled, Principal Suzy was asked to write about how drama classes can help children being educated outside of the traditional school system. To read the article in full, CLICK HERE and go to page 34.

Uncategorized

Newsletter (Autumn 2023)

Admin

We send out the Dramatis newsletter three times a year (Summer in March, Winter in August and Spring in December) to provide highlights from the previous term along with plans for the upcoming one. The below is a copy of the Autumn Term 2023 newsletter (sent in August). To make sure you get all our news delivered straight to your inbox, SUBSCRIBE HERE!

AUTUMN 2023 NEWSLETTER

Hi Everyone,

Not sure if it’s all this rain, but recent weeks have put us in a reflective mood. We made a bit of a boo boo last term (see below!) but we’re really excited about our upcoming plans for the Autumn. 

This term, we’re moving to a new location. From September, Dramatis will be based at Nyewood CE Junior School (just around the corner from our original home). It’s a spacious hall that allows us to have our own access. It’s easier for drop off and collection of children (and free car parking is still available onsite).

The theme for Autumn Term CLASSES is ‘Enchanted Trails’ and 13 weeks of classes will culminate in a full School Performance on Saturday 9th December for family and friends. See below for more info.

If you haven’t signed up your child already, a reminder that we still have a few spaces left on our Summer HOLIDAY WORKSHOP which starts on Monday 21st August. More information is below.

Thanks as always for your ongoing support and I look forward to another term of watching more local children develop and thrive at Dramatis!

Kind Regards

Suzy (Principal)

News about upcoming Autumn Term

Summer Holiday Workshop
This Summer, we’re exploring the much-loved musical of Wicked! Join us for ‘Magic and Musicals’ as we act, sing and dance our way through the week. There will be plenty of fun playing drama-based games and learning simple song lyrics and dance routines. As always, children will work together to create their own devised performance which is filmed to camera on the last day (providing a nice souvenir of their holidays!)  Priced at £150, one week of 9.30am to 3.30pm sessions work out at just £30 a day. CLICK HERE for more info.

FREE Workshops
We’re keen to help as many children as possible harness the power of Pretend Play and develop key Life Skills. We’ve been running free workshops at local schools for a while (perhaps that’s how you found us?!) but we now have a dedicated page on the website to help promote them. If you know a school or organisation in Bognor or the surrounding areas that might be interested in having us run a free workshop, we’d be very grateful if you could send this link on to them.

Autumn Term – new location!
From September, our weekly classes will run at Nyewood CE Junior School (just around the corner from our original home). This term, we will be taking pupils on an ‘Enchanted Trail’. As always, we’ll be using a range of drama games and exercises to encourage imaginations. Our younger group will be meeting famous characters from much loved fairy tales while our older group will be putting their own unique spin on classic stories. We will help pupils to hone and develop their ideas to create a full school end of term (ticketed) performance on Saturday 9th December. Term costs £136.50 but book before 20 August using the code DISCOUNT20 to get a 20% discount. CLICK HERE for more info.

News from Summer Term

End of Term class performances 
This past Summer Term, our pupils have been exploring the theme ‘Life on the Otherside’. Creative imaginations unfolded as the weeks went on – with journeys over rainbows, robot takeovers and prison cell conversations! Thanks to all the parents who joined us for the end of term in-class performances which give children the foundations to perform to a wider audience.

We made a boo boo!
Guys, we messed up. Last term, we attempted to expand Dramatis into Hove. We’ve met some lovely people, but forgot how long it takes to get established in a new area. So (tails slightly between legs!) we’re putting that venture to one side for now. The coming year will be fully dedicated to Bognor! We hope to build on what we’ve already created here and grow and develop our lovely community of Bognor based pupils. 

In the news…
Last term, we were excited to be asked by ABC Magazine to share our expertise with their readers. Given recent NHS statistics stating the number of under 18s referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services has risen by 53% since 2019, our feature focused on how Pretend Play develops key life skills and helps children cope with the challenges of life. To read the article in full, CLICK HERE.

Local Area, Local News

Ten Holiday Clubs to keep children in Sussex entertained this Summer

Admin

Whilst the kids might be excited to see the last day of term, the Summer Holidays bring new childcare challenges to parents. Balancing the needs of children (who need some structure outside of their usual school routine), parents with paid jobs (who need reliable childcare) and stay-at-home parents (who need some breathing space) – all in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis – is no easy task!

So, we’ve rounded up Ten Holiday Clubs to help Sussex parents out this summer.   There’s something to cater for all tastes – from sports fans and nature lovers to dance fiends and cookery enthusiasts. But we’re starting (obviously!) with our own drama workshops…

DRAMATIS HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS
Working out at a bargainous £5 per hour (!), our much-loved Holiday Workshops always leave participants with smiles on their faces. Themed around popular films and musicals, they incorporate drama-based games and exercises as well as music and dance. The emphasis is very much on having fun, with simple song lyrics and dance routines that everyone can follow. As the week progresses, children work together to create their own devised performance which is filmed to camera on the last day (providing a nice souvenir of their holidays).  This Summer, we’re running ‘INCREDIBLE MADRIGALS’ (based on Encanto) in Hove and then ‘MAGIC & MUSICALS’ (based on Wicked) in Bognor.
For more information, CLICK HERE.

THE OUTDOORS PROJECT
As its name alludes to, these Holiday Clubs are all about playing outdoors whatever the weather (as well as having fun, making new friends and learning some new skills). Every day is different, they run specific activities in small groups throughout the day – games, learning skills, communicating, making, playing & creating memories. On a typical day, they run 4 main activities and plenty of games based around the days theme. From Desert Island Survival (where children learn bushcraft and how to find water) to Savage Stone Age (involving drawing cave paintings and playing stone aged games) there’s something to suit all tastes!
For more information, CLICK HERE.

PIED PIPER MULTI-ACTIVITY CLUBS
Pied Piper have been running activity clubs for over 20 years. Their multi-activity camps are a great way for children aged 4 –12 years old to really enjoy their school holidays. The daily programme of 45 minute activities is carefully structured to balance high energy action games like the inflatable obstacle course with calmer fun based activities like Art & Craft all based around the theme of the week.
For more information, CLICK HERE.

TURNING POINTE’S SUMMER DANCE CAMP
Turning Pointe covers a number of locations across Sussex and we offers Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Tap, Musical Theatre and Contemporary dance lessons throughout the year. Their Summer Dance Camp offers an exciting programme of different dance styles, including special guest teachers. Children who aren’t Turning Pointe students, or who are totally new to dance, are very welcome.
For more information, CLICK HERE.

RISE COOKERY SCHOOL CAMPS
Back by popular demand, the “Cook Around The World” theme will be continuing for 2023, taking children to even more countries and continents. Whether attending for the first time, or returning to camp to further develop their culinary skills, children attending this new and improved cookery course can look forward to serving up new recipes and challenges. Every child attending RISE Cookery School will receive their very own RISE Cookery apron and all ingredients are provided.
For more information, CLICK HERE.

LAGOON WATERSPORTS ACTIVITY WEEKS
The Lagoon Kids Activity Week is a week-long course where children will experience the thrills of windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, knee boarding and on-land activities such as team challenges and treasure hunts. The week is suitable for ages 8-14 (with kids spilt into age groups so younger kids are not mixing with older ones).
For more information, CLICK HERE.

SUMMER CIRCUS SKILLS CAMP
In association with High Top Circus and University of Sussex, this one-week, half day camp will teach your child circus skills such as trapeze, acrobatics and juggling. There will be plenty of circus themed drama games with experienced tutors too.
For more information, CLICK HERE.

SUMMER FILMAKING WORKSHOP
This workshop covers everything children need to know to make a simple short film. Over 3 days children will learn the basics of film language; framing, editing a scene and then have a go at making their very own short films using easily accessible kit such as smartphones. Although the course is geared towards using smartphones and tablets, to keep the technical barrier as low as possible, children are more than welcome to bring along their own digital cameras to film with if they wish. Filmmaking is a social and collaborative medium so all children will work in small groups.
For more information, CLICK HERE.

SOUTH COAST SPORTS
South Coast Sports are passionate about serving their local communities across West Sussex, to ensure that quality sports provision is available to all. Through positive sporting experiences, they support children to grow in both confidence and ability – with the aim to help them making healthy life choices as they move into adulthood. They are committed to providing affordable, reliable childcare and also offer funded places for children in receipt of Benefit related free school meals. They are also able to provide funded places for Refugee children. Whilst based around fun and engaging sports sessions, each site Each site differs slightly in the activities on offer including collaborations with other local providers, such as drama, dance and golf clubs.
For more information, CLICK HERE.

BEE IN THE WOODS
Bee in the Woods Forest School is play-based and child-led, with plenty of opportunities to take part in games, challenges, natural crafts, dens, survival skills, pond-dipping, tool-use, wildlife, growing, camp cooking and exploration. During holiday club, children can join between 9.30am-3pm for a day of adventure and play in nature. They will cook over a campfire. make friends, learn new skills, get muddy, get active and get creative in the fresh air. Little ones will be nurtured by kindergarten practitioners, whilst older siblings and friends will strengthen teamwork and creative skills with Forest School leaders.  
For more information, CLICK HERE.