Leinster After School Fun!

After-school activities benefit your child in ways that might surprise you. According to a recent study, children who participate in extra curricular activities are more engaged in and have a better attitude about learning, perform better academically, and enjoy an increased sense of accomplishment, competence, and self-esteem.

These activities let your child enjoy himself in a fun, stress-free environment, get some exercise, and make friends outside of school. If he or she shows a special talent, it's great to nurture that ability through lessons or classes. But pushing your child too hard can lead to resentment. Involve them in discussing different options and decide together what to sign up for as they are more likely to stick at something they really enjoy. Don’t over-schedule your child (or yourself!) and budget carefully as the costs can mount up especially with more than one child.

Performing Arts

Talented Kids Performing Arts School and Agency holds classes in Scoil Mhuire Hall in Clondalkin, St Kevin's Hall in Blessington and Kilcullen Community Centre from September in Singing, Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre for boys and girls from 3 up to 19. Students can also avail of being represented by the agency which has many students on current RTE programmes, many current TV and Radio adverts, Touring Shows, Musicals and Pantomimes, Feature Films and Short Films. Classes are taught by experienced and qualified professionals in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere, helping to build self-confidence.  Classes start: Clondalkin Fri Sept 12th, Kilcullen Sat Sept 13th & Blessington Sept 15th. Tel: 087-2480348. 

Helen Jordan Stage School celebrated 21 yrs this year! The school is held in very high esteem throughout the performing arts with our children appearing regularly in professional theatre, film, and tv commercial.  Having said that the emphasis for the children is on fun, and a happy social environment. Past students include: George McMahon (Mondo, Fair city), Carly Hennesey Smithson (American Idol Finalist) & Katherine Mc Kiernan (RTE'S Den tv presenter). We are looking forward to an exciting new year! Classes in Dublin, Clondalkin, Tallaght and Naas. Contact 087 9239597

This September The Little Duke Theatre begins its twelfth year in Drogheda.  Classes in drama, dance, singing and music will again be offered by the experienced and highly trained teachers of these disciplines at The Little Duke.  During the year students will have the opportunity to perform in great shows and to take speech and drama, singing and music exams with The Royal Irish Academy.

Besides after school activities, drama facilitators at The Little Duke Theatre have designed two new programmes which are being offered to primary school teachers to assist them to cover the drama curriculum.  A brochure describing these programmes is available at the theatre office. Tel: 041-9833379

Athy School of Communication, run by experienced teacher Máire Nolan, offers a number of courses for children, second level students and adults.  Speech & Drama classes for children aged 5-12 include tuition in voice & speech, mime, movement/dance/drama and creative interpretation of poetry/prose/drama.  Children can be prepared for examinations or just attend for fun.  For Second Level students, there are a range of classes covering public speaking, debating, presentation stills and interview techniques. Tel: 087 231 7850

Star Makers is an all round theatre, modelling & film school for boys and girls age 3-18.  Each term the students will learn new and exciting pieces of Dance, Song and Drama and display what they have achieved to an audience of their fellow students, teacher and parents/guardians at the end of term.  The teachers have all performed in their area of expertise and have over 10 decades experience collectively between them.  Classes are available in Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Meath & Wicklow.  Contact 045 528339 to find your local class. www.starmakers.ie

Grennell School of Performing Arts aims to give students an opportunity to improve their communication skills both verbal and non-verbal in a fun, friendly and safe environment through the media of Drama, Dance Drama, Storytelling, Mime and Voice production.  Speech and Drama classes are in two age-groups (4-7 yrs and 8-11 yrs) and private tuition is also available. Students are prepared for yearly exams with the Royal Irish Academy and/or the London Guildhall School of Music and Drama. There are special classes for teenagers in speech and in theatre studies. All classes take place in Harristown, Co Kildare. Tel: 087 7923139

Drama Dynamics, the O'Sullivan School of Speech and Drama, is based in Kilcullen Co. Kildare. Classes are held each Wednesday in Kilcullen Parish Centre from 3pm. Classes cater for children from 4 years of age and upwards. The aim of the school is for each student to gain confidence, clarity and expression of speech in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Tel: 087 6441504

Linda G of Strictly Soul is one of the foremost and highly regarded Hip Hop teachers in the country. Having studied in LA, (The Hip Hop capital of the world) She is always guaranteed to have the very latest in Hip Hop and Street dance styles. Linda has worked with many stars both here and abroad including Westlife, MTV, RTE and films, Disney's Ella enchanted and The Magnificent Ambersons with Johnathon Reyes Myers. Linda's fun and Energetic personality provides a very fun and positive environment for the children who come back year after year!! Strictly Soul also provides an agency for modelling, tv and theatre work. Looking forward to a brill, fun packed new year!! Contact 087 9511154 or 086 1579142

DANCE classes of all varieties are on offer at a new state of the art studio in Blackpool, Cork run by Shirley Lowther, a professional dance teacher and singer of over 25 years standing.

Shirley’s Dance Studio runs classes in disco, hip hop and musical theatre for boys and girls of all ages. Incorporating ballet, jazz and tap techniques, the focus is on modern dance at the studio which boasts a purpose-built wooden dance floor, mirrors and sound system – with flat screen satellite in reception. With new beginner classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Shirley’s Dance Studio are now taking bookings for the new term on 021 4932974.  

ELJ Academy of Dance classes will resume on Tues 8th September with hip hop, jazz, street dance, and break dancing; working towards a Christmas display and annual Cork competition.  Children from 18 months to 18 years old are welcome at classes in Glanmire (Mon/Fri/Sat), Carrigaline (Weds), Farranree (Tues/Thurs) and Watergrasshill (Tues/Thurs).

Fully qualified aerobics and dance instructor, Emma Louise Jupt, has been teaching dance to children for over 10 years and she will be opening three new dance schools in and around Cork city this autumn. For bookings and enquiries, call Emma Louise on 086 0843440. 

There’s more to learning French than just going to class with Alliance Francaise Cork!

Children from first to sixth class can discover French through games, fun and activities from 22nd September; or at the new Learn French through Theatre from 27th September.  Alliance Francaise Cork is also launching a new After School French Club Initiative for primary school children that can be held on school premises as an after-school activity.  Call 021 4310677, email: alliancefrancaisecork@eircom.net or visit www.alliancefrancaisecork.com

Music

The Des Carthy Music school offers classes in traditional Irish music while engendering a sense of Irish tradition in their students.  Group and private tuition is available on guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin and tin whistle for all ages and levels of ability.  Classes take place in The Mill Centre, Celbridge and in Rathcoole Community Centre as well as venues in Tallaght and Rathfarnham. Tel: 087 9572468

Horseriding

Kill International Equestrian Centre caters for riders right across the board, from complete beginners both adult and children to serious competitive riders with their own horses. Top quality tuition is guaranteed from highly qualified and experienced instructors. Pony Camps for young riders and Riding Camps for teens are available throughout the year and they also offer children & teen birthday parties and school tours. Contact 045 877333

Hazelbrook Equestrian Centre (just 1 mile outside Clane, Co Kildare) is approved by AIRE and offers lessons to all age groups and abilities from beginners riding out, to dressage, cross country and show jumping.  Lessons are available at weekends and after school with late night on Wednesdays for adults. Professional livery services are also available from the trained staff at Hazelbrook.  Pony camps also run during the school holidays throughout the year. Halloween Pony Camp runs Tue 28th – Fri 31st Oct. Contact 085 117 8771

Golf

Junior Golf Ireland is offering schools and teachers an opportunity to take part in its Primary Schools Golf programme. This programme aims to give a fun introduction to the game of golf using modified games and activities, suitable to both indoor and outdoor use. It gives access to child friendly equipment and resources cards, as well as training for teachers, who may use the programme within the PE curriculum or as an after-school programme.  Teachers will then be able to deliver a 6-8 week programme with 4th-6th class pupils. For further information, log onto www.juniorgolfireland.com or contact the Junior Golf Ireland office on 045 881286.