Singapore, 11 Aug, 2008 — Helen O’Grady Drama Singapore, announced today that Bronwyn Imogen McIntyre, from St James’ Church Kindergarten, has emerged Champion in the Pre-School Category of the 22nd YMCA Plain English Speaking Award (PESA) competition co-organized by the MOE, the NLB and the Speak Good English Movement. Bronwyn was trained by the instructors of Helen O’Grady Drama Singapore to represent her school in this annual competition. In addition, Bronwyn has also been awarded the Gold Honour Roll for her highest score attained during the course of the competition for the Pre-School/Lower Primary Category.

The annual YMCA Plain English Speaking Awards (PESA) provides a platform for pre-school to inter-varsity students to sharpen public speaking skills and build confidence in public speaking. This year, it was held during the mid-year school holidays in June 2008. There were a total of 5 categories from pre-school to pre-university/polytechnic. The prize giving ceremony will be held on 22nd August at the Lee Kong Chian Auditorium, YMCA of Singapore.

Emily McIntyre, Bronwyn’s mother, was delighted with the results and had this to say: “Our daughter, Bronwyn, was selected to represent her kindergarten in a competition. Teachers from Helen O'Grady were able to improve her expressiveness and give her a totally fresh perspective on how to tell a story in a captivating manner. The sessions were always kept lively, relaxed and fun, making the entire learning process thoroughly interactive and enjoyable for her. We're certainly glad for the chance to have her train with Helen O'Grady as she's become more articulate and confident in front of an audience. At the competition, Bronwyn was awarded the top prize.”

Bronwyn is currently attending St James’ Church Kindergarten for her pre-school education. Helen O’Grady Drama Singapore provides “Speech & Drama” enrichment classes for students at St James’ Church Kindergarten. Bronwyn was specially trained by teachers from Helen O’Grady Drama Singapore for the PESA competition.

Executive Principal of Helen O’Grady Drama Singapore, Mr Ho Lye Sum says “Helen O’Grady Drama Classes encourage students from pre-school to late teens develop confidence and communication skills. This is not just another ordinary drama program where students simply learn acting skills. Our classes are fast-paced and fun. Our students are challenged to respond to situations, think-on-their-feet and build public speaking confidence. Whether your child is an introvert or extrovert, our drama curriculum will inspire them to speak up and build their social and communication skills. We believe confident students learn better. They dare to ask questions in class; as a result teachers inevitably give them more attention. Success comes easier to those who can speak up confidently. Bronwyn’s success is testimony to the value we bring to our students.”

Helen O’Grady Drama Singapore adopts a non-traditional operating concept for its operations. Instead of incurring high rental costs by having classes at one central location, its teachers travel all over Singapore to conduct its classes. These classes could be held in kindergartens, childcare centres, pre-schools, international schools and even clubs and community centres where the students are. As a result, its operating costs are kept low and these are translated into lower fees for its students and customers. Private studio classes are also regularly conducted at SAFRA Toa Payoh, SAFRA Tampines, Nee Soon East Community Club and Jurong West Library.