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2009 - ConferenceThis year's conference was held at the Croydon Park Hotel on Saturday 12th September. It was a lively, informative day with a range of presentations. Linda Cardigan opened proceedings with a welcome speech which outlined New Era's recent updating and improvements, including the recent awarding of Ofqual accreditation and the launch of the brand new Syllabus. She also spoke about several exciting plans and developments for the immediate future. She also stressed that New Era was determined to prioritise supporting its teachers and its students. Linda then led a presentation on Accreditation and what it means for New Era, this was supported by Miranda Jacobs, the Examinations Director, describing how this would affect the administration of examinations, and Jenny Leworthy spoke briefly about the new Syllabus. Ronnie Marsh, New Era's Patron presented the Certificates of Excellence to pupils who had gained outstanding results during the past year, before all the delegates broke for coffee. Viv Parry led an informative workshop for teachers introducing the new Musical Theatre syllabus, and encouraged everyone to participate vocally with songs from "Oliver" and "Wicked". After a convivial lunch, the assembled company were cajoled, encouraged and inspired by the dynamic Scott Eck as he led an improvised performance of "Macbeth". Scott, supported by his wife Dina, goes into schools to lead students through a range of texts from Shakespeare to Dickens in the most imaginative, hands on, way. He is an improviser and educator of extraordinary energy and talent, involving and accessing texts for even the most reluctant learner.
He ably directed a challenging cast who had been asked to play students from an age range of 5 to 14 years old! There were many strong performances, but most notably from Martine Dunn as a VERY weird sister and Jill O'Hare as Lady M! Somehow Scott managed to keep them on task!
The positive and enjoyable day closed with presentations to Miranda Jacobs, Derren Nesbitt and Linda Cardigan.
Highlights from the 2007 Conference
New Era Academy held a lively, successful and well
attended Conference on Saturday 20th October at The Renaissance Hotel,
Reading. The varied programme included presentations from:
Polka Theatre
Introducing Improvisational Drama to Younger Children
Edda Sharpe
How To Do Accents
John Mole
Presenting Poetry from his two new Anthologies
Charmian Gradwell
Voice and Text
Photo - Polka Theatre Presents:-
Delegates agreed that it was an interesting,
informative and inspirational conference, but most of all they had enjoyed
the day!
Each year New Era Academy award Certificates of Excellence to pupils gaining the highest mark nationally in specific grades and disciplines. There are four Certificates of Excellence currently, all dedicated to long standing New Era stalwarts. This year the successful candidates also attended the Conference and enjoyed a Ceremony of Presentation during the day, from New Era's Patron Mr Ronnie Marsh. Our congratulations to: The Peggy Law Certificate of Excellence (Junior Medal – Speech and Drama) Natasha Beeby Wykeham House School Katie Wilson Wykeham House School
The Ronald Marsh Certificate of Excellence (Advanced Grade - Public Speaking) Gillian McAtackney M. Dow’s
The Myrtle Moss Certificate of Excellence (Gold Medal – Acting) Clementine Johnston Burgess Hill School
The Ellen Ismay Certificate of Excellence (Junior Medal – Mime) Richard White – Stroud School
Richard White receiving his Certificate of Excellence from Linda Cardigan at an end of term Prize Giving at Stroud School.
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