NPAS offer classes in four locations, The Lir Academy, St Matthews Sandymount, Loreto Sports Hall Dalkey and Castleknock. During the redevelopment of The Factory classes will be held in these venues. The LIR National Academy of Dramatic Arts  is just across from The Factory at Grand Canal Dock, and St. Matthews School in Sandymount. Both are fabulous venues and we are delighted that they are welcoming NPAS while plans for the Factory are ongoing. We are so excited about the future of the school, and about everything that lies ahead. NPAS – Be Who U Want 2 Be

This year at the School we are introducing our New Performing Arts Courses. These courses will be directed and programmed by Jill Doyle and Eamon Farrell the directors of the school. There will be a panel of teachers involved in the course, changing from week to week and subject to subject. The 1.5 hour class per week will include classes in Dance (Contemporary, Jazz and Tap), Musical Theatre, Drama and Singing. These courses will enable children and young people to benefit from everything our school has to offer in a smaller space of time and on a Sunday at the amazing studios at The Lir Academy. There is a huge amount of interest in these courses and they will have limited numbers and book out early. Students who take the course will be put in for Musical Theatre Exams with The Irish Board of Speech and Drama and will take part of the end of year show at The Olympia Theatre. The Courses will run for 3 school terms.

WE EXPECT OUR STUDENTS TO COMMIT TO THE SCHOOL FOR 3 TERMS – this is a very important point. The school is Full and anyone holding a place could quite possibly be taking a place from another student. We believe in our school so much that we want every single child and young person to get as much as the can from their time at NPAS. Committing to the school fo a full school year is essential.

In general, leggings, tracksuit bottoms and a tee shirt or leotard and tights are suitable for most classes. Jazz shoes, soft ballet shoes or canvas shoes are recommended for modern/jazz dance, runners / trainers for street dance, hip hop and funk class and tap shoes for tap dancing class. Tap shoes have to be worn in Tap Class.

We recommend that no jewellery be worn in class. Please do not leave your belongings in the Changing Areas, bring your bag to Studio.

All Mobile Phones have to be turned off in class! This is non-negotiable!

Dear Parents,

The school will be working with pupils towards the Royal Academy of Dance Examinations/ Class Awards. A date in February and March for our next examination session is yet to be decided. We just finished a major session last March and May. For those of you who are not familiar with the exam system or the benefits of ballet class we would suggest that you visit the Academy website at www.rad.org. The Royal Academy of Dance is the worlds largest Ballet School and NPAS are delighted to be entering our 27^th year with the RAD.

Thank you,

Marian Lennon

Head of Ballet

NPAS

Regulation uniform is required for those children taking RAD Ballet and Examinations.

The uniform consists of:

The Royal Academy of Dance

The RAD is one of the largest and most influential dance education and training organistaions in the world. The organisation promotes knowledge, understanding and practice of dance internationally. The RAD seeks to accomplish these goals through educating and training teachers and students and providing examinations to reward achievements.

The RAD uniform can be purchased in:

DANCE WORLD:
16 Sandford Road, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.
Tel: (01) 497 6128

DANCE WORLD:
163 Parnell Street, Dublin 1.
Tel: (01) 874 4894
Phone Mail Order Line – 24 Hour Tel: 1850 543 198

Dimension Dancewear ,124 Upper Drumcondra Road, Dublin 9

Each Year our Drama Students and our Musical Theatre Students take exams with The Irish Board of Speech and Drama. Speech and Drama, and Musical Theatre is about communication, confidence, skill, talent and creativity, and everyone at the Irish Board of Speech and Drama want to encourage it. The Irish Board is an independent body which provides an objective assessment of achievement in communication skills and dramatic arts through its progressive examination system, catering for all age groups. They publish a syllabus which encourages and facilitates the development of important communication and dramatic skills.

Students can choose your poems, prose and drama pieces. Your teacher will choose suitable pieces with you and work through the exam syllabus with you.

New Solo Musical Theatre Examinations.

The Musical Theatre exams at NPAS are Class exams where the whole class takes the exam and is awarded their grade on their performance.

All examiners who attend NPAS are encouraging and friendly, and generate a relaxed atmosphere so that candidates can perform to their best ability. They affirm progress through written reports and certificates.

All Teachers and Teaching Assistants at NPAS are Insured, Garda Vetted and Qualified Professionals.

This year every teacher has also undertaken the Tusla Child Safety Certificate Course and Exam. For our Child Safety Statement please see below. Our Child Safety Designated Liaison Person is Eamon Farrell.