West Wales theatre arts school leader welcomes new study

The principal of a leading West Wales theatre arts school has welcome a new study which shows how children benefit from learning ‘outside’ of the classroom.
The importance of developing life skills is one of the key topics highlighted in the new study.
Liane Davies, principal of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Milford Haven, said the study put the spotlight on how children could improve their performance in school through the performing arts.
She said: “Learning isn’t confined to the classroom. Developing life skills, building confidence and having fun should all be part of every child’s education and development.”
The survey of 1500 parents whose children attend Stagecoach Theatre Arts, found an overwhelming majority had seen improvements in their child’s confidence, social skills and general happiness and well-being.
Results included -

• A huge 93.7% of parents reported that their child was more confident at school. 
• 85% of parents had seen an improvement in academic performance. 

Parents also noted improvements in their child’s ability to:

• Express opinions to adults they do not know (94%) 
• Listen attentively (89%) 
• Find innovative solutions to problems (91%) 
• Make new friends (92%) 

The study* was commissioned by Stagecoach Theatre Arts and backs up research highlighted in the Government’s ‘Taking Part’ initiative and the DICE (“Drama Improves Lisbon Key Competences in Education”) report.
Liane said: “Children who take part in performing arts activities are more likely to be better at problem solving, feel more confident in communication and are more innovative and entrepreneurial. The report backs up all the great feedback we get at a local level about the improvements performing arts can make to developing children.”

About Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Milford Haven
Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Milford Haven has its Carmarthen base at the Queen Elizabeth High School, Johnstown, Carmarthen and its Haverfordwest HQ at Sir Thomas Picton School, Queensway, Haverfordwest, SA61 2NX. The school is opening a Milford Haven class in September. The West Wales Stagecoach school opened in May 2009 and became an instant success. The school now attracts students from the three counties of Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.
In recent years, Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen has staged the musicals Billy Elliot, Oliver, Annie, Hairspray and The Wizard of Oz.
Stagecoach school Principal Liane Davies said: “Our aim is always to nurture and develop four to 18-year-olds to fulfil their potential through dance, drama and singing.
“It’s not all about treading the boards on stage. Early stages classes focus on allowing the children to express themselves, while at the same time building up confidence, poise and self-esteem. Above all, we make sure the experience is fun! The children love it.”
To find out more about Stagecoach Carmarthen, contact Principal Liane Davies, phone: 0845 604 1422. Email - carmarthen@stagecoach.co.uk.
Stagecoach offers LAMDA and PAA examinations that assist children form the age of six. The theatre arts school is enrolling now for the Autumn term - 0845 604 1422.

*The study
The research for Stagecoach Theatre Arts was carried out online by Opinion Matters between 29/07/14 and 11/08/14.
The panel included 1499 parents whose children take part in extra-curricular drama, dance and singing classes at Stagecoach Theatre Arts.
The full report is available on http://www.performforlife.co.uk 

Weblinks:
http://www.stagecoach.co.uk/carmarthen
http://www.performforlife.co.uk
On Facebook search for ‘Liane Stagecoach’ or ‘Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen and Haverfordwest’
On Twitter, find us @StagecoachCarms

Pictures: Members of Stagecoach Theatre Arts.