What We Do
Starburst School of Speech and Drama offers Speech and Drama classes for Children from pre-school to 6th class.
The Beginning
Here since 2014
The school was established in 2014 by Kate O’ Connor. Kate is a qualified Primary School Teacher who also holds a Licentiate Teaching Diploma (honours) with the Irish Board of Speech and Drama.
The Why
Developmental Benefits
Speech & Drama helps students acquire confidence and effective communication skills, enabling them to develop and present their own ideas in fun and creative ways. It gives students the freedom to explore their imaginations.
The Result
Building Confidence
Through Improvisation and Characterisation – students explore and develop their imagination, communication and problem solving skills. This helps to build confidence, trust and the ability to work effectively in a group.
What age group are your classes for?
We have classes for children from ECCE1 (3.5 years) right up to 6th Year Secondary School Students.
Where can I find the class timetable?
We have lots of classes available. Some classes run alongside each other so siblings can attend at similar times.
Is there a mix of girls & boys in the classes?
Absolutely. We have a great mix of girls and boys in all our classes.
Our classes are designed to create equal opportunities for all students.
What format do the Speech & Drama classes take?
Traditional Speech & Drama classes consisted of a lot of theory and sitting down waiting your turn to speak.
Rest assured, our format is very different to this! Your child is engaged and active for the full lesson - either through whole class activities or games, small group work or pair work.
What does a typical class involve?
Throughout a term of classes we explore every part of Speech & Drama. This includes mime, puppetry, storytelling, diction work, improvisation, character work, acting, confidence building, public speaking, poetry, prose and movement to music.
There is great variety in every class and each class is highly interactive.
My child is very quiet and shy.Would they be able for these classes?
Absolutely. Over our many years at Starburst, we have supported the least confident child to the most confident.
In our classes, each child is given equal opportunity to perform and grow, at their own pace.
Whether your child tends to hide in the background or likes to be front and centre, we cater for all.
Do children complete an exam each year?
Children from Junior Infants complete a speech and drama exam each year.
Starburst School of Speech and Drama are affiliated with The Irish Board of Speech & Drama.
Children also have the opportuntiy to compete in Féis’ each year.
We also often get casting calls and children may engage in auditions, if they so wish.
Do you have a show at the end of term?
We do not hold shows or performances, as we are not a stage school.
Instead, our focus is on helping every child build confidence in performing, acting and public speaking.
Children are individually recognised and rewarded based on their own personal progress, by completing the Spring exam.