Well done to PQA Bolton’s Red Group student Josephine Homes who was picked by the UK’s leading children’s charity, the NSPCC, to take part in a documentary about the benefits of extracurricular activities on children’s mental wellbeing. PQA Bolton were delighted to welcome a film crew to the academy earlier this month and show how they bring students together each week in a safe and inspiring space, away from the worries of the wider world.
A weekend performing arts academy, PQA Bolton is just one of over 200 PQA academies nationwide, offering a secure and welcoming environment in which children can develop skills that contribute towards their physical and mental wellbeing. When Pauline Quirke MBE and her husband Steve opened the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts in 2007, they realised that teaching important life skills through musical theatre, comedy, drama, film and television was a fantastic way to help young people realise their full potential, away from any outside stress or negativity. This ethos continues to be central to the skills taught at PQA every weekend. Each of our amazing students has something unique to share and our sessions bring out the best in each of them, allowing their confidence to blossom naturally.
Learning and practicing the performing arts in a safe and encouraging environment can help children build self-belief, whether it’s practicing routines or performing in front of fellow students, family and friends, or just having a go and trying new things. Our Film & TV module, for example, develops student’s filmmaking abilities, from directing, operating film equipment and acting for the screen, but also nurtures important life skills in teamwork, communication and problem solving. The opportunity to take part in the filming of this NSPCC documentary was a unique learning experience in which all the students were delighted to be involved as well as put some of these skills into practice!
The film will be exhibited on the NSPCC website and the project will be aired on NSPCC socials, educational sites and also via gaming software. PQA Bolton is very proud to be part of this important initiative and to support the NSPCC as they continue to protect millions of children each year and strive to help families nationwide.
Yes! Every academy offers one free trial session, as long as there is space available in the age group. If the group is currently full, you can join the waiting list, and we’ll contact you as soon as a place becomes available.
PQA runs for 41 weeks throughout the school year. You can find the full list of term dates on each academy’s webpage, just search for your local academy and visit its web page.
PQA provides performing arts training for children and teens aged 4–18. Our Main Academy (ages 6–18) includes three core classes:
Some academies also offer Poppets (ages 4–6), an energetic 90-minute class introducing young children to singing, dancing and acting.
PQA welcomes all children, whether they’re complete beginners or already confident performers. There’s no audition needed to join.
At PQA students in Main Academy are grouped by age, learning with other children and young people at similar stages.
This depends on where you feel your child will be happiest. Some 6-year olds are ready to join the 6-9 age group in Main Academy, others will feel more comfortable starting in Poppets.
Your always welcome to discuss what’s best for your child with your local Principal before booking your free session.