‘From knowledge to wisdom’ by Miralces Language and Drama School
View(s):Miracles Language and Drama School, located in the hub of the city of Gampaha, was inaugurated in 2003 with just two student enrollments. It has since thrived along, through a carefully structured course in English language, speech and drama to assume a leading role in the field of English language learning in Gampaha. True to its motto ‘From knowledge to wisdom’ Miralces has successfully launched a path which has played a significant role in moulding young talent to develop as confident individuals. A refreshing attitudinal change towards meeting the modern language challenges of an ever demanding global community is introduced to these kids, most of whom start as early as 4+, by making the learning process ‘enjoyable’. The main vehicles of communication at the formative stages are music, speech and drama which these young minds take to, like fish taking to water. Development of communication skills plays an important role in this exercise, thus making these young ones to grow up as confident individuals from an early age.
Head Mistress: Shyama Samaranayake (LTCL(Teaching),ATCL(Performing), LDDA, Cert.ELT(IMSSS), P. Cert. LAM., MSTSD, LAMDA Gold Medal (Verse & Prose), Diploma in English (UK), TKT(Cambridge), Examiner-IMSSS), Teaching staff: Gayathri Kumari(LAMDA Gold, Cert.ELT) Nethmi Kasthuriarachchi (LAMDA Gold), H.A. Sayuri(LAMDA Gold,Cert.ELT), Pethmi Bandaranayake(LAMDA Gold,Cert.ELT), Ranjeewi Senanayake(LAMDA Gold,LLB),Shavindya Fernando (LAMDA Gold, Dip.in English)
The learning process is carefully programmed through a whole host of diverse language activities which include prepared and impromptu speeches, recitation, story telling, group drama, language games and musical sessions. These lessons are specially designed to fill a glaring void that exists in the national curricula. In the process, ‘Miracles’ as the institution is known, in reality, keeps up to her vision and mission by moulding the children who come under her care and guidance with hardly a word of English in their cupboards, finally walking out with both grace and confidence, trends which are bound to take them thro’ greener pastures in the years to come.
Miracles Language and Drama School in Gampaha is member of the Institute of Music Speech and Speaking skills and the British Lanka Festival for the Performing Arts. Accordingly, these pupils are evaluated by this Institute annually and the high achievers are duly recognized at a glittering ‘Awards Ceremony’. Miracles Language and Drama School, Gampaha has had the proud distinction of securing the award for the highest number of Gold Medals at the Festival for the Performing Arts for the past 10 years. This year too, ‘Miracles’ has produced a record breaking 306 prize winners by obtaining the highest marks at the examinations held by the Institute of Music Speech and Speaking Skills – a proud record indeed.
The growth of Miracles in terms of both quantity and quality over the years can be attributed to a number of factors. A totally dedicated and a highly skilled and experienced staff led by an inspired and a dynamic Head Mistress Shyama Samaranayake, have been the sturdy pillars on which the development and progress of this institute have thrived through the years. Their professionalism and motivation have slowly but surely glued together an equally appreciative parent body, who have always come forward willingly to shoulder numerous tasks and responsibilities as and when necessary.
The greatest and most rewarding aspect of Miracles education ,however, has been the emergence of a very vibrant and highly motivated community of children, who could match and challenge their global counterparts in the not too distant future. The guiding philosophy of Miracles Education will be the continued development of these processes, which will not only help our children to keep abreast of the global community, but also clear the many hurdles and broaden the pathway that has been the preserve of a chosen few, for quite some time.