Saturdays at JASSPA : James Allen’s Saturday School for the Performing Arts was started at JAPS in 1993. The idea was to create an opportunity for young people to experience and explore music, dance and drama beyond the school curriculum, giving them the chance to develop self-expression, confidence and skills in a non-competitive environment. From the beginning, workshop style classes have led to performances enjoyed by friends and family. Today 500 pupils from over 80 local schools attend taking classes in a range of activities:

· Once upon a story….Drama for 4-6yrs
· Dance and Drama for 6-18yrs
· One to one Instrumental Tuition for 6-18yrs and parents of Jasspa pupils
· Music Theory - graded classes for grade 2+ instrumentalists
· Big Band - for Grade 2-6 instrumentalists
· Jazz Band -By invitation, for Grade 6+ instrumentalists
· Percussion Group -for competent drummers / percussionists
· Jazz Ensemble for adults, Grade 3+
· Choir - for under 12’s
· JASSPA Youth Theatre – holiday courses only
· South London Youth Orchestra— holiday courses only

JASSPA’s classes are for any child with an interest in Dance, Drama or Music. Our pupils are aged 4-18 with different classes on offer for specific age groups. The majority of activities are non-selective and places are awarded on a first – come - first served basis. JASSPA is based at James Allen’s Preparatory School and James Allen’s Girls School, Dulwich SE22. Of our current pupils, the majority of children come from schools other than JAPS/JAGS. Classes take place on Saturdays during term time from 8.30am – 3.30pm. We also offer holiday courses.

Timetables : JASSPA’s timetable is constructed annually, reflecting each September’s intake of pupils and the classes they have requested. We do not publish fixed times for our activities but instead aim to accommodate all pupils who apply for a September place by our annual enrolment deadline – this year 19th June 2010. Please note your child can apply for any combination of activities and we will do our best to accommodate all of their requests. If your child applies for more than one activity you will either receive a timetable that has classes running back to back, or a timetable with one or two short breaks. However timing restrictions on your child’s availability may lead to them not being offered a place in chosen group activities. For pupils returning application forms after 19th June, places are given wherever available.

Break Room : If breaks are scheduled on your child’s timetable they should go to our BREAK ROOM. This is a  space for eating, chatting and taking part in table-top activities with a tuck shop nearby. Parents and older pupils are also welcome to use the Break Room although may prefer the Deep End Café, also situated on-site.

Split site : Lessons at JASSPA take place in the JAPS and JAGS buildings on East Dulwich Grove. Whilst there is always help on hand at Jasspa’s main Reception, everyone is ultimately expected to learn their timetable and remember the rooms in which their activities take place.  Parents should help their children learn the route to and from lessons at the start of term and stay with their child until they are confident that they can manage independently.

Commitment & Behaviour : Pupils joining JASSPA for either individual or group activities should be committed in their approach to lessons as well as regular in their attendance. In the unlikely event of a pupil or parent behaving inappropriately, I on behalf of JASSPA, retain the right to withdraw that pupil’s place with immediate effect.

How long do courses last? : For all activities (except Once upon a story….) pupils sign up for a full year’s course as classes are structured to run for 30 lessons and require an annual perspective. During the Autumn Dance and Drama  classes focus on skills based workshops. In the Spring term these classes then prepare a piece for performance at one of JASSPA’s  evening shows. Choir, Jazz Band and Big Band courses work towards two concerts, one at Christmas and the other during the Summer term whilst Theory courses work towards exams in June.

If however, any child does become unhappy with their classes at JASSPA, we ask parents to see a member of staff as soon as possible. We aim to resolve all problems quickly and sensitively. If your child decides to leave JASSPA before completing a course written notice of one term is required. One term’s fees are charged in lieu of notice, although wherever we are able to replace a child, notice fees are waived.

How to enrol at JASSPA : Please click here for an application form. This will need returning to JASSPA with a deposit of £50 per pupil by Saturday 19th June.  This sum will automatically be deducted from your first term’s fees but is non-refundable in the event of non-attendance. If, due to over subscription it is not possible to offer your child a place, you will be contacted as soon as possible, and at the very latest by mid July. We hold waiting lists for all activities with realistic estimates as to when places will become available.

How many activities should my child sign up for? : Children aged up to 10 might apply for 1-3 activities whilst children aged 10+ could apply for up to 4 activities.

When will I next hear from JASSPA : If there are no problems or queries with your application, you will not hear from JASSPA until you receive a completed timetable and invoice for your child during late July. We do not contact you to confirm receipt of application so if you prefer to hand deliver your application you may do so to JAPS or JAGS, from Monday to Friday, or to JASSPA on Saturday 12th or 19th June. Please mark envelopes clearly for

Beverly Sizer at JASSPA.

Finally, fees will be due the first Saturday that your child attends Jasspa. Your child’s timetable sent to you in July will include all the necessary fee information.

Do contact me on 020 8613 6444 or jasspa@jags.org.uk if you require further information.

Yours sincerely,

Beverly Sizer 

(Director)

Jasspa can be contacted by email or by calling 020 8613 6444.