Your questions answered

Thrive is a fun, interactive programme that uses speech and drama to develop children's confidence, oral language and communication skills.

While traditional drama classes often focus on acting and performance, Thrive focuses on practical skills children can use every day. Through public speaking, storytelling, improvisation, drama games and group activities, children learn to speak clearly, express their ideas, listen to others, think on the spot and speak up for themselves.

Our goal isn't to turn every child into a performer. It's to help them become confident, capable communicators, both in the classroom and in everyday life.

Enrolling in Thrive is easy! Simply complete the enrolment form on our website, and we'll be in touch with your child's class details.

Every new student is welcome to a free trial lesson before committing to the programme. There's no cost or obligation to continue. After the trial, we'll check in to see how your child enjoyed it and whether you'd like to enrol for the rest of the term.

If you decide to continue, we'll confirm your child's place and arrange payment. If you join partway through a term, fees are adjusted accordingly.

How do you cater to shy or nervous children?
We create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where every child feels comfortable. Our group lessons are designed to foster teamwork, mutual respect, and inclusivity. Shy students often flourish as they discover their voice and confidence through games, group activities, and encouragement from their peers and teachers.

What are the benefits of group lessons?
Group lessons provide a dynamic and social environment where students can:
● Learn from their peers and gain motivation through collaborative activities.
● Build confidence by regularly presenting in front of classmates.
● Develop important social skills such as cooperation, listening, and giving constructive feedback.
Our group lessons are carefully guided by teachers to ensure students feel supported and encouraged while embracing challenges.

Do students have opportunities to perform?
Performance is not the primary focus of Thrive. Our programme is designed to develop real-world communication skills such as confidence, clear speaking and presenting ideas effectively. However, students in Year 4 and above are offered the opportunity to sit optional Speech and Drama examinations, where they present their work to an external examiner and receive individual feedback.

How will I know how my child is progressing?
We keep parents informed through multiple channels:
● Regular email updates with highlights of your child’s progress.
● Social media snippets in private groups to showcase in-class activities.
● Reports for those taking Trinity College or Speech NZ exams.

If you ever have questions about your child’s progress, feel free to contact their teacher directly.

Do you teach speech therapy?
No, Thrive classes are not speech therapy.
While there are some similarities between the way we build confident communication and how speech therapists address specific speech challenges, the two disciplines are quite different. Speech and drama lessons are not designed to address particular speech difficulties, such as articulation disorders, fluency issues like stuttering, voice disorders, or difficulties in understanding or forming words to communicate ideas.

However, we do have many students who thoroughly enjoy speech and drama lessons while also working with a speech therapist separately. If you are considering this option, please mention it during your enrolment for a free trial lesson, and we will happily discuss how our classes can complement your child’s journey.

Is English fluency required?
Not at all! Thrive classes are a fantastic way for non-native speakers to practice English in a fun, interactive environment. If your child requires additional support with English, we’re happy to work with you to ensure they feel comfortable and included.

Do you support students with special needs?
Yes, we aim to make every student feel welcome and supported. If your child benefits from specific accommodations, please reach out to discuss how we can best create a positive learning environment for them.

How long are lessons?
Each session is 30 minutes. Thanks to small class sizes and well-planned lessons, we achieve remarkable progress within this time.

How many lessons are there per term?
We guarantee a minimum of 8 lessons per term, though most terms include 9 weeks. In the rare event of a cancellation that drops the total below 8, we schedule a catch-up class.

Are missed lessons refundable?
As Thrive classes are small group lessons, we are generally unable to offer refunds for lessons missed due to illness, holidays or other personal commitments. However, we understand that circumstances can arise, and families with concerns about upcoming absences are welcome to get in touch. Where possible, we will always do our best to help.

While we incorporate physical expression and vocal work, our focus remains on speech, drama, and communication. For a stronger emphasis on singing or dancing, musical theatre programmes may be a better fit.

$220 per term

Once your child has completed their free trial and you've confirmed you'd like to continue, we'll send you an invoice for the term.

Payment can be made by bank transfer or through the payment options provided on your invoice. We also offer flexible payment plans, so if you'd prefer to pay in weekly or fortnightly instalments, just get in touch and we'll happily arrange something that works for your family.

Yes! If a class is full, you’ll be placed on a waitlist and notified as soon as a space becomes available.

We encourage children to spend a few minutes practising at home a couple of times a week. This might involve practising a poem, reading aloud or working on a speech or performance piece from class.

A little bit of regular practice makes a big difference in helping children remember what they've learnt, develop their skills and build confidence. Students preparing for Speech and Drama exams will need to dedicate some additional time to practising their pieces at home.

Speech and Drama exams are formal assessments where students perform prepared pieces and communication activities in front of a trained examiner. They are offered through recognised examination boards including Speech New Zealand and Trinity College London.

These exams help students develop confidence, strong speaking skills, and a sense of achievement while working towards a recognised qualification.

If your child already attends Thrive classes, exams are a fantastic way to extend and enhance their learning.

Benefits include:
• A clear goal to work towards, building motivation and focus
• Increased confidence performing under pressure
• Development of clear, expressive communication skills
• Strong preparation for presentations, interviews, and public speaking
• Formal recognition through respected examination boards
• Detailed professional feedback on performance
• A sense of pride and achievement
• Life skills such as resilience, discipline, and goal setting

Many families love seeing how much their child grows in confidence and self belief through the exam process.

No. Exams are completely optional.

Some students love having a goal to work towards, while others simply enjoy developing their confidence and creativity through regular Thrive classes. All students receive the same high quality lessons regardless of whether they sit an exam.

In November each year. Exam preparation typically begins in Term 2.

Parents are notified of exam dates and times approximately one month before the exam. Exams are usually held outside of school hours or during the school day, and students will need to be taken out of school to attend.

All exam preparation is built naturally into regular Thrive lessons.

Teachers guide students through:
• Selecting suitable exam pieces
• Developing performance skills
• Improving clarity, expression, and confidence
• Understanding exam expectations

To get the most out of this preparation, students are expected to practise at home, including memorising and rehearsing their work between lessons. This practice is essential for building confidence and achieving strong results.

If extra support is needed, parents are always welcome to contact their child’s teacher for guidance.

Thrive ensures students feel confident and well prepared before their exam.

Students perform their prepared pieces for the examiner in a supportive and encouraging environment designed to help them do their best.

Yes.

After the exam, students receive:
• A performance grade
• Detailed written feedback from the examiner highlighting strengths and areas for growth

Certificates and badges from the examination board arrive the following year and are presented to students as a celebration of their achievement.

Why does Thrive choose Speech New Zealand?

Speech New Zealand is our preferred examination board and aligns beautifully with Thrive’s focus on confidence, communication, and personal growth.

Speech New Zealand is a not for profit charitable trust dedicated to developing strong communication, leadership, and performance skills in young people.

They offer:
• Speaking and performing exams
• Speech and Drama exams
• Public speaking exams

Key benefits include:
• A broad range of communication and performance skills
• Flexible formats including individual, paired, and group exams
• Face to face exams in East Auckland or online options
• Detailed, supportive examiner feedback • Friendly, student centred exam environments
• Certificates and badges students love receiving

Students consistently leave their exams feeling proud, confident, and inspired.

Yes.

For families who prefer an internationally recognised qualification, Thrive also prepares students for Trinity College London examinations.

These include:
• Speech and Drama
• Communication Skills

Trinity exams are well respected worldwide and look excellent on CVs and future university applications.

Both Speech New Zealand and Trinity College London provide excellent pathways.

Speech New Zealand is ideal for building confidence, enjoyment, and strong communication skills in a supportive environment.

Trinity College London is a great option for students wanting internationally recognised qualifications.

We are happy to guide families on the best option based on each child’s age, confidence, and goals.