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Examinations
What are LAMDA exams?
LAMDA has been providing graded examinations for over 130 years, and each course is tailored towards different skills, while still being different paths to the same destination: growth and self-improvement. While LAMDA offers many courses, the three most popular are Acting, Public Speaking and Verse & Prose.
Each course is a carefully crafted journey starting from Entry Level, all the way to Grade 8. Each course has different requirements in terms of prepared materials. For example, while an Acting exam will require speeches from theatre/movies, Public Speaking will require self-written and performed speeches. There is also a Knowledge section of every exam, where students must answer set questions on their pieces from the examiner. All of these scale with the grade, and are more or less detailed and difficult accordingly. There are no age restrictions to any grade.
While LAMDA provides students with the oppurtunity to develop and improve, it is also UCAS recognised. For students looking to apply for university, these UCAS points can be an all important boost, alongside the extra confidence they will feel and portray in university interviews and admissions tests.
When Are Exams?
Exams take place at set times in the year and students will be individually assessed on readiness for exams at the time. These will take place at independent examination centres and will be subject to exam fees. While exams can be great targets to aim for and achieve, I believe that the number one target for successful learning requires a low-pressure and enjoyable environment, where mistakes can be learned from, not punished. Every child has a different level of skill and experience, so it will sometimes take a little time before I am able to confidently determine whether or not your child is ready for the exam. Additionally, LAMDA themselves have recommended lesson hours per grade. I always want my students to achieve the best results possible and forcing exams too early can sometimes have negative impacts on self-esteem and confidence.
Are Exams Necessary?
While exams themselves are not necessary to benefit from the skills learned in LAMDA classes, they are useful targets to aim towards, and are great to include in personal statements, CVs, and are UCAS recognised, meaning that they contribute UCAS points towards university admissions. If you or your child does not want to take exams, this is also totally valid, and we will still work within the guidelines of whichever grade bracket the student’s abilities match.
Which Grade Should I Choose?
Each child has different levels of experience and the grade should take that into consideration, alongside the students strengths and weaknesses. I will make a recommendation after a short time with a new student to best support them and put them on the right track for success.
How Do Exams Work?
The exams take place at independent exam centres and you will be expected to pay in advance for the cost of your LAMDA exam. The prices vary, depending on your choice of qualification and the grade.
At the exam centre, students will be required to perform their prepared pieces before answering a few questions about their pieces. Students will be guided through the entire exam process in lessons and mock exams will also take place to leave your child feeling as confident as possible. Although exams can seem scary, its important to remember that the examiners always want you to succeed and we will work within their guidelines to achieve the highest results possible.
