LAMDA BEnefits
What is LAMDA?
The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art known as LAMDA was founded in 1861. It is one of the most prestigious and oldest drama schools in the United Kingdom and is known world wide. LAMDA began offering speech examinations to the public in the 1880s. LAMDA’s mission is to improve standards in communication through the spoken word, foster an appreciation of literature and support creative, intellectual and social development Besides training the next generation of actors, LAMDA is also a world-renowned examining board for examinations in Speech and Drama.
HOW DO THEY WORK?
LAMDA exams are tailored to the ability of different students of ages and experience. It is a measured way of obtaining progress in speech, drama and singing. Students can be entered into to exams at 4 different levels :
Entry Level
Level 1 – Grades 1, 2, 3
Level 2 – Grades 4 and 5
Level 3 – Grades 6, 7 and 8 (Bronze Medal, Silver Medal, Gold Medal)
LAMDA exams are independently marked by an examiner out of a total of 100 and students can obtain a
pass 50-64
merit 65-79
distinction 80 +
VALUE OF THE EXAMINATIONS
LAMDA exams are accredited by the government and as such are worth credits but are also worth UCAS points, useful for university and college entrance, in their higher grades (grades 6,7 and 8). These grades would be taken by teenage students.
We find that students taking these exams often take a big stride forwards in their skills, confidence, progress and status within their school groups. We believe that this is because the one-to-one tuition allows them to have their skills honed on an individual basis, so that they are prepared to take more risks in their work; their motivation rises and their confidence grows.
Better world-wide Communication - many elements of these exam preparations are similar to those of old-style elocution lessons. We teach students how to communicate with varied pronunciation and better diction, so that they can communicate with the widest number of English-speaking communities in the world.
Anyone who is serious about pursuing the Performing Arts, as a career option, should start taking LAMDA exams. This is because the qualifications are good to have on a CV, when applying for courses, but also because it gives the student audition pieces to apply with and some individual help in improving their standards and awareness.
There may well be a positive impact upon a student's general literacy skills at school – particularly in Speaking and Listening, which could enhance all areas of their daily school life and achievement.
This increased spoken skill helps with interviews for jobs and courses and work experience. At the very least, it provides children with party pieces for family events, festivals and school talent shows.
We teach the students study skills, to assist them in learning their pieces, which are easily transferable into other subject areas and can have considerable impact upon abilities to learn and revise and therefore ultimately helps their progress and attainment at school, in many curriculum areas.
These lessons also can assist those children who are under a speech therapist at school.
The benefits and possibilities LAMDA can instill are endless.
