London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA) Exams is a globally recognised awarding organisation, helping learners of all ages, abilities and backgrounds develop vital life skills. D&T spoke to the team at LAMDA to find out more about what they offer.
Since the 1880s, LAMDA Exams has provided world-renowned qualifications in communication and performance – improving oracy and communication skills, encouraging creativity and self-expression, and fostering confidence in all learners.
Active in nearly 50 countries worldwide, LAMDA Exams are taught in independent and state schools, performing arts organisations, in colleges and by independent teachers. Qualifications include Speaking in Public, Musical Theatre, Shakespeare and beyond, with over 110,000 people a year taking a LAMDA Exams qualification.
The impact of LAMDA exams
LAMDA Exams are recognised as an effective tool in developing essential skills such as oracy, resilience and confidence in students, and underscores the importance of creative education in young people's emotional and social development.
In a recent report by the Centre for Education and Youth (CfEY), the benefits of LAMDA Exams in state schools were investigated, particularly in the context of ongoing challenges for young people, such as prolonged social isolation and disruptions to schooling caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Using survey data and case studies, the report evaluated the broader impact of LAMDA Exams on student outcomes, mental health, wellbeing and school advancement.
The report highlighted that LAMDA Exams:
- Build oracy, communication, interpersonal and collaboration skills
- Have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing
- Improve confidence and emotional resilience in school
- Encourage students’ academic development
- Support learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- Lead to stronger engagement from parents
- Empower teachers to invest in their own professional development.
LAMDA Exams was noted as supporting students to develop confidence for all situations in life, and for helping schools to provide positive learning experiences for all learners, including those with SEND.
Qualifications
LAMDA Exams offers qualifications in a wide range of communication and performance-based subjects, from introductory level examinations up to more advanced Level 3 (Grade 6-8) qualifications. Regulated qualifications at Level 3 also hold UCAS points for learners to use when applying to university.
- Introductory, including Solo and Group qualifications
- Performance, including Acting, Devising Drama, and Miming
- Communication, including Speaking Verse and Prose, Reading for Performance, and Speaking in Public
- Group, including Recital, Choral-Speaking, Acting, Devising Drama, and Musical Theatre
- Other qualifications include Solo/Duo Musical Theatre, Shakespeare for Performance, and the advanced PCertLAM.
In schools
Schools across the world use LAMDA Exams to support the teaching of various subjects in the school curriculum, including in English and drama classes.
Their engaging and fun format provides the opportunity for students to participate in a rewarding and inclusive arts environment, while developing essential communication and oracy skills that support their personal and professional success.
The requirements of each subject area are developed in a way that encourages cross-curricular enrichment and provides a platform for learners to expand and enhance their understanding of a topic through a wider lens.
There's also flexibility with how a learner is entered for an exam, with in-person or online opportunities, through public or private centres:
- Public centres can be found across the UK in over 30 locations and are open to learners from different teachers or organisations
- Schools or organisations can register themselves as private centres, which are an ideal solution if you have a larger number of learners needing examinations
- Online assessments are designed to mirror the in-person examination experience, offering the exact same value and integrity.
After passing an exam, each learner receives a certificate to mark their achievement, along with feedback on what they've done well and what to work on for next time, enabling students to see and celebrate their own development.
Support for teachers
From guidance documents to training workshops led by expert practitioners, there are various materials on-hand to support teachers.
Teacher training courses, online or in-person, are designed to boost your confidence and knowledge teaching the syllabi, including some CPD-accredited courses providing an additional qualification to take away.
Resources range from free additional set piece lists and on-demand webinars, through to supplementary publications and anthology collections available to purchase on the LAMDA online shop. All resources are designed to support teachers and improve their understanding of how syllabi content should be implemented.
Sign up for a free introductory webinar on the LAMDA website, or get in touch on exams@lamda.ac.uk
For more information, visit lamda.ac.uk/lamda-exams/getting-started