Subject Leader: Mrs V Hollidge – vhollidge@knoleacademy.org
Exam Board: LAMDA
Entry Requirements
Minimum of 5 9-4 grades in GCSE examinations, including English and Maths.
Intent
LAMDA is a performance heavy examination framework, accredited by the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. These exams are well respected in the field of performing arts and, at level 3, emphasise in-depth level of performance techniques and a deep understanding of text and context.
This course develops self -motivation, self- awareness and a professional work ethic. With that in mind, students are encouraged participate in workshops and live theatre visits to broaden their theatrical experience.
Implementation
In year 12, students will work towards their grade 6 and 7 acting exam, delving into the historical world of Greek or Elizabethan / Jacobean theatre, the social contexts of pre-1980’s theatre and new approaches and attitudes of contemporary theatre. Alongside this, students will develop vocal and breathing techniques to enhance practical performances.
In year 13, students work towards grade 8 exam, the highest standard examined by LAMDA in these performance-based exams, the equivalent to an A level. Here they will perform a similar set of pieces but with the additional requirement of in-depth knowledge of a theatrical practitioner.
Impact
LAMDA Group Examinations are designed to develop the skills necessary to communicate a dramatic text to an audience.
Learners who prepare themselves appropriately will develop the following:
1. Interpretative skills
- explore style, character, subtext and context
- engage with character and situation to create a sense of reality
2. Technical skills
- build skills in voice, diction and movement
3. Interactive skills
- create relationships between characters
- share responsibility for the performance to communicate as a group
Examination Information
Exam Board: LAMDA
Qualification: Grade 6, 7, 8 Certificate / Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals
Each exam is worth UCAS points. The exams are completely practical. All performance exams are in front of a LAMDA examiner.
Grade 6: Bronze Medal for Acting (8-12 UCAS)
Performance from memory of one scene from a play published within one of the following periods;
- Ancient Greek and Roman (500 BC – 4 BC)
- Elizabethan and Jacobean (1558–1625)
- Restoration and Post-Restoration (1626–1799)
- 1800 to 31st December 1979
Performance from memory of a second scene from a play published on or after 1st January 1980.
Knowledge:
The Learner will answer questions on the following:
- The character’s objective in each scene performed
- The character’s role and how they contribute to the plot of each piece as a whole
- How breathing techniques were used to support the voice in each scene performed
Grade 7: Silver Medal for Acting (12-16 UCAS)
Performance from memory of one scene from a play published within one of the following periods;
- Ancient Greek and Roman (500BC – 4BC)
- Elizabethan and Jacobean (1558–1625)
- Restoration and Post-Restoration (1626–1799)
Performance from memory of a second scene from a play published during the period 1800 to 31st December 1979.
Performance from memory of a second scene from a play published on or after 1st January 1980.
Knowledge:
The Learner will answer questions on the following:
- The character’s objective in the scene (this should be the character played in the chosen scene)
- The character’s role within the context of the piece as a whole (this should be the character played in the chosen scene)
- How the research into the dramatic style of the period of the piece affected the way the piece is performed
- How the work and influences of the author are reflected in the play as a whole
Grade 8: Gold Medal for Acting (24-30 UCAS)
Performance from memory of one scene from a play published within one of the following periods;
- Ancient Greek and Roman (500 BC – 4 BC)
- Elizabethan and Jacobean (1558–1625)
- Restoration and Post-Restoration (1626–1799)
- 1800 to 31st December 1979
Performance from memory of a second scene from a play published during the period 1800 to 31st December 1979.
Performance from memory of a second scene from a play published on or after 1st January 1980.
Knowledge:
The Learner will answer questions on the following relating to the content and context of the three chosen scenes:
- The processes involved in developing the characters for performance, including how they ensured the key themes and characteristics were effectively portrayed (one character from the three performed will be selected by the Examiner at the time of the examination)
- The character’s role within the context of the play as a whole (one character from the three performed will be selected by the Examiner at the time of the examination)
The Learner(s) will answer questions on the following:
- The key principles and influences on acting for one of the following practitioners (chosen by the Learner*): Constantin Stanislavski, Bertolt Brecht, Jerzy Grotowski, Katie Mitchell, Kneehigh, Antonin Artaud, Joan Littlewood, Meisner, Graeae Theatre Company, Uta Hagen, Talawa and Tamasha
- How the selected practitioner’s key principles and influences have affected the Learner as an actor
Drama Future Paths
No matter what direction students may choose to follow in the future, LAMDA examinations provide the opportunity to nurture their natural abilities.
Future courses & possible careers include actor, community arts worker, drama therapist, film/theatre director, arts administrator, teacher, broadcast presenter, theatre stage manager and more.
Drama Extra Resources
Revision Materials
- Practitioners
- Voice and Breathing
- Elizabethan and Jacobean drama
- Greek theatre