Shiplake College have recently teamed up with the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) in order to offer LAMDA acting lessons and the associated qualifications. These lessons have been offered at Shiplake on Saturday mornings since the beginning of the year, and have quickly grown in popularity. 14 pupils now take the weekly classes.
In addition to being the UK’s largest statutory speech and drama awarding body, LAMDA has a reputation for excellence across the globe. The 30 minute LAMDA Acting lessons (which are taken in pairs, based on ability and age) are designed to be informative, engaging and fun, where creativity and individuality in encouraged. The classes help to develop a learner’s ability to:
- Read easily, fluently and with good understanding
- Expand vocabulary, improving powers of self-expression
- Improve confidence in speaking and listening
- Memorise and recall information
- Engage in constructive informal conversation
- Work both alone and as a member of the team
These critical skills will enhance the learner’s self-confidence to engage and contribute fully, whether at school, in further education, in work, or in the community: in other words, empowering an individual to fulfil their potential. LAMDA’s exams are designed to recognise and reward the endeavours of each individual. Learners are awarded an official LAMDA certificate and medal, where relevant, as well as constructive feedback in a written report to help them advance to the next level. The examiners are experts in their fields who have been trained and standardised by LAMDA to assess learners with objectivity and equality. Will Kayll, who is working towards grade 6, says he loves the classes. He finds his teacher, Ben, hugely enthusiastic and says his lessons have really helped him progress his drama.
Those interested in more information or enrolling their son/daughter in the classes, please contact Assistant Head of Co-Curricular Mr Alex Hunt here.