Our next set of LAMDA exams are due to take place in March 2020. If you would like more information on LAMDA and how to register please contact us. Please bare in mind that positions are limited and always fill quickly.

Why LAMDA?

The process of preparing for and succeeding in a LAMDA examination essentially helps learners, whatever their ages or aspirations, to develop a broad range of skills that will serve them throughout life. Across the range, the examinations develop a learner’s ability to:

  • read easily, fluently and with good understanding
  • vocabulary to improve powers of self-expression
  • improve confidence in speaking and listening
  • memorise and recall information
  • create and defend arguments
  • engage in constructive informal conversation

No matter what direction learners may choose to follow in the future, LAMDA examinations provide the opportunity to nurture their natural abilities. These critical skills will enhance their self-confidence to engage and contribute fully, whether at school, in further education, in work or in the community: in other words, to fulfil their potential.

Here at The North Oxfordshire School of Drama our teaching of the LAMDA examinations is rooted in learner’s developing a love of literature, poetry and drama.

Ultimately, it is the sense of achievement that empowers the individual. At NOSD we believe that succeeding in a LAMDA examination demonstrates not only that learners have met the rigorous assessment criteria in a particular discipline, but also that they have grown as individuals through participating in a worthwhile activity that is respected as a global standard.

Jenny Stewart.
Principal N.O.S.D

LAMDA is recognised as an awarding organisation by Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation in England.

LAMDA graded examinations are recognised by Ofqual and are accredited to the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).

The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) is a credit based qualifications framework which allows a learner to build qualifications in a unit-based approach. It enables learners to gain qualifications at their own pace along flexible routes.

At The North Oxfordshire School of Drama we offer graded exams in Communication and Performance.

  • Communication examinations: Speaking Verse and Prose.

    Purpose of the qualification.

    LAMDA graded examinations in communication: Speaking Verse and Prose are designed to develop the skills necessary for effective communication of the written word.

    Learners who prepare themselves appropriately will develop:

    1. Interpretative skills
    2. Technical skills
    3. Knowledge of literature.

    Broad objectives of the qualification.

    1. Interpretative skills – the learner will be required to engage imaginatively with the thought, emotion, style and form of a text.
    2. Technical skills – the learner will be required to develop skills in voice, diction and posture.
    3. Knowledge of literature – the learner will be required to know and understand the chosen selections. Understand voice, speech and versification theory to communicate the specific demands of the text.
  • Performance examinations: Acting.

    Purpose of the qualification.

    LAMDA graded examinations in performance: Acting are designed to develop the skills necessary to communicate dramatic text to an audience.

    Learners who prepare themselves appropriately will develop:

    • Interpretative skills
    • Technical skills
    • Knowledge of the performance process.

    Broad objectives of the qualification.

    • Interpretative skills – learners will be required to explore style, form, character, subtext and context in order to realise the specific demands of the text. They will also be required to engage with the character and situation in order to create a sense of reality.
    • Technical Skills – Learners will be required to develop skills in voice, diction and movement.
    • Knowledge of the performance process – learners will be required to know and understand the chosen selections. They will also be required to know the key principles and influences in the process of acting for one of the following practitioners: Constantin Stanislavski, Bertolt Brecht or Jerzy Grotowski (higher grades only).