Drama/Lamda
Dramatic activity is already a part of most children’s lives before they even start School. In the general form of ‘play’ this enables children to make sense of their own identity by exploring meaningful fictional situations that parallels the real world.
When Drama is both structured and fun, it encourages children to think and act creatively thus developing critical thinking and problem solving skills that can be applied to all areas of their learning. Drama gives children the opportunity to explore, experiment, create, perform and evaluate in a supportive and safe environment here at St Mary’s Hare Park School.
Our combined curriculum of both Drama and LAMDA examinations, aims to provide children with vital life skills that will serve them well throughout their education and beyond.
Participating in both Drama and LAMDA examinations, pupils will benefit from:
- Improved self confidence/self esteem
- Development of emotional intelligence
- Effective oral communication skills
- Improved speaking & listening skills
- Improved Creativity & Imagination exploration
- Cooperation, leadership and negotiation skills
- Social skills, self awareness & teamwork skills
- The ability to thrive outside of their comfort zone
- Development of language & communication skills
- Memorising & recalling information
- Improving self expression
- A willingness to try new things
LAMDA examinations are taken in both Key Stage 1 and 2 and allow pupils the opportunity to gain Ofqual recognised qualifications in both Performance and Communication disciplines.
LAMDA qualifications are Ofqual regulated and have helped hundreds of thousands of candidates develop lifelong skills. LAMDA ignites the imagination, improves confidence with public speaking, develops the ability to memorise and recall information, expands vocabulary and improves speaking & listening skills.
As the need to succeed in Secondary School interviews, University applications and job interviews builds, LAMDA examinations will play a key role in developing pupils into confident and engaging communicators.
If pupils later decide to progress through the LAMDA grade system, the higher levels at Grade 6, 7 and 8 attract UCAS Points and can therefore, be extremely beneficial for both University applications, interviews and employment.
In Key Stage 1, pupils participate in the LAMDA Introductory examinations. These are a gentle step into the LAMDA suite of graded examinations. The syllabus enables appropriate development in interpretative skills, technical skills and communication skills.
At Key Stage 2, both Public Speaking and Acting examinations are taken. These exams are a great opportunity for children to develop essential communication skills that will aid Secondary School interviews and presentations.
Public speaking examinations develop skills for effective oral communication and public presentation. Pupils are required to select, structure and shape subject matter into a concise speech for an intended audience.
The LAMDA public speaking exam syllabus also teaches students study skills for memorising, which is easily transferable into other subject areas and can have considerable impact upon abilities to learn and revise. Therefore, ultimately helping to improve progress and attainment at School in many curriculum areas.
Solo Acting examinations are designed to develop the necessary skills to communicate a dramatic text to an audience. The syllabus offers learning objectives within interpretation, technical skill and knowledge.
LAMDA exams are about achievement, recognising and rewarding the endeavours of each individual. But they are also about empowerment. Designed to develop life skills in:
- Clear communication & public speaking
- Delivering presentations
- Expanding vocabulary
- Creating & defending arguments
- Organisational skills
- Creativity and artistic decision making
- Improved English language skills offering plenty of cross curricular links with literacy and PSHE.
The Drama department ensures pupils are engaged and enthused in activities, performances and examinations that challenge and reward their individual efforts.
Where possible, the School will enter pupils in events that continue to encourage and develop their skills and talents.
The Drama/Lamda curriculum overview is below and details areas of the curriculum within year groups and terms.