The Pocklingtonian 2018/19 | Page 95

DRAMA// EXAMINATIONS LAMDA EXAMS ACTING, SPEAKING VERSE AND PROSE Founded in 1861, LAMDA is the oldest drama school in the UK. LAMDA started to offer examina-tions in speech and drama to the public over 130 years ago. Since then they have developed an enviable reputation for excellence in the provision of Communication and Performance examinations in the UK, and they are rapidly extending their reach internationally. The process of preparing for and succeeding in a LAMDA Examination helps Learners, whatever their ages or aspirations, to develop a broad range of skills that will serve them throughout life. The examinations create Learners who can: • • • • • • • • read easily, fluently and with good understanding expand vocabulary to improve powers of self-expression improve confidence in speaking and listening memorise and recall information research and create persuasive formal presentations create and defend arguments engage in constructive informal conversation work both on their own and participate as a member of a team No matter what direction Learners 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, at work or in the community. In other words, to fulfil their potential. LAMDA examinations are rooted in encouraging Learners of all ages to develop a love of literature, poetry and drama and thus improve standards of communication through the spoken word. The syllabus provides a wide range of opportunities to do so. Ultimately, it is a sense of achieve-ment that empowers the Learner. LAMDA Examinations demonstrates not only that a candidate have met 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. In June this year, there was no stopping the 18 LAMDA candidates as they dedicated themselves to creating exceptional performances in their Acting and Speaking Verse and Prose examinations, proving that hard work really does pay off. All candidates did themselves proud and shone in the delivery of their final pieces in front of an ex-ternal examiner whereby they proved that creativity, discipline and resilience are not only qualities that create excellent performances but are valuable personal attributes that will guide them through life. This year saw excellent results with 12 distinctions, 7 merits and 1 pass. A special mention goes to Ella Smith who achieved the highest distinction mark of 94/100. Louisa Chacksfield Pass with Distinction Lucy Coles Pass with Distinction Poppy Ducker Pass with Distinction Imogen Gilbey Pass with Distinction Thomas McDowell Pass with Distinction Dylan McLane Pass with Distinction Esme Regan Pass with Distinction Ella Smith Pass with Distinction Isobel Stephenson Pass with Distinction Freddie Woodruff Pass with Distinction Mathilda Young Pass with Distinction Alice Bell Pass with Merit Georgina Hamblin Pass with Merit Terrence Ho Kan Huang Pass with Merit Joseph Maycock Pass with Merit Izzy Rowley Pass with Merit (Bronze Medal) Olivia Whitehead Pass with Merit Julian Brittenden Pass It is both a pleasure and an honour to work with the LAMDA candidates as their commitment and dedication to their work continually shines through as they strive to reach their full potential. G Hudson THE POCKLINGTONIAN 93