On the surface of it, and as the name suggests, the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) is an organisation which seeks to find and train exceptional dramatic artists and technicians and counts actors such as Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ruth Wilson and Benedict Cumberbatch among its alumni.
Scratch beneath the surface though and what you will actually find is an offering that is equally geared towards providing pupils with the skills to excel in the workplace and at university.
LAMDA was a crucial part of my personal development at Bradfield. My lessons and the examination process developed my elocution and general command of language, skills which I used in the debating chamber, utilised during university assessments and benefitted from at Society AGMs.
Tiff Hurren (G 12-17)
Communication skills are among the most in-demand skills for employers. Developing those skills can benefit an individual in all aspects of life, from professional spheres to social gatherings. Equally, working on improving communication can help a pupil grow in confidence to be able to perform under pressure.
Not only does taking part in LAMDA help with the verbal aspects of communication but it also helps with nonverbal communication, from body posture to hand gestures and eye contact, all of which express meaning, often saying much more than spoken words.
LAMDA at Bradfield
LAMDA lessons at Bradfield encourage and enhance pupils’ performance and communication skills in an atmosphere that is fun, creative and educational.
The partnership with Bradfield began back in 2010, with just one teacher and ten pupils. Fast-forward almost a decade and there are now five dedicated teachers tutoring around 120 pupils.
LAMDA is for everyone, helping those who are less confident and want to develop their speech and communication skills, as well as servicing those who are already confident performers and communicators but want to enhance and build on their existing skill set.
The sessions develop a learner’s ability to read easily, fluently and with good understanding, expand vocabulary to improve powers of self-expression, research and create persuasive formal presentations as well as creating and defending arguments, all while working alone or as a member of a team.
Lessons can be individual one-to-one sessions or held in pairs, with pupils able to choose from a number of different pathways and examinations including Speaking in Public, Acting and Speaking Verse and Prose.
Speaking in public
Public speaking is an integral part of 21st century life. Whether speaking in front of a small group of colleagues or at a large scale conference, people in many walks of life are required to make a presentation or to give a speech. This route provides the tools to help learners construct speeches use positive body language and engage with a wide range of communication techniques.
Not only that but, at the higher grades, the “Speaking in Public” examinations also include impromptu work, where pupils develop the skills necessary to formulate arguments and convincing presentations with little preparation time.
Acting
While geared towards developing the skills necessary to communicate dramatic text to an audience, the Acting examination pathway can also help pupils develop key life skills such as understanding and empathy, by allowing learners to engage with different circumstances and/or situations in a practical way.
LAMDA trains an awareness of body language, vocal subtleties and facial expressions in everyday life. Currently, I am undergoing an internship in a gallery where all of these skills have proven to be incredibly useful. Talking over the phone about sales to auction houses and delivering excellent customer service to clients require a conscious control of voice and open body language.
Anna Mladentseva (J 13-18)
Promoting creative thinking and exploration also enables pupils to acquire memory skills, spatial awareness, vocal confidence and physical presence. Exploring different characters also allows learners to get to the heart of how feelings and emotions dictate behaviour, encouraging them to become more self-aware. Naturally, this pathway can benefit any pupils preparing for GCSE and A Level Drama.
Speaking verse and prose
Using poetry and prose, LAMDA Speaking Verse and Prose examinations allow learners to explore literature in an engaging and practical way. Developing a good speaking voice is key and successful pupils will recognise how to use their voices in different ways to provoke different reactions.
Equally important, memorising a number of pieces encourages self-discipline and focus. This also enables pupils to tap into their creativity as the way they interpret each piece necessitates an imaginative engagement invoking thought, emotion, style and form of the text.
Pupils can work on their diction, posture and body language and a deeper appreciation of the literature will also be achieved as they study the text and that will help them communicate to the imagined, or future audience in an engaging way.
