Founded in 1861, LAMDA is the oldest drama school in the country and counts actors such as Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ruth Wilson and Benedict Cumberbatch, currently the Academy’s President, 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.
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 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 LAMDA has seen significant growth. There are now five dedicated teachers tutoring around 120 pupils.
Most importantly, 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 up on their existing skill set.
No matter which direction a pupil chooses to follow in the future, LAMDA exams provide an opportunity to nurture natural abilities which are attractive to employers and beneficial when studying at university.
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.
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 short, empowering an individual to fulfil their potential.
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.
