LAMDA
INFORMATION PACK
Thank you for your interest in joining our LAMDA Classes.
When are classes?
LAMDA classes take place on Wednesdays during term time from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at South Lake Primary School, Woodley. There are no LAMDA classes during half term or Starmaker show weeks – you will be notified in advance of these dates. See our term dates page www.starmaker.org.uk/term-dates for more information.
In order to gain the maximum benefit, parents/guardians are requested to encourage pupils to establish a regular practice routine. Each student come dressed appropriately and bring their drama pieces, pencil and notepad to every lesson.
What benefit are LAMDA group classes
LAMDA group classes provide far more than exam preparation—they help young people develop confidence, communication and teamwork in a fun, supportive environment. Learning alongside others encourages students to share ideas, solve problems creatively and build strong social skills as they work towards a common goal. Performing with peers often feels less intimidating than performing alone, allowing confidence to grow naturally. Students also benefit from watching others perform, learning from different approaches and celebrating each other's achievements, while developing essential life skills such as resilience, leadership, active listening and emotional intelligence.
Unlike one-to-one lessons, group LAMDA classes closely reflect the collaborative nature of theatre, helping students develop ensemble performance skills, stage awareness and the ability to respond and communicate effectively with others. The friendships and encouragement found within a group create a motivating atmosphere where every student can thrive, regardless of experience. While individual lessons offer tailored coaching and focused exam preparation, group classes nurture well-rounded performers who are confident not only in examinations but also in school, future employment and everyday life.
How much are LAMDA classes
The 10 week term fee is £95, payment of LAMDA fees must be made in full at the first week of each term by bank transfer. Discounts are available to Starmaker Theatre Company and Stage School students - please ask for details. Please note, failure to pay fees on time may incur a £10 fine added to their term fees after 4 weeks.
Do you have to take exams?
No, you do not have to take exams. We recognise that not all learners want to take exams as they can be stressful and expensive. We will support all learners in their path choice. Exam fees are payable 6 weeks before the LAMDA Exam date
Fees are subject to constant review, you will be notified of any changes in advance. We endeavour to always hold the LAMDA Classes at the same location but due to circumstances beyond our control we may need to change the venue.
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Notice to cease tuition must be given in writing half a term in advance or fifty-percent fees for the next term will be charged in lieu of notice.
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Lessons missed through a pupil’s absence or illness will be charged for.
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Please complete the online enrolment form before your first lesson
www.starmaker.org.uk/lamda-enrolment-form
Account Name: Starmaker Theatre Company
Account Number: 24859286
Sort Code: 40-38-04
If you have any queries please don’t hesitate to get in contact us lamda@starmaker.org.uk
LAMDA EXAMINATIONS
The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) is one of the oldest drama schools in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1861, it quickly established itself as a centre of excellence in performance training. LAMDA has provided theatre and the world of film and television with generation upon generation of first-class actors and expertly-trained stage managers across the world.
LAMDA began offering speech examinations to the public in the 1880s. Since then, these examinations have been refined and developed into a comprehensive system of performance evaluation by experts in education, acting and communication. In addition to being the UK’s largest statutory speech and drama awarding body, LAMDA Examinations has a reputation for excellence across the globe.
Our mission is to:
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Improve standards in communication through the spoken word
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Foster an appreciation of literature, poems and drama
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Acknowledge levels of achievement
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Support the creative, intellectual and social development of the individual as a whole.
LAMDA examinations are designed to equip candidates, whatever their age or aspirations, with a range of skills that will serve them throughout life.
Preparation for an examination can:
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Unlock the imagination and creative-thinking
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Develop communication skills
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Refine technical skills and artistry
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Promote team-working.
The examinations themselves provide candidates with an opportunity to:
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Measure progress against an international standard
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Make contact with expert practitioner examiners outside the immediate teaching environment
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Build self-confidence and self-esteem
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Acquire skill certification for career development
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Receive critical appraisal and guidance for future development.
The range of exam options supports progression and allows the candidate to extend personal and vocational skills whilst realising their potential
LAMDA EXAMINATION QUALIFICATIONS AND UCAS
The University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is the organisation responsible for managing applications to Higher Education courses in the UK. Its aim is to help students make informed choices that are right for them – guiding them, as well as their parents and advisers, through the higher education application process. Applications through UCAS are conducted using the UCAS Tariff. This is a means of allocating points to compare post-16 qualifications used for entry to Higher Education.
UCAS are introducing a new Tariff which will come into effect from September 2017. The new Tariff will support students applying to Higher Education in 2016/17, to start university or college from September 2017. LAMDA’s Level 3 recognised qualifications are included in the new UCAS Tariff. The table below shows the UCAS points assigned by grade and attainment level (Pass, Merit or Distinction).
On the new Tariff smaller qualifications in a small size band will now have a lower Tariff point score. This means that whilst LAMDA’s Level 3 recognised qualifications are included in the new Tariff, there is a smaller number of points allocated to these qualifications. This change is not specific to LAMDA and does not reflect any changes to the content, rigour or quality of our qualifications. This change also affects other speech and drama awarding organisations offering comparable qualifications in the performing arts sector
Some things to consider
1) Not all universities and colleges use the UCAS Tariff. Around half of all course entry requirements make reference to the Tariff.
2) Use of the Tariff varies – some universities and colleges will list their entry requirements and make offers using only Tariff points; some will ask for specific qualifications and a set amount of Tariff points; and some will request Tariff points only from specific qualifications.
3) Tariff points are allocated to the highest level of achievement. This means that you cannot gain points for a Grade 6, Grade 7 and Grade 8 within the same subject/pathway.

LAMDA EXAM UCAS POINTS
LAMDA EXAMS
LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) Exams are accredited qualifications in speech and drama. Here at Starmaker we teach both the LAMDA Acting & LAMDA Musical Theatre syllabus to develop and nurture the individuals with those important performance and technical skills required. Starmaker have been teaching the LAMDA syllabus for over 20 years always helping the students gain the best results possible in their exams – something we are very proud of. We aim to hold two examinations each year, when a LAMDA examiner comes to us in Reading.
The aim of the course is to help students improve their performance skills. This is achieved by listening to them individually in many forms, plus in a workshop situation but at all times with the aim of building individual confidence. We aim to improve students’ confidence, knowledge & performing arts skills, which help with their future careers when they begin attending interviews for professional acting/musical theatre colleges, Universities and full time work.
We always work to a high standard whilst also keeping the classes fun & exciting. Although we work in a group situation we are always developing skills of the individual & improving things for the students as individuals.



