100% of St Mary’s Lower School girls achieve merit or distinction in LAMDA exams!

Over the Easter holidays, girls from St Mary’s Lower School in Colchester received the fantastic news that they had all passed their London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA) exams with a merit or distinction! The exams were taken by pupils at the start of March, before schools were closed and social distancing was introduced.

Pupils in the reception class, Year 1 and Year 2 took part in group exams from the Speaking Verse and Prose syllabus, while girls in Years 3 to 6 performed solo pieces across a variety of LAMDA subjects including Acting, Musical Theatre performance, Speaking Verse and Prose.

“We are so proud of all the girls, these are truly fantastic results” said Mrs Emma Stanhope, Director of St Mary’s Lower School. “Drama helps the pupils build confidence and is a really valuable part of the brilliantly balanced curriculum delivered at the school” she continued.

LAMDA at St Mary’s Lower School is taught by actress and former St Mary’s student Millie Binks, and Karen Binks  from Theatre Arts Academy. Individual LAMDA tuition is also offered at the Senior School as part of Theatre Arts Academy and students can take exams throughout the year. As well as performance skills, the LAMDA syllabus helps students with public speaking, expression, communication and audition and interview technique, and as they progress through the grades older students can earn UCAS points too.

Earlier this year, Sophie from Year 11 at St Mary’s passed grade 8 Musical Theatre with 100% Not only is this is virtually unheard of but she also passed her Grade 8 Acting on the same day.