Speech Examinations
Introduction
The Wooldridge School of Speech and Voice is unique and the only
school of its type in the Midlands that regularly enters candidates
for the speech examinations of three examination boards.
The Wooldridge School of Speech tutors and prepares students for
the speech examinations of the National College of Music and Arts
(Est 1894), Victoria College of Music (Est 1890) and LAMDA.
Examinations are held throughout the year at examination centres in
Birmingham.
NCM examinations are held three times a year.
VCM examinations are held twice a year.
LAMDA examinations are held three times a year.
Students may chose which examinations they wish to enter.
Examination subjects
The Wooldridge School of Speech and Voice enters candidates for the
following examinations:
- Speaking of Verse and Prose
- Reading for Performance
- Spoken English
- Public Speaking
- Interview and Presentation Technique
Generally speaking, each examination subject has eight graded
examinations. Younger children begin at the lower grades and work
through to the higher grades. Older candidates may skip certain grades. Candidates may also elect to work towards medal examinations.
Advanced students can work towards professional certificates, diplomas
and higher level examinations.
Qualifications
LAMDA
The graded qualifications offered by LAMDA are accredited by the Qualifications Curriculum Authority (QCA). This means that the qualifications awarded fall under the National Framework of Qualifications - they are to be accepted in the same manner as other qualifications such as GCSEs. In short, a Pass at Grade 6 is equivalent to a Grade E GCE AS A level and carries 20 UCAS points, while a Merit at Grade 7 is equivalent to a B grade at GCE AS A level and carries 50 UCAS points. A distinction at Grade 8 carries 65 UCAS points and is equivalent to a grade between B and C at GCE A level. Please consult the LAMDA examinations web site for further details.
NCM
The National College of Music and Arts was established in 1894. In
1994, its qualifications were accredited by the Schools Assessment
and Curriculum Authority. NCM qualifications are valuable
qualifications both in the UK and abroad. The Wooldridge School of
Speech and Voice is the Birmingham Centre of the National College
of Music.
VCM
Victoria College of Music was established in1890 and conduct
examinations throughout the world. The College is a highly respected
independent examination board. The Patron of Victoria College of Music
was Sir Malcolm Arnold.
The Wooldridge School of Speech and Voice accepts students of all ages.
Adult lessons are offered on an individual one-to-one basis.