​What happens in a Louder Drama class at school?

This depends on whether your child is enrolled in a Private class or a Group class.

Group Class:
These fun and dynamic sessions typically run during lunchtime or after school. They begin with acting games and improvisation exercises to build energy, focus, and connection. These activities help students shed inhibitions and develop skills in spontaneity, clarity of speech, and active listening. After a few sessions, students select a piece (monologue or duologue) to work on. Over the following weeks, they rehearse this piece, learning performance techniques and developing their character work. This will often culminate in a LAMDA exam or a school performance.

Private Class:
Private classes take place during the school day in half-period slots. Students (individually, in pairs, or trios) are excused from their usual class once a week, much like a music lesson. These lessons focus on the personal development of the student, whether building confidence, preparing for a LAMDA exam, or developing vocal technique and stagecraft. Sessions are tailored to the student’s needs, with more in-depth and one-on-one attention from the tutor.

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What happens in a Louder Drama class on Zoom?

Your child will have a regular weekly time slot in which they log into a secure Zoom session with their Louder Drama tutor. Just like in-person classes, the tutor will guide them through warm ups, vocal and physical exercises, and then help them prepare for a LAMDA exam or performance. Online classes are just as interactive, personalised, and high energy as in person ones. When they’re ready, students can even take their LAMDA exam online from home and Louder Drama will organise the whole process.

 

What are the benefits of a group class?

Group drama classes offer children a safe and exciting way to explore self expression, collaboration, and communication. Through improvisation and performance games, they learn to speak up, take risks, and work as a team. These classes help students build confidence in front of others, overcome shyness, and develop social and emotional intelligence. Group learning also creates a sense of belonging and camaraderie, with skills that often translate into better performance in the classroom and other areas of life.

 

What are the benefits of a solo class?

Solo classes provide focused, individualised attention which are ideal for students who are serious about developing their skills in acting or public speaking. These sessions move at the student’s pace and allow for deep exploration of technique and character. They’re also a great fit for students who may feel self-conscious in group settings, as they create a calm and supportive space to grow in confidence, experiment, and refine their voice and presence.

 

What are the benefits of a duo/trio class?

These sessions strike a good balance, offering personalised attention while also allowing students to rehearse and learn collaboratively. For children who enjoy working with a partner or small group, duo and trio classes bring a fun, flexible energy. They are also cost effective for families and a great stepping stone between one on one and group learning.

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What happens if my child is in a duo or trio but one of the others drops out?

We ask all families to be mindful that duo and trio classes rely on commitment from everyone involved. If one student drops out unexpectedly, it can impact the progress and exam readiness of the others.

For this reason, we recommend that students work with a partner or group they know and trust such as a friend or classmate. However, if your child doesn’t already have a partner in mind, we’ll do our best to pair them with another suitable student.

If a partner does withdraw partway through the term, we’ll assess the situation and explore alternative arrangements, which may include switching to a solo class or pairing with someone else if available.

Your child’s progress and enjoyment are our top priority, and we’ll always aim to find the most supportive path forward.

 

What’s LAMDA?

LAMDA stands for the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, one of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious drama schools and awarding bodies. As an exam board, LAMDA offers qualifications in communication, performance, and public speaking that are recognised around the world. These qualifications are regulated by Ofqual and sit alongside GCSEs and A-levels on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Higher grades earn students UCAS points, supporting university and sixth form applications.

 

What grade should my child be taking?

LAMDA exams are designed to support students from early learners right through to university applicants. They’re divided into three official levels, with eight grades in total, plus Entry Level options for younger or newer performers:

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• Entry Level – Ideal for early learners. Focuses on building confidence, memory, and foundational performance skills.

• Level 1 (Grades 1–3) – Introductory qualifications that nurture performance and communication. These are placed at the same level on the RQF as NVQ Level 1 or BTEC Level 1.

• Level 2 (Grades 4 & 5) – Intermediate qualifications. These are recognised on the same framework level as GCSEs, reflecting their comparable level of challenge.

• Level 3 (Grades 6–8) – Advanced qualifications, often referred to as Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals. These are at the same level as AS and A Levels and come with UCAS points.

 

We’ll work with you to select the most suitable grade for your child, based on their age, experience, confidence, and goals. Some students take multiple years to progress through a level; others move more quickly. Our focus is always on quality and individual growth.

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How many UCAS points are awarded?

LAMDA’s Grades 6, 7, and 8 (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) carry UCAS points, which can enhance your child’s university or college application, just like an A Level subject. The number of points awarded depends on both the grade taken and the result achieved (Pass, Merit, or Distinction).

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For example, Distinction at LAMDA Grade 8 (Gold Medal) earns 30 UCAS Points whilst A* at A-Level earns 56 UCAS Points. 

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For the latest UCAS points breakdown, you can visit the LAMDA website or the UCAS Tariff calculator.

 

Where and when does the exam take place?

Exams can be taken in person at LAMDA's exam centre in Barons Court, West London most weekends throughout the year. Alternatively, Louder Drama can arrange a Zoom based LAMDA exam for your child to take from home. We’ll support you at every step, from booking to preparation, and we’ll recommend the best format for your child.

Most students take one exam per academic year, but this varies depending on their confidence, commitment, and progression rate.