King’s College Prep School Excels in LAMDA and Vanguard Examinations

In June 2024, ten of our talented Speech & Drama pupils and Drama Scholars from Years 7 and 8 undertook LAMDA Grades 4 to 6 exams.

These exams, which align with Ofqual Levels 2 and 3, were previously reserved for senior school students due to their difficulty. LAMDA Grade 5 is comparable to a high-grade GCSE, while Grade 6 equates to A-Level standards.

Our pupils embraced the challenge, performing admirably in these demanding exams. The results, received a few days ago, are the best in our school’s history, with all candidates achieving Distinction (80% and above), the highest mark awarded by LAMDA. Remarkably, some pupils scored over 90%, a rare achievement.

The standout performances are as follows:

• Muriel Foster – LAMDA Grade 6/Bronze Medal – 84% Distinction
• Charlotte Scott – LAMDA Grade 5 – 92% Distinction
• Aquilla O’Dell-Notaro – LAMDA Grade 5 – 90% Distinction
• Aurelia Catton – LAMDA Grade 5 – 80% Distinction
• Elsa Durham – LAMDA Grade 5 – 80% Distinction
• Emily Dyer – LAMDA Grade 5 – 80% Distinction
• Pippa Roe – LAMDA Grade 4 – 97% Distinction
• Isla Hansford – LAMDA Grade 4 – 96% Distinction
• Channah Makoni – LAMDA Grade 4 – 82% Distinction
• Maddie Hiles – LAMDA Grade 4 – 82% Distinction

Vanguard Exams

Additionally, 67 pupils from Years 1 to 7 participated in the Vanguard Speech & Drama exams. Their hard work paid off, with 31 students achieving Distinction or Honours (85% or greater). Special commendations go to:

• Ozzie LH – Vanguard Intermediate Grade 1 – 90% Honours
• Henry D – Vanguard Intermediate Grade 1 – 90% Honours
• Valder F – Vanguard Junior Silver Badge Solo Acting – 95% Honours
• Benjamin W and Reggie R – Vanguard Junior Grade 3 Duologue Acting – 90% Honours each
• Charlie P – Vanguard Junior Grade 2 Poetry Speaking – 94% Honours
• Dotty S – Vanguard Junior Grade 2 Poetry Speaking – 92% Honours
• Bethia T – Vanguard Junior Grade 2 Poetry & Prose – 91% Honours
• Gabriel S – Vanguard Junior Grade 1 Duologue Acting – 95% Honours
• Arthur W – Vanguard Junior Grade 1 Duologue Acting – 91% Honours
• Otto D – Vanguard Junior Preliminary Poetry Speaking – 94% Honours
• James T – Vanguard Junior Preliminary Poetry Speaking – 90% Honours
• Minnie S – Vanguard Introductory Poetry Speaking – 93% Honours
• Max A T – Vanguard Introductory Poetry Speaking – 90% Honours

Both sets of results mark a fantastic end to a successful academic year in Speech & Drama.

Taunton Festival of the Arts Gala Concert

On Saturday, June 8th, Charlotte S, Dotty S, and Minnie S performed at the Taunton Festival of the Arts Gala Concert at the Tacchi Morris Arts Centre. Selected from the top winners of the Taunton Drama, Music, and Dance Festivals, they showcased their talents with poems by Kenn Nesbitt, Gervase Phinn, and Peter Dixon. Their performances were of the highest standard, and they represented King’s College Prep School beautifully.

This has been an outstanding year for our Speech & Drama department, and we are incredibly proud of all our pupils’ achievements. Read more about our Prep Drama offering on our website, see link below.