Introductory (Stages 1-3)

Focus: Confidence, creativity, and foundational performance skills.

Structure:

• Students recite a short poem or story, often supported by visual prompts.

• Some grades involve answering simple questions from the examiner.

Best For:
Young children starting out in speech and drama.

Benefits:

• Gentle introduction to performance in a supportive environment.

• Encourages expression, memory, and imagination.

• Builds early confidence and love for storytelling.

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Acting (Entry Level - Grade 8)

Focus: Performing scripted scenes with characterisation, vocal technique, and expression.

Structure:

• Students prepare 1–3 monologues or duologues depending on grade.

• Assessed on interpretation, character development, movement, and vocal skills.

Best For:
Students who enjoy storytelling, developing characters, and performing dramatic pieces.

Benefits:

• Builds emotional intelligence and empathy through character work.

• Encourages memorisation, clarity, and stage presence.

• Excellent for those considering performing arts GCSE/A-level or stage work.

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Musical Theatre (Entry Level - Grade 8)

Focus: Combining singing, acting, and storytelling in character.

Structure:

• Students perform 1 to 3 contrasting musical theatre songs, depending on their grade.

• Performances must show characterisation, vocal control, and storytelling.

• Higher grades include spoken introductions or scenes to demonstrate understanding of context and character.

Best For:
Students who love to sing and act, and enjoy telling a story through music. Ideal for musical theatre enthusiasts or those with singing training who want to expand into performance.

Benefits:

• Builds confidence in live vocal performance.

• Encourages clear storytelling through song and character.

• Develops breath control, pitch, tone, and emotional connection.

• Excellent preparation for school productions, stage roles, or further performing arts study.

• Grades 6–8 qualify for UCAS points and strengthen university or drama school applications

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Speaking in Public (Entry Level - Grade 8)

Focus: Structuring and delivering formal speeches with clarity and confidence.

Structure:

• Students prepare and deliver speeches (e.g. informative, persuasive, personal).

• Assessed on content, organisation, body language, and engagement.

Best For:
Students preparing for interviews, debates, school leadership roles, or anyone looking to build communication skills.

Benefits:

• Develops confidence in speaking to an audience.

• Sharpens presentation and persuasive language skills.

• Fantastic preparation for secondary school, university, and career interviews.

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Devising Drama (Entry Level - Grade 8)

Focus: Creating and performing original scenes or monologues.

Structure:

• Students devise their own performance pieces based on a theme, stimulus, or concept.

• Emphasis is placed on creativity, structure, and communication of ideas.

Best For:
Creative thinkers and confident performers who enjoy making their own material.

Benefits:

• Develops scriptwriting, improvisation, and storytelling.

• Encourages imagination and ownership of the work.

• Builds transferable skills for devised projects at school or youth theatre.

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Speaking Verse and Prose 

Focus: Developing clear speech, rhythm, expression, and confidence with language.

Structure:

• Students perform a poem and/or prose passage from memory.

• Higher grades include a discussion with the examiner about the piece and meaning.

Best For:
Younger students or those new to performance, as well as those with an interest in poetry, literature, and storytelling.

Benefits:

• Improves diction, pace, rhythm, and confidence with public speaking.

• Encourages a love of language and literature.

• Enhances performance without requiring full characterisation or acting.