How the Leinster School of Music and Drama exams gave my students real-life skills

Loraine Power runs the hugely successful Power Drama School in Lusk in north Dublin. Last year, Power Drama school introduced speech and drama classes from students interested in taking exams with the Leinster School of Music and Drama.

Power Drama School currently provides performing arts classes for students aged 5-18 on Thursdays and Saturdays as well as annual summer camps. The weekly classes consist of drama, music and dance. Not only do Loraine's students take examinations at the Leinster School of Music and Drama but Loraine herself graduated from Griffith College with first-class honours in the Higher Diploma in Arts in Drama Education. 

Part of the appeal of Power Drama School is the fact that Loraine and her team insist on an inclusive and caring attitude.

“Our goal is to encourage all students to learn new skills, increase their confidence and have fun in a caring, supportive environment,” explains Loraine.

Another part of Power Drama School’s appeal is the fact that there are regular opportunities for students to perform in full productions, showcases, summer camps and, in recent years, the Speech and Drama Teachers of Ireland Festival.

On top of this - students from Power Drama School have regularly appeared on TV, radio and film productions.

This year the school performed an original production in the famous Draíocht Theatre called “Together We Shine” which sold out and was widely praised. Loraine’s approach to ensuring her students enjoy the classes were also shown by the hugely successful performances of ‘Frozen’, ‘Peter Pan’, ‘Moana’ and ‘High School Musical’.

Signing up to Speech and Drama classes with Leinster School of Music and Drama

In 2017, Power Drama School introduced speech and drama classes to students interested in undertaking exams with the Leinster School of Music and Drama.

All Power Drama School’s students performed excellently in the exams with nine students receiving First Class Honours and four students awarded a medal for a score of 95%.

Loraine explains how the process went: “The Leinster School of Music and Drama exam process gives the students external, professional validation for their efforts. Students learn that when they work hard they are rewarded for their endeavour. The LSMD curriculum is varied and interesting”

“The aim is to develop the candidates understanding of poetry, prose, drama, mime and improvisation, to develop the voice and to introduce candidates to the theory of good speech.

“On the day of the exams there were naturally some nerves, but the students all knew they were well prepared and once in with the examiner they were quickly put at their ease. Each student came out of the exam feeling proud and the confidence gained will benefit them for life.”

“As a teacher, receiving the results in the post including the detailed feedback was an exciting moment.  Our students were over the moon receiving their results, as were their parents.

“I believe the exams have a very positive impact on our school and give the students great life skills, such as public speaking skills and the knowledge that one gets out of life what one puts in. I would highly recommend the Speech and Drama Exams at The Leinster School of Music and Drama.”

The benefits of Speech and Drama for students

• Develops clear communication skills  

• Promotes excellent interpersonal skills  

• Increases confidence and self-belief.

• Improves clarity and fluency of speech  

• Introduces students to a wide array of literature.

• Teaches students how to analyse and read texts correctly.

• Allows students to develop their own opinions and ideas.