Teach
the speech
Looking for a different type of career? How about the
field of speech and drama? It’s suited for those interested
in the art of performance and have a love of language. Ishani Ranasinghe
takes a closer look
Even though we grow up being a little one-track-minded,
when it comes to professions (what with all those grillings about
being a doctor, engineer, etc. no one can blame you), our perspectives
change as we get older. We realise that there is a whole world of
possibilities out there and a range of different alternate professions
for the taking. We actually get the option of choosing what we think
we would be happy doing, probably for the rest of our lives.
In
the past this section featured many alternative career paths one
could take and this week we focus on speech and drama; if you are
interested in the teaching perspective of it.
Almost
all of us did elocution while we were growing up. While most of
us did it willingly with much enthusiasm, some of us were forced
into it. Whatever it was we did, these exams were an important aspect
of survival in the world. The subject of speech and drama is accepted
as having a vital role to play in the education of children. Here’s
how it becomes a big asset for you – if you are interested
in the field of teaching speech and drama.
The
requirements
When it comes to the pursuit of higher grades in speech
and drama there are a few key things that you need to posses, as
a student. While you need to be excellent in English, you should
also have a good knowledge of literature and a definite love for
drama and theatre.
In
order to follow the teacher’s course, you need to have passed
at least Grade 8 previously. There are accredited schools for speech
and drama education. Examinations are conducted yearly from the
initial grade to the diploma level.
How
to become a teacher of speech and drama…
Trinity College London (TCL):
Trinity is the world’s oldest external examination
board. In 1876, the idea that a series of common assessments could
be available to students from anywhere in the world was born and
the external examination scheme was launched. It now operates in
more than 50 countries worldwide. The local representative for TCL
is the Polytechnic Institute, Colombo.
The
qualifications for teaching speech and drama are known as diplomas.
The diplomas are presented within the familiar and ‘industry
standard’ structure of Associate, Licentiate and Fellowship.
They are designed to cater to and reward the varied skills of Performing,
Teaching, Applied Drama, and Education.
Associate
Trinity College London Teaching (Speech and Drama)
This is the lowest teaching level and is equivalent to
a B.A. This qualification is evidence that the candidate can plan
and deliver a taught programme for a specific learner or group of
learners in a given setting and reflect upon its effectiveness.
The qualification is of particular value to those working with individuals
and small groups in studios, young peoples’ theatre and colleges.
Licentiate
Trinity College London Teaching (Speech and Drama)
This is the next level after the Associate Level and is
equivalent to an M.A. The qualification is evidence that the candidate
can plan and deliver taught programmes appropriate for a range of
learners, learner groups and settings and can evaluate their effectiveness.
It is suitable for those who will take responsibility for planning
and teaching speech and drama in schools, colleges, private studios
and theatre education departments.
Fellowship Trinity College London Education Studies (Speech and
Drama)
The final level of the diploma this is equivalent to a PhD. This
qualification is evidence that the candidate can, on the basis of
familiarity with a range of educational contexts, reflect critically
on their own practice and that of others, relate it to theory, and
bring this experience to bear on the planning and implementation
of programmes of teaching and learning.
London
Academy of Music and Dramatic Art:
This is for the people interested in getting a diploma purely on
acting. Candidates may enter for LAMDA examinations at any of their
centres, the Sri Lanka Centre being the IEMS, Colombo 03. LAMDA
candidates will be examined on the same standard using the same
material irrespective of what part of the world they are from. The
set selections put out by LAMDA ensure that these standards are
maintained while leading the candidates towards the best of the
world’s contemporary writing. LAMDA conducts examinations
in speech and communication, performance (solo & duo) and group
work.
The
Institute Of Western Music And Speech conducts local examination
where the syllabus is identical to the international one. |
