Is LAMDA Equivalent to a GCSE?
Exploring the Value of LAMDA Exams and UCAS Points…
If you’re a parent or a prospective student wondering whether LAMDA exams are equivalent to a GCSE, the answer is both yes and no! The comparison can be a bit complex, but let's break it down.
In the UK, all qualifications are assigned a Level by Ofqual, the government department that regulates qualifications. These Levels help categorize the difficulty of different qualifications. While qualifications at the same Level share a similar difficulty, they can vary significantly in the depth and breadth of the subject matter they cover.
Take, for instance, AS Levels and A Levels. Both are Level 3 qualifications, but an AS Level is typically completed in one year, while an A Level takes two years, allowing for more in-depth study.
When it comes to LAMDA, the highest Level 2 qualification is Grade 5, which is somewhat comparable to a GCSE in terms of difficulty. However, while the subject matter might be on par, the overall qualification is smaller in scale. A GCSE in Drama generally involves around 120 hours of study, whereas a LAMDA Grade 5 exam is recommended to take about 60 hours of preparation.
The Value of UCAS Points with LAMDA Exams
As students progress to Level 3 exams, the equivalence of LAMDA qualifications become even more tangible because they earn students UCAS points. UCAS points are crucial for students planning to apply to university in the UK, as they contribute directly to the tariff points required for university admissions - it’s just one way that LAMDA exams can make a real difference to university applications!
But how does it help to work out if a LAMDA Exam is the same as a GCSE? Well, achieving a distinction at LAMDA Grade 8 earns you 32 UCAS points. To put that into perspective, that’s equivalent to securing a C grade at A Level. For students who may be focused on subjects like Science or Maths at A Level, but still have a passion for drama, these additional UCAS points can provide a valuable boost. They enhance your university application, demonstrating not only academic achievement but also a well-rounded skill set.
Does all this really matter…?
Yes and no. It’s important to understand the differnt difficulty of qualifications when planning which exams are most suitable to your ability. But, beyond UCAS points, and study hours, preparing for LAMDA exams helps students develop essential life skills like clear communication, self-confidence, and teamwork. These are skills that are highly valued by universities and future employers alike - even if it’s half as many hours work as a GCSE.
Wait… that sounds like a win, win! That’s why we’ve created a bespoke online learning platform so learners can access on-demand content, login for lessons and share their successes with our ever growing community! Book a Discovery Call to find out more!
