Voice
Aims/Objectives
Middle School Voice is a thorough exploration of Functional Communication, in other words the ways and means of expressing ourselves through speech in any number of formal or casual situations. In Voice, the student will be taught how to effectively approach conversation, speech making and proper articulation. Students prepare for and take the LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) Exam of Spoken English held in March, where they present two talks and a conversation.
Skills
In Voice, students explore and develop the following skills:
- Correct breathing
- Effective modulation
- Clarity & articulation
- Correct posture
- Appropriate non-Verbal communication (Body Language)
- Appropriate topic choice & research approach
- Effective Talk Structure
- Appropriate conversational etiquette for listening & speaking
Assessment
In
Grade 6 Voice, students follow the Foundation Level Course, Grade 3 of LAMDA. Their external examination involves:
- A Talk of 3 minutes maximum on person they have met or know.
- A Conversation on a topic from a choice of two offered by the candidate.
In
Grade 7 Voice, students follow the intermediate Level 2 Course. [Grade 4 LAMDA]. Their external examination involves:
- A Talk of 4 minutes maximum on a hobby or interest.
- A Talk of 4 minutes maximum on one of these topics: My Home Town; The Best Day of My Life; My Ideal School and A Dream Holiday.
- A Conversation on one of the remaining topics in Section 2.
In
Grade 8 Voice, students follow the intermediate Level 2 Course. [Grade 5 LAMDA]. Their external examination involves:
- An Informative Talk of 4 minutes maximum on a chosen topic.
- A Talk of 4 minutes maximum expressing an opinion on either of these topics: Courage; Aliens; Competitive Sport; Fast Food or Screen Violence.
- A Conversation on one of the remaining topics in Section 2.
Within class time in all Grade levels, students are also assessed on their planning and vocal delivery of speeches in preparation for the exam and in creative vocal exercises that involve effective use of posture, articulation and modulation.
Course Descriptions
Grade 6
Grade 6 Voice concentrates on breathing for voice, basic modulation, posture and talk planning.
Conversation with an adult,
improvisation techniques and reflecting upon situations will be used. Telephone
conversations, introductions and interviewing skills will also be explored in
class activities. Motifs will be explored to see how the voice can be used to
enhance their performance.
Grade 7
Grade 7 Voice concentrates on breathing for voice, modulation theory, body language, eye-contact and talk planning. In the first semester, there is preparation for the LAMDA Exam, and in the second semester there will be a wider use of voice
with other aspects of drama elements such as improvisation and physical
theatre. Motifs will be
explored to see how the voice can be used to enhance their performance.
Grade 8
Grade 8 Voice concentrates on advanced breathing techniques for speaking, the anatomy and theory of articulation and talk planning. In the first semester, there is preparation for the LAMDA Exam, and in the second semester there will be an exploration of motifs to see how the voice can be used to enhance a
performance.
