Overview (individual examination)

The outcome of this progressive series of examinations is to develop the performer’s creative ability and expressive skills in acting, poetry and prose speaking, movement, reading and improvisation.

Requirements

Candidates must be able to converse in the language in which the examination is conducted (English or Afrikaans). Where they are required to read and study a book, the material must be of literary value and age appropriate. Abridged and condensed versions of books are not permitted.

Junior A – D candidates must demonstrate:

• Elementary competence in interpretation through movement
• An acted scene or depiction of imaginary creatures in an improvised situation
• Competence in spoken improvisation using logical and coherent language
• The ability to respond to a given picture / object or subject in an imaginative and creative way
• Elementary sight reading competence and knowledge of the literature studied for this purpose with an ability to discuss plot, themes and other related aspects
• A comprehensive ability to explain and demonstrate the given theory

Senior 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 candidates must demonstrate:

• The ability to speak a passage of verse and prose paying particular attention to form, spontaneity and meaning
• The quality of a chosen poem or extract has literary value
• A realistic and convincing interpretation of character when performing an acted scene
• Competence in the creative improvisation of movement, mime and acted scenes with an imaginative development of situation and plot
• Use of coherent language and the ability to communicate ideas logically in an impromptu talk
• Sight reading competence with the ability to communicate meaning and interpretation and show knowledge of the literature studied for this purpose – discuss plot development, character, themes and relevant messages
• A comprehensive ability to explain and demonstrate the given theory

Recommended age groups

Junior A – Grade 4
Junior B – Grade 5
Junior C – Grade 6
Junior D – Grade 7
Senior 1 – Grade 8
Senior 2 – Grade 9
Senior 3 – Grade 10
Senior 4 – Grade 11
Senior 5 – Grade 12

Overview (group examination)

Creative performance examinations encourage group work and enhance play production techniques and self-expression through movement, speech and gesture. They include a progressive series of group examinations to develop the performer’s creative ability and practical skills.

Requirements

Candidates must be able to converse in the language in which the examination is conducted (English or Afrikaans).

Recommended age groups

Creative R – Grade 0
Creative 1 – Grade 1
Creative 2 – Grade 2
Creative 3 – Grade 3
Creative 4 – Grade 4
Creative 5 – Grade 5
Creative 6 – Grade 6
Creative 7 – Grade 7
Creative 8 – Grade 8
Creative 9 – Grade 9

Overview (group examination recommended)

Oral communication examinations are for students who wish to improve oral expression and develop their communication skills. This includes developing logical thinking, researching and structuring talks, presenting effectively, debating, and communicating with ease in social and educational situations.

Requirements

Candidates entering the examination must be able to converse in the language in which the examination is conducted (English or Afrikaans). All pronounciation patterns that do not impede communication are acceptable.

Recommended age groups

Grades correspond to the school grade of each candidate.

Overview (group examination)

These examinations are for students taught speech and drama as part of the school curriculum (and not as an extra curriculum subject). They are for students who wish to improve oral expression and develop their communication skills. This includes developing logical thinking, researching and structuring talks, presenting effectively, debating, and communicating with ease in social and educational situations.

Requirements

Candidates entering the examination must be able to converse in the language in which the examination is conducted (English or Afrikaans). All pronounciation patterns that do not impede communication are acceptable.

The examination is one of sharing and of communication between speaker and listener. It should, therefore, be held in the presence of an audience. The audience may consist of family, teachers and other candidates who have either completed their examination or who are doing a different grade examination.

For the prepared talks candidates are expected to speak spontaneously. Memorised or read talks will be penalised. Cue cards may be used. Where candidates are required to read and study a book, material must be of literary value and age appropriate. Abridged and condensed versions of books are not permitted.

Recommended age groups

Grades correspond to the school grade of each candidate.

Overview (individual or group)

These examinations are for candidates who have speech and drama as a school subject (and not as an extra curriculum subject). They encourage progressive learning and cover all aspects of speech and drama from confidence and performance enhancement to overall interactive communication ability.

Requirements

Candidates entering the examination must be able to converse in the language in which the examination is concluded (English or Afrikaans).

The examination may be held at the candidate’s school provided that there is at least a full morning of examining. Several schools in a given area may combine to make up a full day of examining.

As the examination is one of sharing and communication between speaker and listener it should be held in the presence of an audience. The audience may consist of family, teachers and other candidates who have either completed their examination or who are doing a different grade examination.

Title of plays from which extracts are taken must be forwarded to the Central Executive Office one month prior to the examination date.

Recommended age groups

Candidates in grades 10, 11 and 12.

Overview (group examination)

Open group performance examinations encourages confidence building through group participation in a memorised performance of choice. The performance could include a play, choral verse, choir or a theme presentation.

Requirements

A minimum performance time of one hour is required for all groups entered at a studio or school.

Recommended age groups

All ages.

Overview (individual examination)

All candidates, regardless of ability, have the right to experience creative self- expression and the pleasure that comes from creativity. These examinations are for individuals who experience barriers to learning or have special educational needs. They are designed to encourage independence, enjoyment, personal growth, stimulate the experience of movement, increase body awareness and promote self-esteem.

Requirements

Entries are encouraged from individuals who have physical, visual or auditory challenges or who have learning difficulties. Every candidate entering the examination must be able to converse in the language in which the examination is being conducted (English or Afrikaans).

Recommended age groups

All ages.

Overview (individual examination)

Licentiate examinations are for prospective speech and drama teachers to develop the skills, theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding required to teach. The examinations allows candidates to demonstrate their teaching skills and to reflect critically on their own practice.

Requirements

Course 1
Written and practical examination

Course 2
Written and practical examination

Course 3
Speech and Drama Methodology – written examination and practical examination

Recommended age groups

Post matric.