Why Do We Do Exams at Bloom?

When we tell parents that their child is preparing for a drama exam, we sometimes see the word “exam” cause a little panic!

But at Bloom, our exams are not about sitting quietly at a desk, memorising facts or worrying about getting the right answer. They are about performing, celebrating progress and building confidence. And that is exactly why we choose to work with Victoria College of Music & Drama, London (VCM).

One goal above everything else: to encourage

There is one thing about VCM that really stood out to us when we first began working with them - their main goal is to encourage.

VCM has been offering examinations since 1890 and has a very clear philosophy around helping performers develop and progress. Their Speech & Drama programmes cover everything from acting and group drama to public speaking, presentation skills and communication. That philosophy fits perfectly with what we believe at Bloom. We don't want children to leave an exam thinking, “I wasn't good enough.” We want them to leave thinking: “Wow, I did that!”.

So what actually happens?

For our Bloom students, the exam is built around the work they are already doing in their weekly drama sessions. They rehearse a play together, develop characters, learn how to work as an ensemble and build their confidence as performers. Then, rather than performing only for their friends and family, they get the opportunity to perform their work for a VCM examiner. The examiner assesses their performance against the requirements of their grade and awards them an official VCM qualification.

There is no written exam for our group acting performances. It is simply an opportunity to get up on stage and do what they have been practising all term: act, perform, communicate and create together.

100% DISTINCTION RATE

And our results speak for themselves. 100% of Bloom students who have taken their VCM exam have achieved a Distinction. This is something we’re hugely proud of, but even more importantly, it reflects the confidence, preparation and commitment our students bring to their performances.

Why we love VCM

There are lots of examination boards available, but VCM feels like the right fit for Bloom. Their Speech & Drama syllabus is designed to develop far more than acting ability. It encourages children to express themselves effectively, develop communication skills and build confidence through performance.

VCM also offers a broad progression pathway, from introductory and graded examinations through to Medals and Diplomas. This means that children who discover a real love of performance can continue progressing year after year. And importantly, the examiner is there to encourage the child, not intimidate them.

VCM itself describes its examinations as a way of measuring progress, encouraging candidates towards further achievement and supporting teachers. That is exactly what we want.

It's about much more than the certificate

Of course, the children love receiving their certificates and awards. And they should! But the certificate is really just the lovely little reminder of what they have achieved.

The real value is everything that happens along the way.

• Learning to stand in front of people

• Learning lines

• Finding a character

• Listening to other performers

• Working as part of a team

• Recovering when something goes wrong

• Speaking clearly

• Using your voice and body confidently

• Walking onto a stage and thinking, “I can do this”

These are skills that children can carry far beyond the drama room. Confidence in communication can help with presentations, interviews, schoolwork, friendships and eventually the world of work.

That's why we take the exams. Not because we want to put pressure on children, but because we want to give them another reason to stretch themselves, celebrate their progress and realise just how much they are capable of.

Keeping exams accessible

We also care enormously about keeping these opportunities affordable.

A VCM Speech & Drama examination taken independently (outside of Bloom) can cost significantly more depending on the grade and how the exam is arranged. For an individual child, parents could be looking at around £60 to £250 per child, depending on the level. (See diagram below.)

Through our long standing relationship with VCM, we are able to make these opportunities much more accessible.

Our aim is simple, we don't want cost to be the reason a child misses out on the experience of achieving something they can be proud of.

And what comes next?

For some children, their Bloom exam journey will begin with their first introductory grade. For others, they are already working towards Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 8, Diplomas and even Medals. Watching that journey unfold is one of our favourite parts of what we do.

A child who once wouldn't speak loudly enough to be heard can eventually walk onto a stage, perform confidently in front of an examiner and proudly collect an accredited award for their achievement. That is what Bloom is all about. The exam is simply one more opportunity to help them discover what they can do.

And if they have a brilliant time doing it along the way?

Even better.