Trinity Acting Exams

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR SEPTEMBER 2026 ENTRY.

Entry Requirements - Please follow the link and download our Options Guide to view the entry requirements for Sixth Form and individual subjects https://www.queenelizabeths.kent.sch.uk/learning/sixth-form/thinking-about-joining-queen-elizabeths-grammar-school-for-sixth-form/

How to Apply -

Internals - Google Form - Speak to Mr Cowlam or Mrs Gossling

Externals - Through Kent Choices

https://www.queenelizabeths.kent.sch.uk/learning/sixth-form/applying-to-the-sixth-form/

You must select a minimum AND maximum of 5 subject choices:

Option A - 3 main subject choices* + an enhancement subject choice** + a reserve subject choice***

Option B - 4 main subject choices + a reserve subject choice

*a main subject choice is a full A Level subject e.g Mathematics/Geography/Physics/German etc
** an enhancement subject choice is either EPQ, Maths in Context or Trinity Acting Exams
***a reserve choice can be either a full A Level or another enhancement option

Drama conservatoire Trinity have recently released their Acting exams into a digital format. These are similar to instrumental music exams, with Grades 1 - 8 for solo, paired or group exams lasting between 23 - 25 minutes in length. These exams are purely focused on students' acting ability and understanding of dramatic intentions in performance which follows on from their Scripted component at GCSE.

The skills gained are highly transferable such as:

• Public Speaking
• Reflection and critical thinking skills
• Confidence
• Verbal and non-verbal communication

Furthermore, by working towards these exams, a range of other skills not assessed directly are developed that are highly valued: self-motivation, ability to learn and adjust, working to deadlines, organisational skills and flexibility.

What will you learn?

The lessons to prepare for this exam will include:

• Developing and sustaining a character in performance
• Physical skills and utilising performance space
• Elocution and RP vocal techniques
• Wide range of contrasting styles and genre of plays [including Shakespeare]
• Character development and interpretation

Enrichment

Students will be expected to partake in the Kent Festival of Speech and Drama which is held in Canterbury around May each year. This is excellent preparation for the exams and allows them to gain insight [and win potential prizes] from an independent adjudicator and peers from outside the QE community.

Exam

For Grade 8, students are required to perform 3 contrasting extracts from scripts off by heart [max 15 minutes], re-perform one extract with a modification and then respond to questions about their programme. The exams are recorded without a public audience internally, then uploaded and examined externally. Students are also expected to use minimal costume, props and set with no lights or sound as the focus should be solely on the actors ability.

Future Opportunities

The skills learned during the exams will be useful for a variety of fields that require public speaking e.g. Law, Teaching, Acting or Coaching. UCAS Points are also available, ranging from 30 for a Grade 8 Distinction to 8 for a Grade 6 Pass.