What is Trinity?

Trinity College, London, England is the world's oldest external examination board and operates in 50 countries world wide. The exams are recognized by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) in Great Britain and successful candidates may apply for international credits.

The Ottawa School of Speech and Drama has a long history of being the only training facility in the region to offer examinations through Trinity. Trinity offers a syllabus with clear guidelines in a wide range of programs including speech and drama, musical theatre, Shakespeare and acting. It has long been recognized as a program that stimulates learning and achievement in the fields of literacy and communication.

The aim of grade examinations is to provide an assessment to students that they, their parents and teachers can use to measure progress and development while giving students a strong sense of accomplishment as they move through grade levels. Each student receives a written adjudication, a mark based on specific parameters and a diploma for each grade passed.

Some basic information:

  • Exam preparation takes place in second semester
  • Fees for exams are not included in tuition fees. Fees range depending on the grade level desired.
  • Exams are offered in grades Initial through 8 and Performer's Certificate
  • Grades 3 and up have a theory component, for which specific theory notes will be provided.
  • Exams are usually held in late May, at the OSSD studios
  • Exams are conducted in a positive and encouraging manner
  • We cannot guarantee students will pass. However we do not enter students if we think they will fail

There are a number of categories that students may work from for their Trinity exam. The following is a list of all Trinity categories that were available at OSSD for the 2004 examinations:

Speech & Drama
Individual Acting Skills
Group Drama
Acting in Pairs
Shakespeare Musical Theatre in pairs
Group Musical Theatre

Students may transfer from one category to another.

To view Trinity College's web site: www.trinitycollege.co.uk