As high school students complete their exams, data shows HSC Modern Greek has maintained its recent enrolment levels.

According to the NSW Board of Studies’ figures, 48 candidates completed Modern Greek Beginners’, 97 Modern Greek Continuers and 35 Modern Greek Extension. The Classical Greek Continuers’ and Extension courses attracted twelve candidates each.

Australian Hellenic Educators’ Association (AHEA) President Dr Panayiotis Diamadis congratulated all students.

“While the Modern Greek enrolments are reasonable, it must remain a priority for all Australian Hellene educators to cultivate a desire amongst our students to study Hellenic language and culture in its ancient, medieval and modern forms,” he said.

The AHEA looks forward to honouring students at the 2011 Hellenic Studies Awards at The University of Sydney next March.

“The real issue is why only 10 per cent of Higher School Certificate candidates completed a language course,” continued Dr Diamadis. “This compares with 28 per cent undertaking at least one History course. Why is Hellenic history so attractive while Hellenic language is not?” he asked.

Ancient History has the seventh-largest enrolment of HSC subjects with 12,269 students.