The completion of the Certificate of Attainment in Greek language exams was marked with a three-day event at Macquarie University last week, from May 23 to 25. The first day focused on levels A1-A2, followed by B1-C2 proficiency levels. Nearly 100 candidates participated in these consecutive exams.
Dr Patricia Koromvokis, a lecturer in modern Greek studies and head of the examination centre, expressed her pride and gratitude for the second consecutive year of hosting the exams at Macquarie University. “It is the second consecutive year that the exams for the Certificate of Attainment in the Greek language are carried out at Macquarie University. Two things make me feel proud and give me the strength to continue: watching all the candidates with Greek and non-Greek background preparing, studying, and sitting for the exam, and secondly, all the passionate Greek language teachers who assisted with the exam procedure.”
Dr Koromvokis extended her appreciation to MUGA (Macquarie University Greek Association) and the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation for hosting all candidates with lunch. She acknowledged the contribution of the “passionate Greek language teachers” who assisted in the exam process and thanked Adamantia Tserentzoulia for her assistance in organizing the exams. She also recognized the “collaborative efforts with SICLE (Sydney Institute of Community Languages Education), with whom two seminars for educators were co-organised.”
“We all work together as a team to maintain the Greek language in the diaspora. This effective teamwork has made Macquarie University the biggest examination centre in Australia. I wish all the candidates a successful result” Dr Koromvokis said and extended her wishes to the candidates for a successful outcome.
Macquarie University stands as the sole certified Examination Centre for the Greek language certificate in New South Wales, accredited by the Centre for Greek Language (CGL) in Thessaloniki. The Discipline of Languages and Cultures within the Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Language, and Literature (MCCALL) at Macquarie University is globally ranked 100-150 in Modern Languages according to the QS 2023 Subject Rankings.
The Certificate of Attainment in Greek serves as the official state certification confirming proficiency in Greek as a foreign or second language across six levels aligned with the Common European Framework (CEFR). It holds recognition from all member states of the European Union and is also acknowledged by NESA (New South Wales Education Standards Authority).
The exams for the certificate in Greek often become a shared pursuit among family members. This year, a mother and daughter undertook the exams, with the mother aiming for the C1 level and her daughter for the B2 level.
The mother shared her motivation and said that she participated in the examinations last year “purely for personal satisfaction and have since received the Certificate of Attainment in the Greek Language, which I proudly display.”
“This year, I decided to take the next level alongside my daughter. It was something I genuinely wanted her to do and experience. Having this certificate will be advantageous for her future studies. It was a wonderful opportunity to be part of, and we eagerly look forward to continuing next year,” the proud mother and participant said.
Her daughter, who took the B2 level, expressed her enjoyment of the exam experience, highlighting the friendly and accommodating environment and staff. Observing her mother’s journey and recognizing the benefits, she saw it as a valuable asset for her future plans in studying International Studies and potentially working in Greece. She expressed, “This achievement will surely be a great addition to my repertoire.”
For more information, visit: www.mq.edu.au/faculty-of-arts/departments-and-schools/department-of-media-communications-creative
