Macquarie University in NSW has seen record participation in the 2024 Greek Language Certificate Exams, with 102 people sitting down to take the exams.
Candidates from NSW and ACT sat for the exams to get a Certificate of Attainment in Greek language over three days from May 14 to 16.
The Program of Modern Greek Studies of Macquarie University is the only certified Examination Centre for the Greek language certificate in NSW by the Centre for Greek Language (CGL) in Thessaloniki.
In 2024 it ranks 130th globally in its annual World University Rankings.
This certificate is the only official state certification by the Greek Ministry for Education, Religious Affairs and Sports confirming the knowledge of Greek as a foreign/second language through the help and funding received by Macquarie University Greek Association and the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation.
Lecturer in Modern Greek Studies at Macquarie University and Head of the Examination Centre Dr Patricia Koromvokis said that for a third consecutive year, the university is the largest examination centre in Australia.
In a media release she thanked the various organisations involved, the educators who she said “are the ones who keep the diasporic Greek education alive.”
She also gave special thanks to Greek teacher, Adamantia Tserentzoulia, who assisted with the organisation of the exams, while congratulating the candidates who prepared for months in advance for the exams.
The parents of two siblings who participated in the exams for a third consecutive year spoke about the importance of Greek language.
“As Greek parents of two young children, it is very important for us that our children speak the Greek language.”
“They speak, write, and read from a very young age. It started at home and then continued at school.
“It is very important that the children speak Greek because they will benefit in the future either with professional relationships or simply by being able to communicate with fellow human beings.”
They said they are proud of their children’s achievement and recommended that “all parents encourage their children to participate in these exams because it serves the children’s future.”
“It is an important benefit for every Greek abroad to speak the Greek language.
“We would like to congratulate and thank Dr. Patricia Koromvokis for her tireless work and dedication to the Certificate of Attainment in Greek language in Australia.”
Statistical information from this year’s exams:
102 candidates, 54 male, 41 female and seven absent
Greek language level A1: 38 candidates, 19 male, 18 female and one absent
A1+: 28 candidates, 16 male, seven female and five absent
A2: 23 candidates, 13 male and 10 females
B1: Six candidates, three males, two female and one absent
B2: Four candidates, two male and two females
C1: One female candidate
C2: Two candidate, one male and one female
