102 candidates from NSW and ACT sat for exams for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek language that took place at Macquarie University on 14 – 15 – 16 May. The first day of the examinations was reserved for the levels A1 – A2, with B1 up to C2 proficiency levels taking place the following two days.
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, QS ranked Macquarie 130th globally in its annual World University Rankings.
The Certificate of Attainment in Greek 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 at six levels, corresponding to the Common European Framework (CEFR) levels. It is recognised by all member states of the European Union, and by NESA (New South Wales Education Standards Authority).
Statistical information from this year’s exams:
Dr Patricia Koromvokis, Lecturer in Modern Greek Studies at Macquarie University and Head of the Examination Centre stated, “For the third consecutive year, Macquarie University is the largest examination centre in Australia. This year, we also had two candidates from Canberra.”
“This success is the result of tireless work and fruitful collaboration between the University and various Greek government organisations, diasporic associations, and educational institutions aiming to promote the Certificate of Attainment in Greek Language,” Dr Koromvokis added.
“Both for the preparation and the transparent organisation of the annual exams at Macquarie University, we have cooperated smoothly with the Centre for the Greek Language in Thessaloniki, the Consulate General in Sydney, the Greek language schools in NSW, the Education Office in Melbourne, and the SICLE (Sydney Institute of Community Languages Education), with which we co-organised a professional development workshop in April.
“Profound gratitude is owed to the Macquarie University Greek Association for the help on the days of the exams and the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation for funding the lunch for all candidates and the award ceremony. I would also like to warmly thank all the Greek language teachers who actively participated in the exams as invigilators and examiners. They are the ones who keep the diasporic Greek education alive! Special thanks to the Greek teacher, Adamantia Tserentzoulia, who assisted with the organisation of the exams. Finally, regardless of the result, warm congratulations are due to all the candidates who prepared for months in advance for the exams. I wish everyone good luck with the results.”
The parents of two siblings who participate in the exams for the third consecutive year stated, “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. When we found out about the Greek exam organised by Macquarie University, with great interest and enthusiasm, my wife decided for our children to participate. 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.
“For us, it is important that our children hold the Certificate of Attainment in Greek language because it makes us proud of this achievement and it will be useful for the children themselves. My wife and I have the best impressions of the whole process and organisation of this program. We extend our warmest congratulations to the examiners, invigilators, and the Macquarie University hosting the Greek Language Certificate exams. My wife and I recommend that all parents encourage their children to participate in these useful exams because it serves the children’s future. It is an important benefit for every Greek abroad to speak the Greek language. Finally, 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.”
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