Classical Greek studies in Victoria are under threat after Xavier College confirmed it will end its program after 147 years due to low enrolments.
According to Sydney Morning Herald, the school said numbers had “not been historically consistent” but added it had “not closed the door to classical Greek if student interest grows”.
Only four students currently studying the subject will be unable to continue at VCE level, reflecting a broader decline, with just three Year 12 students enrolled statewide last year.
Students and teachers warned the subject’s future is at risk. “I think it’s a shame it may not continue, since I really enjoy the subject,” one student said, while another added: “taking the subject out of VCE isn’t really the answer.”
Teacher Miltiadis Paikopoulos said the subject had long faced “chronic problems” with enrolments, adding: “The skills you learn from classical Greek… flow through to all of the other subjects.”
Education authorities warn courses with fewer than 15 students could be discontinued by 2030 unless numbers improve.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald.
