After two years of cancellation due to COVID-19 pandemic, the exams for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek language were successfully completed at Macquarie University on May 23, 24 and 25.
The first day of examinations was reserved for the proficiency levels A1 – B1, with B2 – C2 levels taking place the following two days. Almost 100 candidates sat for the exams during the three consecutive days.
Macquarie University is the only certified examination centre for the Greek language certificate in NSW by the Centre for Greek Language (CGL) in Thessaloniki.
The Discipline of Languages and Cultures of the Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Language, and Literature (MCCALL) of Macquarie University is ranked 7th in Modern Languages in Australia in the QS 2022 Subject Rankings and will be introducing more language examination centres soon.
The Certificate of Attainment in Greek is the only official state certification which confirms the knowledge of Greek as a foreign/second language at six levels, corresponding to the levels of the Common European Framework (CEFR). It is recognised by all member states of the European Union, and also by NESA (New South Wales Education Standards Authority).
“The Certificate of Attainment in Greek language is globally recognised. We have been organising the 3-day exams since November 2021. It fills me with great pride seeing all the candidates with Greek and non-Greek background preparing, studying, and sitting for the exam!” Dr Patricia Koromvokis, Lecturer in Modern Greek Studies and Head of the Examination Centre, says.
“Even the fact that just sitting for the exams is a proud achievement for each one of the candidates. I would like to wish to all the candidates a successful result.
“A big thank you to MUGA – Macquarie University Greek Association, Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation and Handy Foods for providing lunch to all candidates and, of course, to all the passionate Greek language teachers who assisted with the exam procedure!
“Special thanks to Adamantia Tserentzoulia who has been assisting to the organisation of the exams and to SICLE (Sydney Institute of Community Languages Education), with which we co-organised two informative seminars for the educators. We all work together as a team to maintain the Greek language in the diaspora!”
A candidate of A2 level stated: “My participation in the Greek language examinations essentially stemmed from my love for our Greek culture and heritage. Through these Greek lessons, I have engaged and learnt more about our rich Hellenic culture and language.”
“By participating in both these lessons and examinations, I hope to pass on this love and knowledge of our Greek Orthodox heritage to the future generations of the Diaspora,” the candidate added.
“The exams for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek Language were excellent. They were well organised, with great and positive support from the teachers on site. The exams covered all the content which we covered in our classes and aided us in our confidence of speaking and understanding Greek.”
