The Greek Language program is divided into three “phases.” Each phase consists of three or four levels of instruction, carefully designed to provide a high quality education meeting the needs of every student. Placement of the students in each level is guided by their age and by their knowledge of the language. The Academy annually evaluates and enhances its curriculum, instructional material, and teaching methods.
Phase 1 – Preparatory Studies – Includes PRE-K, KINDERGARTEN and Levels 1-3
Educational Objectives: In this phase the student is exposed to a variety of learning activities and games. The education is interactive and designed to contribute to the development of perceptual, motor, verbal and listening skills, as well as the development of concentration, self-control, and social growth. After the completion of this phase the student should be able to:
Read a basic Greek text
Participate in everyday conversation
Write simple sentences
Construct small paragraphs
Recite Greek songs, poems, and prayers
Recite the Greek National Anthem
Perform 2-3 Greek dances
Lessons:
Greek Language – 2 hours
Oral Conversation – 1 hour
Writing – 1 hour
Greek Dances – ½ hour (every two weeks)
Phase 2 – Foundation Studies Includes Levels 4-7
Educational Objectives: After the completion of this phase the student should be able to:
Read Greek texts fluently
Comprehend texts of average complexity
Actively participate in everyday conversation
Construct paragraphs on any given subject
Utilize basic concepts of Grammar
Discuss significant events in Greek History
Discuss significant religious events
Perform 5-6 Greek dances
Greek Language Program
Lessons:
Greek Language – 2 hours
History/Mythology – 1 hour
Religion/Geography – 1 hour
Greek Dances – ½ hour (every two weeks)
Phase 3 – Advanced Studies -Includes Levels 8-10
Educational Objectives: In this phase the student has the opportunity to study Greek Civilization and Heritage in depth. Students are exposed to a variety of learning materials, such as videos, multimedia, power-point presentations, newspapers, journals, computers, and methods such as lectures, discussions, critical evaluations, and educational trips. After the completion of this phase the student should be able to:
Read and comprehend literary texts
Actively participate in everyday conversation
Express ideas and opinions in writing
Possess and apply the fundamentals of Grammar
Recognize the significance and the influence of Ancient Greek civilization in World
History, from the concept of democracy to today’s Olympic Games
Discuss significant national issues (e.g., Cyprus, Northern Epirus, Macedonia,
Pontos, Asia Minor, Thrace)
Perform Greek dances from all regions of Greece and be well-versed in Greek
customs and traditions
Lessons:
Greek Literature and Civilization – 2 hours
History – 1 hour
Religion/Geography – 1 hour
Greek Dances – ½ hour (every two weeks)
The Greek Proficiency Test
Since 2003 the students of the Academy have been taking the Greek Proficiency Test, a well-thought-out test developed and administered by the Center of Greek Language and the Greek Department of Education. There are six Proficiency levels, from A1 to C2, with the C1 level being equivalent to the Greek High School Diploma and the B2 level equivalent to the Greek Middle School Diploma. The test measures the learner’s abilities in understanding and producing both oral and written language –the so-called “four skills:” listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Since the acquisition of all four of these skills means fluency in the Greek language, we are trying to ensure that during their studies at the Academy our students acquire the linguistic skills tested by the Greek Proficiency Test, allowing the test to be a significant measure of our teaching success. Our students begin taking this test usually during their 7 th year here. So far we are very proud of our students’ achievements in this challenge and we hope that this success will continue. This effort is a joint one: teachers, parents and relatives should keep striving to maintain the treasure that is our language, together with our religion and culture. And, of course, our wonderful children should keep doing their best!
Director: Ilias Pantelidis