Modern Languages – Greek
Why learning an additional language is great for our pupils
They gain a greater cultural understanding of others, have a deeper appreciation of how others see the world, and they can communicate with more people.
Language learning improves brain function and memory.
Children also improve their understanding of English as their native language, when comparing grammatical rules, syntax and morphology to an additional language.
Why learn Greek?
Any language our pupils learn prepares them for future language learning, whether this be Greek or a different language, as the concepts and skills we teach are the same for all language learning.
A knowledge of Greek helps children with maths. (From Year 1 to university)
2D shapes are named in English from the Greek number and the word for corner ie. octagon is translated as eight corners.
Likewise many 3D shapes are named from the Greek number and the word for surface.
The Greek alphabet is also used for equations, for example π.
Greek helps with English
Many complex words in English originate from simple Greek words such as cacophony (in Greek ‘bad voice’) or calligraphy (in Greek ‘good writing’).
Greek helps with Science
In science many words from Greek are used, including thermometer, metamorphic and stomata, words taught to Year 3 pupils.
It helps in Religious Education
People also learn Greek to better understand the New Testament,
For example Matthew 16:18
‘And I say also to thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church: and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’
‘κἀγὼ δέ σοι λέγω ότι σὺ εἶ Πέτρος, καὶ ἐπὶ ταύτῃ τῇ πέτρᾳ οἰκοδομήσω μου τὴν ἐκκλησίαν, καὶ πύλαι Ἅιδου οὐ κατισχύσουσιν αὐτῆς.’
In Greek the name Peter is from the Greek word for rock, some suggest that this was a purposeful play on words.
Finally Greek in our school is taught with enthusiasm by a teacher who believes that children who have fun, are active in lessons and take responsibility for their learning will not only learn Greek well, but any language they choose to learn in the future.
Our Greek teacher is Mrs Kambouris who is a Modern Foreign Language specialist who lived and taught in Greece for 18 years.
