For most Greek
people the first experience of UK
education and training is sitting for English language assessment exams. Cambridge
English Exams is a great example of a UK institution offering English language
testing and qualifications in Greece for the past 74 years; it was the first
organisation to introduce certification in English in Greece, offering its
first Lower and Proficiency exams to candidates back in 1946.
Cambridge
English Language Assessment formerly Cambridge ESOL celebrated its 100 years at
the forefront of English language assessment with an event at the British
Residence on Thursday 29 August 2013, organised by their regional office based
in Athens.
Addressing the
event the British Ambassador Mr John Kittmer said:
All of us here
tonight will be aware just how highly Greeks value the learning of foreign
languages, particularly these days the learning of English. Students in Greece start
English from the age of 6 or earlier, often by private tuition; they take
language exams at a younger age compared to the rest of the world. Indeed, I am
often astonished by the penetration of the English language in Greece, and by
the excellence of the English spoken by older and younger generations of
Greeks.
Over 4 million
people a year take Cambridge English Language Assessment exams, and many
millions more use official Cambridge English materials to prepare and learn. This
is an enormous success story in one of our greatest export markets. The success
of Cambridge English is a real sign that, as the Government’s campaign material
puts it, Knowledge is GREAT
Britain.
Mr Roger
Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of Cambridge English Language Assessment,
presented a brief history of the Cambridge English exams success story
referring to their longevity as a reflection to their commitment to quality and
their understanding of the fact that language is not an academic subject but an
important tool that can help students improve their life chances.
Published:
30
August 2013
