Brit primary schools to teach ancient Greek language - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

British state primary schools are set to teach ancient Greek to children in a bid to boost their language skills. After the successful introduction of Latin to dozens of state primaries in England , now 160 students in three schools will begin their ancient Greek language lessons from September. The Iris Project, a charity campaigning for the teaching of the Classics, which is leading the latest drive, said the subject had substantial benefits across the curriculum. According to the Times Education Supplement, Lorna Robinson, charity director, who will be teaching the one-hour lessons every two weeks, said the language is easy to learn. "People can be daunted at the idea of learning a language that has a different alphabet as it may feel like an additional challenge," the Telegraph quoted her as saying. "Actually, though, we've found that while it does add an extra dimension to the learning it's one that people take to quite quickly and really enjoy once they get going. "Ancient Greek is just a wonderful language, full of beautiful words and fascinating concepts," she stated. Pupils will be taught the alphabet, basic grammar and vocabulary, as well as learning about ancient Greek culture, such as the development of the Olympic Games and the comedies of Aristophanes. Under new plans, three Oxford primary schools will be given Greek lessons. A further 10 will get one-off taster sessions. "We were sufficiently enthused by Latin to give it a go with ancient Greek," Sue Widgery, head of East Oxford primary in Cowley, where children speak 26 different languages, said. "It heightens children's sense of language, they can see the connections between languages and it is fun," she added.