Athenian system of Education

Farzana Aziz

Hina Ambreen

M.Ed

University of education

Athens

Athens is one of the oldest named cities in the world. Present in southern Europe, Athens became the leading city of Ancient Greece in the first millennium BC and its cultural achievements during the 5th century BC laid the foundations of western civilization

• Athens has a unique place in human history. As the people who pioneer the arts of history, philosophy and theatre, who attempt the first radical version of democracy, and who achieve a degree of perfection in architecture, sculpture and pottery, the Athenians have rightly acquired an almost legendary status.

• Ancient Athens was the bright intellectual, educational and cultural centre of all Greece. The whole city was a large school, a large temple, a large workshop of art.

Aim Of Education

• The Athenian education aimed at the cultivation of the person´s mental, physical and moral qualities, leading the youth to become "strong and decent", useful to his city and fellow citizens. The balance between body and soul was the main target of the Athenian education, the noblest the worlds has known.

Steps of Education

1.Educaton at Home

• The education of the little Athenian began on the day of birth and lasted until the age of 20. First of all, the parents made sure that they raised a healthy and lively child. The first years of his life were completely dedicated to playing.

Elementary Level• At the age of 7, the child would start going to school, although

school was not compulsory, even the poorest Athenian citizen tried to provide his children with – at least – a basic education. Schooling was private, usually taking place at the teachers house, girls were educated at home.

• Grammata

• The education in ancient Athens consisted of 3 basic courses. The first course, "Grammata" (the letters), included reading, writing and Arithmetics. The teacher was called "Grammatistes" (teacher of letters).

Kytharistes & GymnasiumKytharistes

The second course consisted of the subjects of Music: Singing, Playing of the lyre and the flute, Reciting and musical performance of poetry. The teacher was called "Kytharistes". Through letters, music and poetry, the pupils were also taught History, Geography, Ethics and all the values of life. That way they cultivated their mind and soul.

Gymnasium

The third course was a physical education. The teacher was called"Paidotribes" (child-former). The lessons took place in the afternoon at the sports place and the stadium. The children practiced wrestling, jumping, running and throwing of discus. That way built their body and became strong and courageous.

Hina Ambreen M.Ed

University of education

Secondary Level• When the youths became 16, they

completed their basic education. The ones who didn’t have to work, could be introduced to sciences and philosophy by the sophists, at first, and later by inspired Philosophers, like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle or rhetoric by the side of famous rhetoricians.

• Athenian believed that intellectual education was a key component of person identity making up a significant part of a person’s reputation

Post-Secondary Level

• From the age of 18, the youths called Ephebes (adolescents), and were given their first arms by the city. The Ephebes took an oath 

• In this century Ephebes training began as a military education, followed by two years of military services.

• Later however, more advanced academic schooling was included.

Vocational Education

Children from poor families were often unable to receive a formal education.

Solon, the Athenian leader encourage poor father to provide their sons with vocational education.

Poorer boys usually stopped going to school and began apprenticeships at a trade. They could also regards as productive member of Athenian society

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