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11/29/25 2:58 PM

#554378 RE: janice shell #554336

Yes, The Odyssey is taught in Australian schools, particularly in upper primary and lower secondary years (Years 5–6), although it is not mandatory for all schools. The Australian Curriculum allows individual schools to decide which texts to teach, and many schools choose to study The Odyssey as part of English literature or classical studies because it aligns with curriculum guidelines and teaches important literary and historical context.

Where The Odyssey is taught

* Upper primary and lower secondary: Many Australian schools teach parts of The Odyssey to students in Years 5 and 6.
* High school: Some high schools may include it in their curriculum, often as part of a World Mythology unit or a classical literature course.

Why it is taught

* Curriculum alignment: The Odyssey aligns with several Australian Curriculum English strands for Years 5 and 6, including exploring how texts relate to historical and cultural contexts and discussing the features of classic texts.
* Historical and cultural context: Studying it helps students understand ancient Greek mythology and its influence on later literature, art, and culture.
* Literary skills: It provides opportunities to develop reading comprehension, critical thinking, and creative writing skills through various activities like discussions on themes of heroism, loyalty, and perseverance.

How it is taught

* School-based choice: Individual schools and teachers can choose which specific texts to use.
* Resource packs: Educational resources like those from Twinkl are available to support teachers in the classroom with activities, displays, and comprehension tasks.

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=is+The+Odyssey+taught+in+australian+schools+

Am guessing the situation was roughly similar near Vancouver, BC in the '50s, but as a kid i wasn't into it as much as some others. And, it has been awhile. ;-)