Secondary Education
Secondary Education
From age 12 children move on to Secondary school (Instituto). Until ten years ago, secondary school started at 14 and in some areas where the local Instituto is not physically able to accommodate the children, the first two years of secondary education are still housed in the Primary building. The new secondary system uses the British comprehensive system as a model, moving away from a two level system (similar to Grammar and Secondary Modern) to complete mixed ability schooling. The first four years are called "E.S.O." (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria). Children can leave school at the end of this section or at the age of 16 if they reach this sooner. The ESO is divided into two cycles of two years each, with the same system of repeating the second year should objectives not be met, such as occurs in Primary education. Recently introduced is the possibility of repeating the first year of the ESO if the standard of Maths or Spanish language is not sufficient.
A wide range of secondary subjects are taught, including natural science, social science, Maths, Spanish language, art, music, French, English, sports, and technology. Until recent reforms, secondary education in Spain was very conventional with a lot of emphasis placed on memorising facts and sitting regular tests and examinations. There have been marked improvements with the introduction of project work, continuous assessment and more modern syllabuses. However, much still depends on the approach of individual teachers.
The atmosphere in Spanish secondary schools is more relaxed and less disciplined than in British schools, and the responsibility to study is placed with the child and their family. It is a typical reaction of a British adolescent thrown into this situation is to assume that because no one is forcing them to hand in their homework, therefore they don't need to do so. This is a grave error that parents must be aware of, to avoid their child falling behind academically. The secondary system allows for clear-cut disciplinary action to be taken in relation to bad behaviour or truancy.
At the end of the four-year ESO course successful students obtain a certificate which they will need for many kinds of jobs. If students leave school without this certificate, they may study for it in evening classes from the age of 18. Those who choose to stay on at school may go on to the two-year "Bachillerato" academic course, or enrol on practical training courses called "modulos".
There are four types of Bachillerato - Arts, Humanities, Natural and Health Sciences and Technology. Modulos include office and administrative skills, mechanics, catering, and hairdressing. After two years in Bachillerato students have examinations during May and their final mark is based on a combination of examination results and ongoing assessment. Students who wish to go to University take a general University entrance examination (P.A.U.) in June. The result of this examination, along with their Bachillerato results, determines the University course they are able to study.
A much greater percentage of Spanish students attend University than in Britain . There are few University grants in Spain so sending a child to University is a major investment. Courses may be spread out over as long a period as is necessary, with many students repeating modules and spreading out examinations over years. There is a general tendency to attend the University nearest to your home, and many students stay at home or live with relatives in the city to save money.
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