What is high school like in Spain?
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A Spain, with its rich culture and quality educational system, has attracted more and more international students. For Brazilian families considering sending their children to study abroad, understand the functioning of Spanish high school it's fundamental. In this article, we will explore the most important aspects of the secondary education system in Spain, addressing the main doubts of Brazilian parents.
Structure of the Spanish education system
O High School in Spain, known as “Baccalaureate”, has the following characteristics:
- Duration: 2 years, generally for students aged 16 to 18.
- Mandatory: Education is compulsory up to the age of 16, and Baccalaureate is a non-mandatory stage.
- Division: Secondary education is divided into two stages: ESO (Compulsory Secondary Education, equivalent to our Elementary School II) and Baccalaureate (High School).
The Spanish system is renowned for offering comprehensive training, preparing students for both higher education and the labor market.
Curriculum and types of Baccalaureate
In Spain, the Baccalaureate offers different modalities, each with its specific focus:
- Sciences:
- Focus: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- It prepares for careers in engineering, medicine, and exact sciences.
- Humanities and Social Sciences:
- Focus: History, Literature, Philosophy, and Economics.
- It prepares for careers in law, psychology, journalism, and the humanities.
- Arts:
- Focus: Art History, Design, Graphic-Plastic Expression Techniques.
- It prepares for careers in fine art, design, and performing arts.
O Base curriculum includes disciplines common to all modalities, such as Spanish Language and Literature, Foreign Language, Philosophy, History of Spain, and Physical Education. In addition, each modality has its specific disciplines.
It is important to note that the Spanish system places great emphasis on learning the Spanish language, which can be an initial challenge for Brazilian students, but also an excellent opportunity for linguistic immersion.
Assessment system and access to the university
The Spanish assessment system has some peculiarities:
- Notes: The grade scale ranges from 0 to 10, with 5 being the minimum score for approval.
- Ongoing evaluations: Students are evaluated regularly throughout the academic year.
- EvAU (Evaluation for University Access): Also known as Selectividad, it is the proof of access to the university.
A EvAU is crucial for access to higher education and consists of:
- Compulsory phase: exams for the common Baccalaureate subjects
- Voluntary phase: specific tests that can increase the admission score
The final grade for access to the university is calculated by combining the Baccalaureate (60%) and the EvAU (40%) scores.
School routine and student life
School life in Spain has its own characteristics:
- Class Schedule: Generally from 8:30 to 14:30 from Monday to Friday.
- Class structure: Periods of 50-60 minutes, with breaks between classes.
- luncheon: Normally, students have lunch at home, as classes end in the early afternoon.
Spanish schools also offer extracurricular activities:
- Sports clubs
- Theater and music groups
- Cultural activities and study trips
The use of uniforms varies from school to school, being more common in private institutions.
Spanish school culture places great value on social interaction and debate, which may be an interesting adaptation for Brazilian students.
Adaptation process for international students
Spanish schools are increasingly prepared to receive international students:
- Language immersion programs: Many schools offer extra Spanish classes for foreign students.
- Cultural orientation: Some institutions have specific programs to help adapt to Spanish culture.
- Recognition of previous studies: The Spanish system has procedures for validating studies carried out in other countries.
As for accommodation, international students generally have two options:
- Living with a Spanish family: Offers cultural immersion and daily support.
- Student residences: Available in some cities, especially for older students.
Cultural integration is facilitated by the welcoming nature of Spanish society and the wealth of cultural experiences available in Spanish cities.
Be Easy: Your Gateway to High School in Spain
Studying high school in Spain offers an enriching educational experience and unique opportunities for personal and academic growth. A Be Easy Exchange is here to guide you through every step of that journey. Our specialized team provides detailed information about programs, application process, and ongoing support. Get in touch with us today to start planning for a bright future in Spain!
