I’ve seen a lot of discussions on forums recently about children’s schooling, especially regarding their options after completing secondary education. Today, I’d like to share some information about the Spanish high school system, known as Bachillerato. It’s the most important and common pathway to university, a topic that every parent concerned with their child’s education will eventually face.
Bachillerato is not part of compulsory education; it’s a voluntary two-year program, roughly equivalent to the final two years of high school. Its primary purpose is very clear: to prepare students for the final university entrance exams. The academic pressure during these two years is significant, and it’s definitely not something you can just breeze through. Don’t be fooled into thinking Spanish high school is a walk in the park, filled with sunny beaches and parties every day—that’s just stuff you see in movies!
How to Choose a Bachillerato Specialization?
The most critical step is choosing a ‘specialization’ or branch of study. This choice directly impacts which university degrees your child can apply for in the future. It’s generally divided into three main branches, each with further specialized pathways. I’ve created a simple table to help you understand:
| Main Branch | Key Pathways | Examples of Suitable University Majors |
|---|
| Science and Technology | Science Pathway or Technology Pathway | Medicine, Engineering, Physics, Architecture, Computer Science |
| Humanities and Social Sciences | Humanities Pathway or Social Sciences Pathway | Law, Economics, Journalism, History, Literature |
| Arts | Fine Arts, Image & Design or Music & Performing Arts | Fine Arts, Design, Music, Drama |
When choosing a branch, it’s essential to consider your child’s interests and future career plans. For instance, if your child wants to be an engineer, they must choose the ‘Science and Technology’ branch; otherwise, their university application options will be severely limited. Additionally, the curriculum can vary slightly between different autonomous communities, so it’s best to check the specific course list on the website of your preferred high school in advance.
The Ultimate Goal: The University Entrance Exam
After completing the two-year Bachillerato, students face Spain’s university entrance examination, known as the EBAU (or EvAU in some regions). The final university admission score is a weighted average of the student’s grades throughout the two years of Bachillerato and their EBAU exam results. Therefore, every exam during these two years is crucial, as it directly affects the final score needed for university admission!
Bachillerato is a highly structured and specialized stage. For students, this is the first time they truly make a significant choice for their academic and professional future, acting as a Spanish university preparatory program. As parents, our role is to provide them with sufficient information and support to help them make the best decision for themselves. What branch are your children studying, or are they currently in the process of choosing? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below!
