In Spain, there are several options available for students who want to continue their baccalaureate studies. In this article, we will look at the differences and similarities between the Spanish Baccalaureate and the International Baccalaureate. Both last for two years and lead to a qualification that allows students to continue their studies at university.
The choice between these two kinds of baccalaureate will mainly depend on each student’s individual profile, their work style, the most appropriate methodology for them and the thinking strategies and skills that best fit their personality.
Let’s take a brief look at some of the differences:
SPANISH BACCALAUREATE
Students choose one of the following four types:
• Science and technology
• Humanities and social science
• Arts (Music and performing arts or Plastic arts, image and design)
• General baccalaureate
Over the two years of the Spanish Baccalaureate, students study eight compulsory core subjects:
• Physical education
• Philosophy
• Literature and Spanish language I and II
• Foreign language I and II
• Spanish history
• History of philosophy
They also take six specific subjects depending on the type of baccalaureate they have chosen.
The main aim of this stage is to help students reach a high academic level and broaden their knowledge, although an increasing focus is being placed on skills.
The main aim of this stage is to help students reach a high academic level and broaden their knowledge, although an increasing focus is being placed on skills.
In order to continue their studies at university, students must take an entrance exam (known as the EvAU) in addition to their Baccalaureate diploma.
Teachers act as a guide and lead students, choosing the activities, specific content and exams for each subject.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
The International Baccalaureate curriculum is made up of the Diploma Programme (DP) core and a subject of choice from each of the following groups:
• Studies in language and literature
• Language acquisition
• Individuals and societies
• Sciences
• Mathematics
• The arts
Students take between three and four subjects at higher level (240 teaching hours) and all others at standard level (150 teaching hours).
The DP core is made up of three parts:
• Theory of knowledge
• Creativity, activity, service (150 hours of social action projects)
• The extended essay (an independent piece of research with a 4,000-word paper)
The DP already develops skills such as critical thinking, an open mindset, analysis and communication.
The curriculum is independent and is therefore not affected by changes in a country’s educational legislation.
The curriculum is independent and is therefore not affected by changes in a country’s educational legislation.
Teachers play a more passive role in order to encourage autonomy and thereby allow students to direct and take responsibility for their learning.
SPANISH BACCALAUREATE
Students choose one of the following four types:
• Science and technology
• Humanities and social science
• Arts (Music and performing arts or Plastic arts, image and design)
• General baccalaureate
Over the two years of the Spanish Baccalaureate, students study eight compulsory core subjects:
• Physical education
• Philosophy
• Literature and Spanish language I and II
• Foreign language I and II
• Spanish history
• History of philosophy
They also take six specific subjects depending on the type of baccalaureate they have chosen.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
The International Baccalaureate curriculum is made up of the Diploma Programme (DP) core and a subject of choice from each of the following groups:
• Studies in language and literature
• Language acquisition
• Individuals and societies
• Sciences
• Mathematics
• The arts
Students take between three and four subjects at higher level (240 teaching hours) and all others at standard level (150 teaching hours).
The DP core is made up of three parts:
• Theory of knowledge
• Creativity, activity, service (150 hours of social action projects)
• The extended essay (an independent piece of research with a 4,000-word paper)
The main aim of this stage is to help students reach a high academic level and broaden their knowledge, although an increasing focus is being placed on skills.
The DP already develops skills such as critical thinking, an open mindset, analysis and communication.
The Spanish Baccalaureate is subject to any legislative changes introduced by the government with regard to education.
The curriculum is independent and is therefore not affected by changes in a country’s educational legislation.
In order to continue their studies at university, students must take an entrance exam (known as the EvAU) in addition to their Baccalaureate diploma.
In order to continue their university studies either in Spain or abroad, students must pass the International Baccalaureate assessments and exams.
Teachers act as a guide and lead students, choosing the activities, specific content and exams for each subject.
In order to continue their university studies either in Spain or abroad, students must pass the International Baccalaureate assessments and exams.
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