New educational curricula approved: more math classes and fewer screens

PalmThe new educational curricula for the 2025-2026 academic year are now a reality. Among other measures, the number of hours devoted to Mathematics in Primary and Secondary education has been increased. In Primary, the subject's teaching load has increased by 50%: where previously it was taught 16 hours per week, it will now be 24. The number of hours devoted to Art Education has also increased, according to the Minister of Education, Antoni Vera.

Vera stated that the Regional Ministry had already warned schools that the curricula would likely be approved at the last Governing Council meeting before the summer strike, and emphasized that "the changes are not substantial" and are primarily aimed at "making knowledge more effective." He said that they address "many of the demands of the educational community." The regional minister emphasized that the goal of the changes is to "guarantee a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for all students and to restore knowledge as a central focus." Other changes that will affect primary school include increased hours for English and Environmental Studies, and a prioritization of reading, writing, and mathematics.

In Secondary School, the number of hours of Mathematics will also increase, with the same teaching load across all years: four hours per week. Until now, two years had three hours, and the other two, four. Furthermore, elective subjects are being introduced in the first and second years to reinforce languages and mathematics. Digital Environments is being introduced in the first year, and Multimedia and Introduction to Experimental Techniques, a subject oriented toward laboratory practice, are being introduced in the third year, explained the Minister of Education, Antoni Vera.

As for the Baccalaureate, the number of hours of modal subjects and electives in the first year will increase. The research project will be transformed into an elective called Research, Analysis, and Creativity, which can be taken in the first year. Other electives are also being incorporated, such as Physical Activity, Leisure, and Health, Business Project, Analysis and Creativity, and European Union. In addition, the history and culture of the Balearic Islands will be further explored, and the history of Spain will incorporate curriculum from centuries prior to the 19th century. In the first year of high school, the number of teaching hours per week will increase from 31 to 33, thus equaling those of the second year.

Screens are prohibited until the third year of primary school.

The new curriculum framework also regulates the use of digital screens (tablets, computers, and Chromebooks) as classroom tools. However, mobile phones are excluded from this regulation, as they are prohibited by an order from the Regional Ministry of Education. The Ministry of Education prohibits the use of individual screens in Preschool and the first three years of Primary School. In fourth grade, a maximum of one hour per day is permitted; in fifth and sixth grades, this limit may be extended as long as it is compatible with pedagogical objectives and student well-being. Vera emphasized that students will be trained in guidelines for healthy screen use.

Finally, families will be able to monitor the evaluation process through a single report, the Minister added. Vera emphasized that these new curricula have been developed with the participation of the entire educational community for a year, starting in July 2024, and that they are "the result of consensus with the Educational Committees."