Uncertainty Grips Spanish Schools Over New University Entrance Exams

As the new academic year progresses in Spain, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the country's educational institutions, particularly affecting students and teachers preparing for the crucial university entrance exams, known as the Selectivitat or PAU (Proves d'Accés a la Universitat).

The New Exam Model

For the 2025 academic year, Spain is introducing a significant overhaul of the Selectivitat exams. The new model shifts away from a more memorization-based approach and multiple-choice questions, instead emphasizing competency-based questions. This change aims to break away from the adjustments made during the COVID-19 pandemic, which had altered the competencies required from students due to the challenging learning environment.

Impact on Students and Teachers

The implementation of this new model, however, has been marred by delays. Despite classes having started over a month ago, students and teachers are still in the dark about the exact format and content of the new exams. This uncertainty is causing significant anxiety among both groups.

Lluís Zabala, a philosophy teacher and pedagogical director at the Escola Pia Nostra Senyora in Barcelona, highlighted the challenges this poses: "The second year of baccalaureate is very short. By the end of May, we need to have covered all the material and given out grades. The fact that the exam models won't be available until late October greatly complicates our daily teaching and the preparation of our students."

Teresa B., a Catalan language teacher at an institute in Barcelona, expressed her frustration with the educational system, noting that the delay in releasing the exam models is just another layer of a long-standing problem. She emphasized that teachers often use these models as a guideline to structure their classes and curriculum.

Student Pressure and Teacher Concerns

The Selectivitat exams are a critical milestone for students, as they account for 60% of the grade needed to access the desired university degree. This high stakes environment is already stressful, and the lack of clarity on the new exam format is exacerbating the situation.

Velàsquez, a teacher from the País Valencià, pointed out that students are convinced they won't be able to pass the exams without clear guidance. The Sindicat de Treballadors i de l’Ensenyament del País Valencià (STEPV) has also alerted to the fact that students are starting their second year of baccalaureate with the belief that they won't be capable of passing the university entrance exams.

Additional Stress and Readjustments

The absence of exam models is forcing teachers to readapt their lesson plans and content on the fly. This not only adds to the stress levels of both students and teachers but also complicates the already tight schedule of the academic year.

Quetgles, another educator, noted that the second year of baccalaureate is inherently stressful due to the pressure of the Selectivitat exams. The additional uncertainty about the exam format is only adding more tension to an already demanding period.

A Silver Lining?

While the situation is fraught with challenges, some educators see a glimmer of hope. Velàsquez suggested that since all students are facing the same uncertainty, the comparative nature of the exams might mitigate some of the disadvantages, as everyone will be playing by the same rules.

As the academic year continues, the need for clear guidelines and timely release of the new exam models becomes increasingly urgent. Until then, students and teachers will have to navigate this uncertain landscape, hoping that the changes will ultimately lead to a more competency-focused and equitable educational system.