Cantabria aboga por aligerar el currículo y estudiar el calendario escolar de manera profunda

The Education Minister of the Government of Cantabria, Sergio Silva, believes that the curriculum in Spain should be «lightened», as it is «excessive» compared to European countries and the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), causing «stress in schools»: «It seems like we never manage to complete the curriculum and there is a sense of urgency to finish it at all costs,» he expressed.

This sometimes leads to feelings of «anxiety» around the school calendar, which influences the curriculum. While the national calendar is divided into trimesters, it has been bi-monthly in this autonomous community for a decade. Silva, who also serves as the Minister of Vocational Training and Universities, reiterated that it is time to conduct a «thorough study» of the curriculum to gather data and make necessary decisions or changes.

However, he emphasized that any modifications and improvements would be approached with a «calm» debate, a «global» reflection, and consensus within the Cantabria School Council, which will be further enriched by the addition of more members.

«The changes that need to be made will be very measured to enhance what we already have and not put it at risk,» Silva stated. He believes that education in Cantabria is doing well in terms of curriculum, calendar, investment, and the structure of teachers, as evidenced by objective indicators from the Ministry of Education, the PISA report, and other international sources.

Silva addressed questions from journalists in a press conference where he presented the report on complementary reinforcement activities (homework and tasks) by the School Council. He emphasized that any potential changes would prioritize the curriculum before the calendar.

He pointed out that the curriculum originates from the Ministry, and the most recent organic law that established a new design – at both national and regional levels – is very recent. He stressed the need for consensus in making changes and remarked that the current national context is not conducive to this.

«We are constantly discussing other more current issues that have a greater impact but are not as significant. The curriculum is one of the areas with the most room for improvement in this country and therefore also in Cantabria,» Silva expressed.

However, the regional minister does not believe that the curriculum or its objectives are not being met but rather that there are aspects that need to be corrected. Regarding the structural aspect, specifically the school calendar, he reiterated that decisions will never be made unilaterally and without widespread consensus.

Considering that 2025 marks ten years since the implementation of bi-monthly class scheduling, Silva believes it is time to conduct a «thorough» study for potential changes. «We are not afraid of this debate. On the contrary, we believe that responsibility should lead us to engage in this discussion,» he concluded.

FUENTE