Canary Islands Education: The Island Education System Through the Eyes of an Expert.

Hello, my name is Rubén Águila, and if there is one thing I can say with absolute certainty is that I know the education system in the Canary Islands from end to end. It is not just a handful of experiences, but a lifetime involved with the development and evolution of Canary Education. Here I come to tell, from my realistic perspective and without mincing words, what education in the Canary Islands really is, what its challenges are and, of course, what is being done to improve it.

What Makes the Education System in the Canary Islands Unique?

First, it is important to understand that the Canary Islands is not just any region. Its insular geography, the large influx of immigration and its socioeconomic differences pose challenges that are not so common in the rest of Spain. But these are not obstacles that the system wants to avoid. On the contrary, the Canary Islands has faced the challenge from several fronts: inclusion, curricular adaptation and a focus on equitable policies that ensure that every student, regardless of their context, receives a quality education.

Education in the Canary Islands: Between Achievements and Challenges

It is easy to think that all education systems are the same, but here comes the first surprise: Canary Education has some unique points, and not all of them are positive. The reality Canarias shows school dropout rates higher than the national average, especially in ESO. It is a serious issue and one that requires constant interventions. The efforts of the School Council of the Canary Islands have been fundamental, publishing reports that not only describe the realities, but also propose solutions.

Despite this, there are certain positive indicators. For example, the repetition rate in primary school is lower than in the rest of Spain, but curiously, in secondary school it rises again, which poses a major challenge in the educational transition.

Investments and Resources: The Achilles Heel

While the intention is, resources often fall short. In terms of spending per pupil, Canarias is still below the national average. This low budget affects key areas, from facilities to the recruitment of teaching staff. The aging of the teaching staff also represents a challenge, with nearly half over the age of 50. However, the School Board has proposed reforms and is steadily increasing the number of interims to alleviate this lack of staff.

El Silbo Gomero: Tradition and Education in Harmony

One of the most interesting aspects of the education system in the Canary Islands is the inclusion of the Silbo Gomero. This unique language, a sort of whistled language that is part of the cultural heritage of La Gomera, is now part of the school curriculum in Primary and Secondary. This is an example of how the Canary Islands tries to preserve its traditions and transmit them to new generations through education.

Education Committed to Inclusion and Diversity

Canarias Educación is serious about achieving educational equity. This is not just a nice slogan: we are talking about projects to reduce the gap between students of different socioeconomic levels, guaranteeing equal access to services such as canteen, school transport, and even support programs for those with special educational needs.

Round to the Future

The Canary Islands education system is a clear example of how progress can be made despite the difficulties. Where are we heading? Education in the Canary Islands needs to continue to grow in terms of investment and long-term planning. The commitment to an educational future that promotes equal opportunities is evident, but it requires a joint effort between administrations, families and students.