What types of Baccalaureate exist?

When students finish secondary school and wish to continue their studies by completing Baccalaureate, they usually choose the ordinary regimen (the traditional one), which is normally carried out between the ages of 16 and 18, and one modality among the currently existing options: Sciences and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Arts or General (this last option, introduced in the new educational law). However, many young people are unaware that there are other Types of Baccalaureate focused on the methodologies used or focused on obtaining a double degree. In this sense, in addition to the aforementioned LOMLOE Baccalaureate, they could study the Bachiller-Baccalauréat or Bachibac, ideal for lovers of the French language; opt for the Baccalaureate of Excellence; or take the International or Dual American, more suitable for those who want to orient their career to the Anglo-Saxon world, among other options. These are the main types of high school.

To the modalities of Sciences and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Arts, the last educational law adds a fourth option: the General Baccalaureate, where contents of the three existing modalities are combined. All four have common subjects (core), among which History of Philosophy is recovered as compulsory; modality subjects, according to the type of Baccalaureate; and electives: those chosen by the students. As a general rule, the degree is obtained if the student passes all the subjects, but they can obtain it after failing a subject, as long as they have not stopped attending class unjustifiably and they are considered to have the necessary knowledge on the subject. Likewise, people with a specific need for educational support or who take professional music education, whether they are high-level athletes or anyone who can justify it, have the possibility of dividing the subjects into three years instead of the two official ones. Also, it can be done in these two variants:

Baccalaureate of Excellence

It is aimed at students with the best academic record in Secondary; To gain access, it is essential that students have an average grade above 8 in the subjects of Spanish Language and Literature, first foreign language, Social Sciences, Mathematics and Geography and History. It offers a more in-depth and specialized training through activities, courses or seminars and a research project that is carried out throughout the two courses. Upon completion, they receive an accrediting certificate.

Baccalaureate for adults

To access, you must be 18 years of age or older and hold the ESO Degree or the Sports Technician Degree and the Plastic Arts and Design Technician Degree. The curriculum is the same as that of the ordinary system and also enables access to higher education and higher level vocational training. It can be studied in Secondary Education Institutes authorized for it in evening mode and at a distance.

It offers the possibility of simultaneously obtaining the Spanish Bachelor’s Degree and the French Diplôme du Baccalauréat at the end of their post-compulsory secondary studies, and it is possible to do it at a center in either of the two countries. In the case of Spain, it is available in 122 schools spread over 13 autonomous communities, in addition to the Luis Buñuel Spanish Lyceum in Paris. The requirements to be admitted are the following: have completed secondary school in a Spanish-French bilingual section; have completed all or part of their compulsory schooling in the education system of a French-speaking country; or be able to certify a level equivalent to B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for French Languages. The curriculum includes two specific subjects: French Language and Literature, studied as a first or second foreign language, and History of France, which is integrated into the subject History of Spain.

Organized by Academica International Studies, it is the official program for the international validation of Baccalaureate degrees that allows you to obtain two simultaneous degrees: the one from your country and the American High School Diploma. It is possible to start it in 2nd, 3rd, 4th of ESO or 1st of Baccalaureate (provided that the entrance exams are passed), reducing the teaching load for the following years. It is characterized by providing a notable improvement in English, due to the fact that minors experience a cultural exchange with native teachers. Students must take six subjects to obtain the American degree, four from the compulsory curriculum and two from the elective, in some of the 900 participating centers in Spain and Portugal.

It offers an internationally accepted certification recognized by universities around the world and is intended for young people between the ages of 16 and 19. It lasts two years and can be taken in Spanish, English or French. Likewise, its curriculum is made up of six groups of subjects and the core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) and the Extended Essay for students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, carry out independent research and complete a project that often involves community service activities. Each student must choose and pass three or four higher level subjects (240 hours of work), while the rest can be standard level (150 hours) to obtain certification.

Hritik Verma: