Impact of the decrease in births in Catalonia
The descending trend in the number of births in Catalonia begins to have visible repercussions on the educational system. The Department of Education must adapt to this new reality and, as a result, drastic measures have been taken to deal with the situation.
Closures of school groups in the Penedès
A recent statement has been confirmed that next school year a total of 83 groups will be closed throughout Catalonia, including 11 in the Alt and Baix Penedès counties. This decision affects both kindergarten and high school.
Details of the enclosures in the Alt Penedès
Specifically, in the Alt Penedès, three groups of children will be affected 3. The schools involved are the Fassina de Mediona, Jaume Balmes de Sant Martí Sarroca, and Dolors Piera de Vilafranca. In addition, three institutes in the area will also see their educational offer in the first ESO.
Situation in the Baix Penedès
On the other hand, in the Baix Penedès, the enclosures include a line at the La Muntanyeta de Bellvei school and one at the Institut-Escola Àngel Tobies del Vendrell. At the secondary school, a line will also be closed at the Baix Penedès Institute and another at Angel Tobies, as well as at the Institut de l’Arboç.
Strategies to deal with low birth rate
The territorial delegate of Education, Belén Alcón, explained that, although the legislation establishes a maximum of 20 students per classroom in children, it is being considered the possibility of reducing this ratio to 18 in order to mitigate the impact of the closures and prevent school segregation.
Demographic data and the future of the education system
The current demographic decline is being translated into a significant decrease in students, with 1,252 less children in children 3 and 5,194 in ESO first compared to the previous year. This situation poses an important challenge for schools, which will have to adapt to a changing landscape.
Reflections on the future educational
As birth continues to decrease, it is essential for educational authorities to rethink their strategies. The efficient management of resources and the care of the particular needs of each center will become essential to guarantee a quality education in a changing demographic context.