School Start in the Balearic Islands: 161,000 Students Return — New Rules and Curricula

The first day of school in the Balearic Islands — mixed feelings in the morning

\n

This morning at 08:15, you could see the same scene at many corners of the island: backpacks, lunch boxes and anxious parents at the school gate. After nearly three months of summer holidays, the Balearic Islands again send over 161,000 students into the classrooms — accompanied by almost 19,000 teachers, according to the latest figures from the regional administration. That means buses full of children, schoolyards coming back to life, and teachers rechecking the lists.

\n

What changes this year

\n

Some rules that were discussed in recent weeks are now coming into force. Most noticeable: In preschool digital devices are now not allowed. In the early primary years there are strict restrictions — tablets and smartphones are used only very selectively in class. In addition, mobile phones are prohibited during lessons and during breaks. This elicited approval from some parents and puzzled others: "Good for learning," says a mother on the schoolyard; a father adds: "But how do schools handle transporting devices and emergencies?"

\n

At the same time, an updated curriculum launches, which among other things provides more hours for mathematics and foreign languages. Regional politicians hope that this will, in the long term, lead to better test results and more opportunities when moving on to secondary schools. Teachers report that the change needs practice: schedules must be adjusted, teaching materials revised.

\n

Logistics, buses and the school route

\n

In Palma and the larger towns there are additional morning bus services. Anyone familiar with lines 5 or 7 will notice immediately: more rides, a bit more crowding, but also shorter waiting times. In the countryside, however, the situation remains mixed — some village bus routes are unchanged and parents still have to organize carpools.

\n

School principals, parent representatives and teachers were pragmatic today. A principal from Inca sums it up: "The start is as always: a bit chaotic, but with good spirits. The children need short acclimatization periods, then it runs."

\n

A look ahead

\n

The next big holidays are not until Christmas again, so everyday life will return for families soon. For many teachers this means: plan projects, fill the new timetables sensibly and apply digital tools where pedagogically sensible. Whether device restrictions will endure in the long term will depend on experiences in the first school months.

\n

If you are taking a child to school today: take five extra minutes, a smile helps, and remember that this is a fresh start for both teachers and students — with rules, hopes and, of course, a few forgotten sneakers in the locker.