14/09/2013 00:00
TW
0
STAFF REPORTER

PALMA
WITH the start of the new school term this coming Monday following a three-month summer break, youngsters have to adapt quite sharply to a new daily routine and are sometimes at risk of succumbing to what is known as “post holiday blues”.

Nearly 155'000 pupils will be returning for the 2008-2009 academic year, 2'514 more than the same period in 2007. However, the growth trend in student numbers across the Balearics has slowed in comparison to other recent years when increase at the start of a new term could mean an extra 6'000 students.

Regional minister for Culture and Education, Barbara Galmes, said yesterday that in spite of the more moderate growth of student numbers, there is always “pressure at the last moment.” Just a few days before the official start of term, applications have been received for 150 new places when only 75 were expected. Areas of Majorca which have suffered an avalanche of new pupils over the past three years are Campos, Manacor and Palma. Of the students who are starting a fresh term next week, 31'177 will be taking places in Infant school, 62'068 in Primary, 42'753 in Secondary, 11'476 on the pre-university course and 5'514 on a Special Education programme.

This year will see the introduction of the regional government's “third language” scheme which aims to introduce the teaching of subjects in a foreign language - for example, biology or mathematics classes in English, French or German. Over 100 schools are expected to participate this term.

Three new schools will be opening this term at Muro, Inca and Can Brill in Sencelles along with another three temporary education centres at Llucmajor, Sant Antoni and the Port of Alcudia which will operate until works are finished on permanent school buildings. Miquel Martorell, School Planning director, said yesterday that there is often difficulty in securing ground to build schools and appealed for the collaboration of town councils in helping education authorities obtain suitable terrain.