How do schools in Mallorca balance the teaching of Catalan with the need for proficiency in Spanish and other languages?

Schools in Mallorca strive to achieve a careful balance between teaching Catalan and ensuring proficiency in Spanish, reflecting the island’s cultural and linguistic diversity. As part of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca incorporates Catalan as a co-official language alongside Spanish, embedding it deeply into the curriculum. From the early years of primary education, Catalan is typically the main language of instruction, helping students develop a strong foundation in the island’s local language and heritage. This approach not only fosters a connection with local traditions but also supports the preservation of Catalan as a living language in the community.

At the same time, Spanish is given significant attention throughout the school years to ensure that students master the national language, which is essential for broader communication across Spain and beyond. Schools often use a bilingual model where classes are divided between Catalan and Spanish, allowing students to enhance their skills naturally and contextually. This dual-language approach is supported by government policies that promote multilingualism, recognizing the importance of both languages in academic and social settings. Furthermore, in many schools, English is introduced at a relatively early stage, reflecting the island's international outlook and tourism-driven economy.

The teaching methods emphasize practical language use, enabling students to become proficient speakers and readers of Catalan, Spanish, and English. This multilingual education system prepares students not only to thrive within Mallorca but also to engage confidently on national and international levels. Through this balanced linguistic program, schools in Mallorca successfully meet the challenge of maintaining local identity while equipping pupils with skills for a globalized world.