The student mobilization, which began on Monday and has intensified with the participation of 4th-year ESO students, comes in response to the teachers' decision not to carry out activities outside working hours that are not remunerated or that do not have a strictly academic purpose or student support focus.
“"Not to carry out activities outside working hours that are not remunerated and not to dedicate time either within or outside school hours to activities that do not have an academic purpose and/or student support."
The students, holding banners with messages like “We are not your shield” and “Learn inside and outside the classroom,” have expressed understanding for the teachers' demands but are asking for alternatives that do not directly harm them. They believe they are the main victims of this situation.
The school management has defended the measure as a way to highlight the value of teachers' voluntary and vocational work, assuring that the intention is temporary and not permanent. It also noted that previously planned non-academic activities, such as a 3rd-year ESO excursion to Barcelona, will still take place.
Meanwhile, the Association of Student Families (AFA) has supported the students and called for a reversal of the decision, especially regarding aspects that affect key moments for adolescents, such as graduation parties or end-of-year trips. The AFA believes the decision “instrumentalizes” the students and proposes alternative protest methods that directly impact the Department of Education, such as not validating enrollments or paralyzing bureaucratic procedures.
“"We believe it is not the right time to do it, a month and a half before the end of the school year, although we understand the teachers' position."
The school management has suggested that end-of-year trips or parties could be taken over by the AFA, as is done in other centers, and that research project tutorials will be conducted via email. Meanwhile, local police are monitoring the school's exterior to ensure the safety of minors during school hours.