Learning, Spanish-Style
August is almost over and the recuperation exams are nearly here. This is the last week of studying for those who want to recuperate the subjects they failed in June. Some have it more difficult than others. There are those who, after doing nothing all year, expect in two months to learn enough to pass maybe five or six subjects at the beginning of September. And who also think they will enjoy summer at the same time. The Spanish system of education is different. (What isn't, in Spain?) To be promoted from one grade to another, you cannot have failed more than two subjects. If, at the end of June, you have failed anything, you can recuperate that subject at the beginning of September in a species of final exam. If you have failed up to two subjects and don't recuperate them in September, you can recuperate them in January. So, if you fail math in June and September, you go on to the next grade, where you will study that grade's math. The year you failed you study on your ...