Single-sex education is regaining prominence in many countries with advanced educational systems, and Juan Pablo II School in Parla has successfully adapted it through its dual system. This model combines single-sex teaching in some subjects with mixed-gender coexistence in all common areas, thus promoting personalized education without sacrificing the benefits of socialization.
Juan Pablo II School has implemented this methodology, which is already used in various countries such as Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Japan. The dual system allows for adjusting teaching to the specific needs of each student, favoring more effective learning and holistic development. Contrary to what one might think, this technique is not based on ideologies or religious beliefs, but rather on a pedagogical approach that recognizes the differences in neurobiological development between boys and girls during the early stages of their lives.
Alfonso Die, the school director, emphasizes that “it is not about separating, but about personalizing learning.” As he explains, teaching is organized by gender in certain key courses, where pedagogical adaptations can be applied that truly make a difference. Nevertheless, school coexistence remains shared: students enter the school through the same door, share recess, and participate in joint activities.
The dual system is particularly effective during elementary and secondary school, ages in which pedagogical evidence supports its implementation. The pillars of this methodology include differentiated classes in certain subjects, equal school coexistence, and a pedagogical approach free of ideologies.
Since the implementation of this model, the results have been notably positive. There has been a greater concentration of students, who experience fewer distractions and show a greater willingness to participate in class. In addition, academic results have improved significantly, especially in subjects like mathematics and reading comprehension. On the other hand, students exhibit an increase in their self-esteem and emotional well-being.
The dual system does not represent a regression in education, but rather an evolution. In several countries, mixed-gender education is already being reconsidered as the standard. In the United States, over 400 public schools have adopted this model, while in the United Kingdom, more than 81% of the top-performing schools are single-sex.
The reintroduction of this practice in various parts of the world demonstrates that the interest in it is not related to outdated traditions, but rather to a constant search for effective educational methods. Alfonso Die concludes that “the dual system is a key tool to prepare our students not only for academic success, but for life.” Thus, Juan Pablo II School in Parla is committed to continuing to innovate in education, shaping competent students and individuals ready to face the challenges of the 21st century.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
