Teachers in Catalonia, especially in the Empordà area of Girona, say some classrooms are reaching more than 39C in towns including Roses, La Jonquera, Salt, Vilablareix, Girona, Figueres, La Bisbal d'Empordà and Celrà.
Educators say the heat is a recurring problem in summer and that many schools still lack air conditioning. They warn that temperatures often stay above 30C, making lessons harder to run and putting pressure on pupils and staff.
Learning under extreme heat
Teachers say conditions like these make teaching very difficult and affect concentration. One teacher from Figueres, who asked not to be named, said, “You cannot learn with such a hot brain.” The teacher added that children are overwhelmed and that the situation is unsustainable.
Teaching unions have repeatedly asked the Department of Education to take urgent steps. Their proposals include air conditioning, better insulation and more flexible school hours during the hottest months.
The Department of Education says it is working on an action plan to improve thermal conditions in schools. Teachers, however, are calling for immediate measures because they say the current situation cannot wait.
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