IES Medina Albaida in Zaragoza has introduced the first year of its Research and Excellence Baccalaureate in Science and Technology this academic year, with 16 students. The program makes the school the second high school in Aragon to offer this track, which focuses on scientific methodology, critical thinking and engagement with the university.
The Research and Excellence Baccalaureate comes to IES Medina Albaida
The regional minister of Education, Science and Universities, Carmen Susín, visited the Zaragoza high school on Tuesday to learn about the rollout of the new track. The meeting focused on an educational program for students seeking to deepen their scientific knowledge and develop research projects.
Susín defended the need to combine support for students facing difficulties with measures that encourage those achieving the strongest academic results. Referring to the latest PISA results, described as the worst in Aragon’s history, she said the education system must improve its overall performance and enable talent to develop to its full potential.
The program is also supported by collaboration with the University of Zaragoza, a link that, according to the minister, provides an added incentive for students interested in gaining exposure to research and the university environment.
Entry requires an average grade of 8 and university-supervised projects
The Research and Excellence Baccalaureate is aimed at students who have completed compulsory secondary education with an average grade of at least 8, in addition to meeting the established academic requirements. The selection process includes a student motivation letter or a report from the student’s fourth-year secondary school tutor assessing their suitability for the program.
In the first year, students take the multidisciplinary subject Introduction to Research. In the second year, they develop a Research Project linked to one of their course subjects and supervised with the collaboration of university faculty.
During the 2026-2027 academic year, the BIE is offered at two public schools in Zaragoza: IES Medina Albaida and IES Picarral. The latter has seven first-year students and 13 second-year students, bringing total enrollment in the track across both schools to 36 students.
A public school with 574 students and preferred enrollment for students with motor disabilities
Founded in 1993, IES Medina Albaida currently has 574 students and is a preferred-enrollment school for students with motor disabilities. It offers compulsory secondary education and baccalaureate programs in Humanities and Social Sciences, and Science and Technology.
The school has Physics, Chemistry and Natural Sciences laboratories, computer and technology classrooms, a library, gymnasium and physiotherapy room. It also participates in programs including PROA+, Erasmus+, eTwinning School and European Parliament Ambassador Schools.
The school’s principal, Mercedes Gil, said BIE students work on real research projects, a dynamic that serves as a stimulus for the group, the faculty and students in lower grades.
