The education sector is in constant evolution and is continually reinventing itself in order to adapt to the needs of society at all times. In recent years, the Ley Orgánica de Modificación de la Ley Orgánica de Educación (LOMLOE), which translates as the Organic Law Amending the Organic Law on Education, has brought about an important change in educational methodologies in our country.

Beyond accumulating theoretical knowledge, teachers are attaching greater importance to a series of competences to ensure that students can apply what they have learnt to real situations, where they learn, for example, to solve everyday problems or adapt to different social and technological contexts. 

In this sense, the key competences of the LOMLOE are one of the most important innovations introduced by this regulation. They are a set of essential skills that aim to develop the full potential of each student.

Although these competences are not exclusive to Spain, they are based on the recommendations of the European Union, and promote an inclusive and equitable education, focused on preparing students to contribute to a better future.

But what are the key competences of the LOMLOE?  Below, we explain in detail what the key competences are, which ones are included in the LOMLOE, in which regions they are applied and how they are adapted to the different stages of education.

What are the key competences of the LOMLOE?

The LOMLOE key competences are a combination of knowledge, skills and attitudes that follow the EU Council Recommendation of 2018 and aim to support the all-round development of individuals, from personal growth to social and occupational integration.

Most significantly, they cover not only academic learning, but also practical skills for the future. For example, in addition to learning mathematics, students need to know how to apply it to solve everyday problems. 

They are also expected to develop communication, critical thinking, cooperation and conflict resolution skills, among others.

What are the 8 key competences of the LOMLOE?

The LOMLOE includes eight key competences that are integrated transversally in all educational stages. These are detailed below:

  1. Competence in linguistic communication: this is the basis of critical thinking and social interaction. It aims to develop the ability to express and interpret ideas, feelings and concepts, both orally and in writing, in different contexts and through different media. 
  2. Multilingual competence: this involves the ability to communicate in several languages, including the official, co-official and foreign languages. It also develops intercultural respect and understanding.
  3. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) competence: the ability to use mathematical, scientific and technological concepts to analyse, interpret and solve problems in real-life situations.
  4. Digital competence: this encompasses the responsible, critical and creative use of digital technologies, from searching for information to solving problems or creating content.
  5. Personal, social and learning to learn competence: promotes the ability to reflect on oneself, decision-making, teamwork and developing strategies for autonomous learning.
  6. Citizenship competence: this focuses mainly on taking an active and responsible role in society, and understanding democratic rights, duties and values.
  7. Entrepreneurial competence: this involves the ability to identify opportunities, plan projects and manage them in a proactive and innovative way.
  8. Cultural awareness and expression competence: this promotes knowledge and appreciation of cultural diversity, as well as the ability to express ideas and emotions in a creative way.

Where are these competences applied?

The implementation of the key competences of the LOMLOE and the decentralisation of the educational curriculum is not applied in the same way in all Autonomous Communities. Instead, a balance is found between state competences and regional autonomy in order to promote equitable and quality education throughout the country.

Each region is free to adapt 40% of the curricular content to its own needs and characteristics, which can be beneficial when it comes to incorporating local content, such as culture, history or available resources. Let us look at some examples:

  • Key competences of the LOMLOE in Andalusia: in Andalusia, the LOMLOE supports the inclusion of specific content on its cultural and natural heritage. Subjects are adapted to local resources and autonomy is granted to schools in order to adjust timetables and teaching methods, thus promoting an approach that is closer to regional needs.
  • Key competences of the LOMLOE in the Canary Islands: in the Canary Islands, the curriculum adapted by the LOMLOE incorporates aspects related to Canarian culture, thereby reinforcing the teaching of the history of the archipelago. In addition, greater curricular flexibility is promoted, which allows schools to adjust content and methodologies according to the Canarian context.
  • Key competences of the LOMLOE in the Valencian Community: in the Valencian Community, importance is given to multilingualism with the inclusion of Valencian and Spanish in teaching. Furthermore, the content is adjusted to the historical and cultural features of the region. 

Do the key competences vary according to the school grade?

Yes, the key competences of the LOMLOE are adjusted according to the different educational stages, as the needs and abilities of students evolve throughout their academic career.

LOMLOE Key Competences in Early Years

At this infant stage, the main focus is on the development of basic skills, such as oral communication, exploring the environment and learning through play. For example, the natural curiosity of children is encouraged, as they are invited to ask questions and search for answers.

LOMLOE Key Competences in Primary Education

During Primary Education, the key competences are worked on in a transversal way, as they are integrated into all subjects. The main objective is for students to develop skills such as problem solving, group collaboration and critical thinking. A clear example is the use of interdisciplinary projects, where students apply concepts from different subjects to solve practical cases.

LOMLOE key competences in Secondary Education

In secondary education, key competences acquire greater depth as students begin to deal with more complex issues. Critical analysis of information, responsible use of technology and active social participation are encouraged. In addition, this stage is crucial for developing autonomy and decision-making skills.

LOMLOE Key Competences in Baccalaureate

Finally, in the Baccalaureate stage, the key competences focus on preparing students for adult life, both academically and professionally. Entrepreneurial skills are strongly promoted, as students are encouraged to develop innovative projects and optimise how they manage resources.

In summary, beyond being a set of skills, the key competences of the LOMLOE are the basis for building an education that prepares students to face both current challenges and those they may encounter throughout their adult lives. They are a fundamental step towards quality and an increasingly inclusive education.