The key competences are essential skills defined by the European Union and incorporated into the Spanish education system. They include communication, digital skills, learning to learn, social skills, initiative, and others. All subject areas are meant to help develop these competences through an integrated approach rather than just teaching discrete subjects. Assessment of students considers their attainment of the key competences along with academic objectives. Passing from one educational stage to another depends on achieving an appropriate level of the competences as well as maturity.

1. THE KEY COMPETENCES IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS