The 10 Excellent Schools in Bulgaria, 2021

2021 | VOL-04 | ISSUE-01

The Right Choice

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Excellence in Higher Education at Affordable Cost

Resounding Development ICT in Bulgaria: Changes in the Last Decade

Excellent

SCHOOLS in

Bulgaria, 2021

EDITOR’S NOTE

ALL THE REASONS TO STUDY IN BULGARIA

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ountains, caves, lakes, sea, beautiful beaches, friendly people, culturally rich and diverse, Bulgaria is also known for its excellence in education, particularly higher education.

Education is compulsory between 7-16 years of age and free in state schools that is governed by the Ministry of Education.

The academic curriculum is ever evolving to ensure that the standard of education improves consistently. Bulgaria provides not just good schooling but outstanding higher education as well, attracting numerous international students.

While studying in Europe is a privilege, studying in Bulgaria is a bliss. High standards of education with relatively less stringent entrance norms and low tuition fees as compared to other European countries make Bulgaria the most eligible education hub.

There are several other reasons why students across the globe choose Bulgaria for higher education.

Affordable living cost, safety and easy entry into the universities. Bulgarian colleges offer a huge range of specialties to choose from and with many international students seen around the place, students never feel out of place. In addition, the friendly nature of Bulgarian people makes it an easy stay for international students.

Being part of the European Union, degrees acquired from Bulgaria are valid in all the member countries. This international recognition of certificates is a big blessing for students who acquire their degrees from here.

This small country was way ahead in introducing information and communication technology that is a major contributor to the economic growth and is today a global competitor in the tech sector. So, when the entire world had to transition from the classroom to online lessons owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, for Bulgaria it was a smooth sail. Educators and students are both tech-savvy with information technology being taught at an early age.

That the country has been so progressive in its thinking and implementing of new age tech solutions reflect its strong education system that is secular. The Bulgarian education system has been prompt in embracing modernization of higher education.

Any education system prospers not just due to the implementation of a good curriculum but also due to its well-qualified pedagogue. In fact, teachers are the stepping-stones to academic success. In Bulgaria, teachers are also given the opportunity to conduct personal evaluation to gauge his/her contribution to the pedagogy. This self-assessment method also provides them room to improve, enhance and develop their skills. No wonder, the country is so popular for its education system and its students scattered the world over to realize their dreams.

So, if you are wondering which country to choose for studying abroad, particularly in Europe, Bulgaria is just the right destination for you.

In our latest edition of The Knowledge Review – The 10 Excellent Schools in Bulgaria, 2021, we bring you some of the best schools that have created a niche for themselves on the global map of education.

Experience the Bulgarian pedagogy as you flip through the pages of this edition.

Have an insightful read!

T R

Sumita Sarkar sumita@theknowledgereview.com

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O Age of Wisdom

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How leadership has changed over the past two decades

British School of Sofia Inspiring Students to Create and Shape the World of Tomorrow

Darbi College

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Providing Students with Diverse Opportunities

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Articles

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The Right Choice

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Lycée Français Victor Hugo The Training Grounds for the Non-conformists

Private School Druzhba The Fashionably Innovative Learning Grounds

Excellence in Higher Education at Affordable Cost

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S Resounding Development ICT in Bulgaria: Changes in the Last Decade

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10Excellent T h e

SCHOOLS in Bulgaria, 2021

Name of the Institution 119 High School " Akad. Mihail Arnaudov"

Anglo-American School of Soa (AAS - Soa)

British School of Soa (BSS)

Darbi College

Ilarion Makariopolski Primary School

Lycée Français de Soa, Victor Hugo (LVH)

Private School Druzhba, Plovdiv

Ski & Snowboard School, Rilski

Valain Montessori Kindergarten

VEDA

URL

Brief

119su.bg

Established in 1960, this is a renowned school in Soa, Bulgaria, with its own appearance and style of work, which prioritizes training in natural sciences and computer education.

aas-soa.org

The AAS - Soa is a diverse, internationally rich, welcoming school which provides not only an outstanding learning environment, but also a caring community.

bssoa.bg

BSS is one of the most successful international schools and the only BSO (British School Overseas) in Bulgaria, which takes an innovative, child-centred approach in a forward thinking environment.

darbicollege.com

Darbi College is the rst British School for IGCSE and A-level studies in Bulgaria. This institute is a part of a learning community of over 10,000 Cambridge International Schools in more than 160 countries.

nu-elena.org

Ilarion Makariopolski is an elementary school which is supported and nanced by the municipality and educates children from rst to seventh grade in a safe, secure environment.

vhugo.org

LVH is a French international school and is the largest foreign school in Bulgaria which promotes the study of French language, as well as an indepth understanding of French culture and values.

drujba.org

Founded in 2004, Private School Druzhba is an attractive innovative school focused on foreign language studies, where pupils undergo training in the constructivist classroom and school environment.

borovets-ski-school.com

This beloved ski-school is located in hotel "The Lodge", which helps pupils with services like: Ski lessons, Ski equipment to rent, Snowboard lessons, Snowboard equipment rental and more.

montessori-plovdiv.com

Valain Montessori Kindergarten is the rst Montessori house in Plovdiv, which seeks to develop natural interests and activities rather than using formal teaching methods.

wedaschule.com

VEDA is an innovative school with over 20 years of experience which provides a bilingual education in German and Bulgarian in history and civilizations, chemistry, environmental protection, foreign studies and music.

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BRITISH SCHOOL OF SOFIA Inspiring Students to Create and Shape the World of Tomorrow

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ulgaria is considered as the start-up champion of Europe.

So many young people find a cool job throughout their studies in Bulgaria, some even opt to settle down here after graduation. Despite its small size, the country hosts multitudes of young people who are creative, innovative, and are looking forward to making this nation even more attractive for people who wish to invest in businesses.

Studying abroad in Europe is undoubtably worth it. Studying is Bulgaria is a privilege. And enrolling in the British School of Sofia is perhaps the best way to utilize that privilege.

Headquartered in Sofia, Bulgaria, British School of Sofia (BSS) is one of the most successful international schools in the country, being the only BSO (British school overseas) in Bulgaria.

The school has achieved great success throughout its short yet dynamic 10-year history. It is an IB (International Baccalaureate) world school, it is a Cambridge curriculum school and has produced students and results that are recognised throughout the country and the world.

Year 2020 marked a new chapter of BSS’s history – BSS moved to a new building and now it has three campuses in Sofia and one in Plovdiv. The previous year was a celebration of everything BSS stands for – fantastic and very pleasing IB and IGCSE results, achieved by dedicated children, involved parents and teachers who care.

Aims/Objectives: Develop knowledge, skills, and values in students to think, learn, communicate, and solve problems.

Ÿ

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It is most important that the educa onal process inspires the children and brings out their genius, rather than punishing them for not doing well in tests.

April | 2021

To foster an understanding and critical appreciation of the values (moral, spiritual, social, and cultural) which have traditionally accorded respect in society. Ÿ To develop a spirit of inquiry, and the capacity to analyse issues critically and constructively. Ÿ To nurture a sense of personal identity, self-esteem, and awareness of one’s particular abilities, aptitudes and limitations, combined with respect for the rights and beliefs of others along with the ability to interact and work effectively with others.

Ÿ

Academic Rollout BSS follows the Cambridge curriculum – an internationally recognised syllabus of quality education. It prepares April | 2021

children for life in school but outside of school as well – there is a great emphasis on curiosity and enquiry.

BSS graduates receive an International Baccalaureate Diploma after fulfilling all the requirements, and just the previous year, the results on an average of BSS were higher than UK as well as the global average – something which the school is extremely proud of.

The school believes strongly in student’s voice and have moved from a teacher-centred approach to student-centred one. In lessons, feedback from the children is always encouraged. One of the main skills developed in children is to learn independently. In this fast-changing world they

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The 10 Excellent Schools in Bulgaria, 2021

must be able to think confidently and independently. This is done through curiosity, creativity, and intelligence.

Philosophy of British School of Sofia The slogan of BSS is ‘Inspiring Students to Create and Shape the World of Tomorrow’. The school believes every child has the potential to become successful and to take their place in the society as educated, thoughtful and responsible citizens who will have a positive impact on the community.

The school strongly believes that by guiding and inspiring children, they can unlock their talents to become the skilled, self-driven and adaptable minds of tomorrow. “Our philosophy is to provide an educational environment of high achievement,” said the Founder and Principal of BSS, Mrs. Teodora Nenova.

The curriculum of BSS is enhanced with the most innovative educational approaches such as ‘thinking-based’ learning and ‘concept-based’ learning. Throughout the years, the school has developed the ‘BSS Keys to Success’ – dispositions for mindfulness – communication, balance, open-mindedness, knowledge, inquiry, risk-taking, care, thinking, principles, reflection.

“We believe that all students can contribute to learning and improve,” says Teodora Nenova.

An Unborrowed Vision Nenova graduated from Sofia University with a MA in Bulgarian language and literature (Spanish and Portuguese languages). She holds a master’s degree in Business Management and Administration from the University of National and World Economy with additional specialisations from Coimbra University and the University of Lisbon, Portugal.

With her visionary and forward thinking she has implemented many innovative models of education, focused on the success and prosperity of children in their future life.

Nenova is dedicated to the continuous development not only of the school, establishing an internationally recognisable institution, but in terms of the development of the teaching staff and ensuring the success and well-being of BSS pupils. She has developed a highly effective system for the continuous training of the teachers.

To demonstrate her vision of a sound education, Nenova commented, “The school challenged me mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually … and I loved the challenge.

That is what education should do … inspire educators and students to go beyond their limits.

I believe one important job of a school together with parents is to find the educational process that brings out child’s gifts and inspires their love of learning. It is most important that the educational process inspires the children and brings out their genius, rather than punishing them for not doing well in tests.”

Tour De Force Initially, upon its setting up, BSS occupied the Russian School in Bulgaria. In 2013, BSS moved to its own premises. Later, due to the increasing number of students, it relocated the kindergarten to its own separate building and starting from 2020, it has three campuses in Sofia, accommodating all pupils.

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Students of different nationalities are studying at the British School of Sofia and the academic process is carried out in a highly diversified environment.

“We would like to point out the fact that we are the first school in the world to manage to meet the IB criteria in an extremely short span of time – nine months (only). And now we are an IB career-related programme candidate school,” added Principal Nenova.

Despite all the challenges they face every day meeting the highest standards for education, the British School of Sofia continues their self-driven and motivated route to success and further development.

Thriving on Adversity The greatest challenge for educators today is that they must prepare their students for their future careers in 10-15years’ time by implementing the technology and matrix of education available today. Therefore, one of the most important strategies of BSS is to develop an educational model that will enable it to overcome the challenges of the future.

Nenova expressed, “Being the first digital school in Bulgaria, we try to help children become confident in the use of digital technologies in a safe and controlled environment.”

BSS is proud to announce the beginning of the project ‘S.C.H.O.O.L. +’: co-funded by the ‘Erasmus +’ programme of the European Union. ‘S.C.H.O.O.L. +’ is an acronym for Sustainable, Creative, High-tech, Openminded, Outside the box Learning. With this project the school aims to encourage the students to become the protagonists of their own learning process and involve them in shaping the new model of education.

Building the Future BSS plans to transform the education game to produce students who are ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century. No longer is school a place where you go and learn facts and study from a textbook. Students nowadays must learn to have good communications skills, teamwork skills, problem-solving ability. The school recognises that these are the areas the students at BSS need to become masters of, so they can meet the demands of a fast-changing and challenging world.

“We hope that our exciting journey has now started and during this journey we will support our children in their path forward as we build the future together,” concluded Mrs. Nenova.

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DARBI COLLEGE Providing Students with Diverse Opportunities

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here children are treated with affection and looked upon as individuals, where they can be assured of unflinching support from educators to chase their dreams and where they can feel at home are some of the pertinent aspects that parents always seek for their children in an educational institution.

countries. Cambridge International has awarded the College with “completely satisfactory” outcome of all security inspections – an outstanding acknowledgment of excellence in education and exams administration. Ÿ Tell us about the mission, vision, and core values of

your esteemed institute.

Darbi College is one such institution in Sofia, Bulgaria that fits the bill perfectly well. Darbi College is the first British school for IGCSE and A Level studies in Bulgaria. The Cambridge Assessment International Education approval visit took place on September 13, 2007. The College became a registered centre BG004 on October 26, 2007.

We had the opportunity to learn more about the college.

Here are the excerpts of the interview:

Our Mission We believe that it is our mission to improve the chances of ALL students in our care.

Our values arise out of what we believe to be important about people, about society and knowledge.

These values shape the way our College is organized.

Ÿ Kindly brief us about your esteemed school, its

history and journey since its inception.

Ÿ We treat all our students as individuals, recognizing and

Darbi College is the first British school for IGCSE and A Level studies in Bulgaria. The Cambridge Assessment International Education approval visit took place on September 13th, 2007. The College became a registered centre BG004 on October 26th, 2007.

Ÿ We engage the students in the process of their

responding to their personal needs. education. Ÿ We believe that our lessons should be academically

challenging. Ÿ We are committed to a policy of social and cultural

tolerance.

Darbi College is part of a learning community of over 10,000 Cambridge International schools in more than 160

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Ÿ We strive to develop creative personalities who will

work for the prosperity of society.

April | 2021

The 10 Excellent Schools in Bulgaria, 2021

Ÿ Tell us about the academic and extra-curricular

programs at your school. In what way are they different from those in other schools?

Reception Year Overview The Reception Year course aims at guiding students through a smooth transition to the British education system, building learning habits and language skills, necessary for the IGCSE and A level courses. All subjects (apart from Bulgarian language) are taught in English.

Cambridge IGCSE Overview Cambridge IGCSE is the world`s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds.

Cambridge IGCSE is an international passport to progression and success. It is recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide as evidence of academic ability.

The Personal Tutor system nurtures excellent interaction between students and their families

Cambridge IGCSE provides the perfect springboard to the Cambridge Advanced stage. Cambridge IGCSE helps improve learner performance by developing skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving and develops Cambridge learners who are confident, innovative, responsible and engaged – equipped for success in the fast-changing modern world.

A Level Overview GCE Advanced (A) Level is one of the most recognised qualifications around the world. For over 50 years, Cambridge A Levels have been accepted as a proof of academic ability for entry to universities and institutes of higher education.

Extra-curricular Overview Extra-curricular activities occur in timetabled sessions.

Students choose from the many clubs and societies on offer – drama, science, book club, social-psychological training, computer club, amongst others. Both students and teachers develop artistic and interpersonal qualities and engage in charity activities and other events fostering the civil society, to which our learners belong. Ÿ Please brief us about the personality behind the

success of the school, and how he/she has helped enhance the outreach and development of your reputed institution.

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as a pioneer in the British secondary education and we’ve been living up to the expectations of Cambridge International and our students’ families for over 14 years now.

As all our partners in education, Darbi College currently faces the challenges of the global pandemic. We manage to see distance learning as an opportunity rather than a threat and we believe our students and teachers feel the same. Ÿ How do help your students prepare for their future

participation in the world? Do you have any special facilities/arrangements/initiatives for the same?

The Personal Tutor system nurtures excellent interaction between students and their families. Each student is supported by their Personal Tutor, with whom they can discuss general welfare and academic issues. As mediators between the learner`s family and the school, the Personal Tutors are always available for contact and well-informed of their Personal Student`s achievements. Apart from everyday guidance and support, the Personal Tutors assist students in choosing the most appropriate undergraduate course at university. Every year the Personal Tutors assist their students in creating an Individual Learning Plan based on a Multiple Intelligence Test, thus shaping a personal and academic profile. Ÿ Please mention your school’s most notable

achievements, accolades, accreditations, and awards.

Mrs. Bistra Ilieva, Founder and Owner of Darbi College, is the first person in Bulgaria to take the initiative and open the first British school in Bulgaria back in 2007, gaining experience from her long-term partnership and experience in work with foreign colleges. She has been successfully running her reputed consulting agency for education abroad for over 25 years now. Mrs Ilieva is a firm believer in supporting children’s talents and has thus named her school ‘Darbi’ (talents in Bulgarian). Here children are treated with affection; Mrs Ilieva and the Darbi College team see them as individuals and help them follow their dreams. This is a school which feels like home!

The Cambridge Assessment International Education approval visit took place on September 13, 2007. The College became a registered centre BG004 on October 26, 2007. Darbi College has been awarded a “completely satisfactory” outcome of all Cambridge International security inspections – an outstanding acknowledgment of excellence in education and exams administration.

Ÿ What struggles has your school faced in the earlier

days of its inception? What challenges is the school facing now?

The IGCSE and A Level programmes were unfamiliar to the Bulgarian students and parents and as the first Cambridge International School in Bulgaria, Darbi College faced the challenge to gain their trust. We started

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Ÿ Covid-19 has put additional responsibility on the

education sector in terms of online educational trends, hygiene, and safety precautions. How did you prepare and safeguard your students for the same?

Darbi College is committed to protect the safety of its students, their families and the teaching staff and this remains our top priority in these unprecedented times. A set of strict anti-COVID-19 measures applies on the school premises. During the period of distance learning Darbi College relies on modern technologies to preserve the integrity and quality of our excellence in education while keeping students engaged and motivated. Ÿ What are the future prospects of your institution in

the education space?

Darbi College makes the most of the current distance learning and the numerous flexible opportunities on-line education presents. We are expanding the product portfolio of courses and education products in terms of coverage and outreach. We also take pride in cooperating with Cambridge International examiners abroad to teach some of our on-line courses.

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Excellence in

Higher Ed

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April | 2021

The Right Choice

ducation at Affordable Cost

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M

arked by Greek, Slavic, Ottoman and Persian cultural influences, Bulgaria occupies one of the top ranks on the Global Peace Index, 2019. The country also boasts of its rich heritage of art and crafts and the Black Sea Coast is one of its important identities that is famous for the sun, sea and sand.

But Bulgaria is much more than these. The education system in Bulgaria stands out in more ways than one.

Studying abroad could not have been more attractive in any country as in Bulgaria, with its excellence in higher education at extremely reasonable rates. The Bulgarian Universities are improvising ways and means to better their education system and attract students from across the globe. Good quality education that is inexpensive and recognised the world over, affordable cost of living are what foreign students would ever want.

Also, being a safe country with no gruesome crimes reported, Bulgaria seems to be the best bargain an international student can have.

The country has over 98 % literacy rate and education is compulsory till the age of 16 years for the local students. And this rate is equal for both male and female population.

While the country is known for its excellence in higher education, it also has lot of job opportunities for freshers seeking for it. In fact, even students have a great opportunity to earn while learning throughout their higher education. Innovative and creative young minds in Bulgaria are aplenty and hence this country is also known for its start-ups. Students can stay back in the country and work after they complete their education.

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This being a very affordable country as compared to other European countries, students wanting to study in Europe find it very pocket friendly.

One good thing about Bulgarian Universities, which every student wishes for, is that it accepts students with different grades and not just the ones who have the top grades unlike in the other European countries where top grades are preferred.

Besides, all the certificates from Bulgarian universities are recognised internationally which makes it a smooth sail for students wanting to study further in other countries or seeking a job anywhere in the globe.

Even student accommodation is cheaper than other European countries. One may choose from the variety of options like student dormitory, university accommodation, or private apartment.

Education is imparted in English, French, Germany, Bulgarian languages making it easy for local as well as foreign students.

This country may not exactly be the most sought-after tourist destination, but it is definitely sought for higher education where it has already made its mark and is constantly on the way to improving itself.

If you are planning to study abroad, particularly in Europe, then Bulgaria is the right country at present.

With online education, one can resort to distance learning from anywhere in the globe until the Covid-19 pandemic is brought under control or is eliminated. It is just a matter of time when the campuses would be opened and bustling with students.

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Lycée Français Victor Hugo

The Training Grounds for the Non-conformists

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The 10 Excellent Schools in Bulgaria, 2021

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he French education network abroad brings together 535 schools, located in 139 countries, which combined educate over 370,000 students worldwide. About 40% of these students are French, whereas 60% of these are of other nationalities. All are approved by the French Ministry of National Education, Higher Education and Research. These establishments are either directly managed by the Agency of French Education Abroad (AEFE) – 155 have signed an agreement with it (approved establishments) or be tied with AEFE as the 309 others are partner establishments. One of the foremost institutions which acts an exemplar of excellent teaching methods and an inspiring place for younglings to pursue their early education at is the Lycée Français de Sofia Victor Hugo.

Lycée Français de Sofia Victor Hugo (LVH) is a French international school in the Maxi Complex in Vitosha, Sofia, Bulgaria. It is the largest foreign school in Bulgaria which counts over 800 students aged 3 to 18, from 26 different nationalities. It is accredited by the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE).

The school provides public educational services for both French families living abroad and international students.

Lycée Victor Hugo promotes the study of French language, as well as an in-depth understanding of French culture and values.

The school was founded in 1966, hosting merely twelve native French children. Over the next 30 years, the school kept steadily expanding until the 90's when it started welcoming students from the local community as well. This led to almost 10-fold expansion in the student body.

We believe that the access to a variety of additional activities is complimentary to the creation of well-rounded, open-minded individuals

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French Lycée Victor Hugo implements programs of the French Ministry of National Education, while remaining open to the language and culture of Bulgaria. Its system values cultural openness and provides a multilingual learning environment that fosters independence, reflection, social commitment, community spirit and a sense of citizenship.

Academia At LVH, the educational staff is nearly exclusively composed of French native teachers qualified under the French Ministry of Education. The students have the opportunity to be engaged in a multitude of projects. What is specific is the academic calendar where the school year is split into 5 periods of approximately 7 weeks each, with regular short holidays.

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To learn to read is to light a fire, every syllable that is spelled out is a spark - Victor Hugo

The Principal of LVH, Madame Sylvie Lavigne, elaborated on the pedagogy at work in the school, saying: “As a part of our educational system, we also propose a whole set of extra-curricular activities on a daily basis such as theatre, digital learning, creative and sports activities.

We believe that the access to a variety of additional activities is complimentary to the creation of well-rounded, open-minded individuals.”

Madame Sylvie Lavigne

Principal of LVH

The philosophy of the French educational system is essentially child-led in terms of the natural rhythm of the pupils. In respect of the former, school starts at the age of 3.

The period from 3 to 6 years old is very important to the team over at LVH, as they say this is when children learn the language basis and social behaviour that will determine the success of their academic endeavours. They primarily focus on listening and speaking, while also learning how to write letters, numbers etc. which is essential to the development of their fine motor skills.

Furthermore, students at this illustrious school are actively engaged in the study of a number of languages. Upon graduating, our pupils have already mastered at least 3 languages. This is due to the rigorous linguistic programme which is implemented since the beginning – year 1 of kindergarten – Petite section de Maternelle (kindergarten section). This concerns English language and Bulgarian. At a later stage, students get to choose to study either Spanish or German. A further edition to the linguistic programme is the opportunity this school provides to learn Latin.

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AEFE Lycée Français de Sofia Victor Hugo is foremost under contract with the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE), which means it is both accredited by the French Ministry of Education (French MoE) and under the supervision of AEFE for the implementation of the French educational programmes and values. AEFE is a governmental institution supervised by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. It coordinates and supports a unique network of 535 schools in 139 countries. This ensures the seamless transition of students from one country to another at any stage of their academic life.

When asked about the kinds of challenges the school faces, Madame Lavigne commented: “As we are in an environment where school usually starts from the age of 6, our biggest challenge is local parents’ reluctance to enrolling their kids at the age of 3. However, we are here to support the families and convince them in the benefits of an early start. Joining our school later on is conditional – kids have to pass a French test, which creates pressure on both the potential candidates and their families.

What is more, at this stage we cannot ensure that the child would fully benefit from the entirety of the French educational system in terms of both academics and values.

That is why we focus on ensuring the timely communication of our process.”

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The Covid Dictate Covid-19 has certainly been a challenge for all the education systems worldwide, and it has brought a lot of positive changes. The sanitary rules have been adapted and we have changed our sanitary planning and measures accordingly. The safety of our students is a priority. In terms of online educational trends, we can already state that this crisis has urged us to step into the future. The school is now equipped with a new software platform, the ENT (Virtual Work Environment), a safe, collaborative solution that has fast become essential to our community. Among its features are personalized content, direct communication between parents, teachers and students, easy and safe management of online classes.

Nonconformity at its Best From an academic frame of reference, LVH prepares its students for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (Diplôme National du Brevet) and the General Certificate of Education - Advanced Level (Baccalaureate) – a key diploma to any high school in France and abroad. It also provides training for the acquisition of the Bulgarian diploma.

However, from a developmental frame of reference, LVH puts out an immense effort to create a generation of analytical thinkers, able to tackle the issues of the world today and those that are to come. They implement an interdisciplinary approach to the curriculum in order to foster creativity, social awareness and an overall openminded yet critical approach to the world.

With this mix of great pedagogical elements, it is no wonder that a great number of LVH’s former students attend the best ‘Grandes Écoles’ and universities in France and abroad (Switzerland, Belgium, the UK, Italy, The Netherlands, Canada, etc.). This is certainly one of the best illustrations of the school’s success.

Mapping a future with Language In the future, Lycée Français de Sofia Victor Hugo would like to take their multilingual approach further and introduce reinforced foreign language courses. “We wish to implement programmes such as ‘PARLE’ in the primary level and offer reinforced, individualised learning, leading to international sections in the secondary level,” concluded the astute principal, Madame Sylvie Lavigne.

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Changes in the Last Decade

ICT IN BULGARIA

Resounding Development

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I

CT (information and communications technology) has been the main talking point of the global education sector of the past decade, but Bulgaria arrived at the ICT scene quite early on.

In the 1980s, Bulgaria was known as the ‘Silicon Valley’ of the Eastern Bloc owing to its large-scale computing technology exports. Today, this Land of Roses is living up to its legacy speeding up innovation to be an attractive IT destination, both as a place to develop cutting edge IT solutions and requirements, establish new-shore hubs, developing BPO (business process outsourcing) and resource KP (knowledge process) needs and projects.

Studies show that with an average annual increase of 17% since 2007, the ICT sector is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy and the prime mover behind the countries steady growth over the past few years, generating around 10% of the Bulgarian GDP. “IT is arguably the most rapidly developing field of the past few decades. It is constantly developing, improving, and is more important now than ever before to keep up with it,” says the Founder/Owner of Darbi College Sofia, Bulgaria – Mrs. Bistra Ilieva. “Technical skills are key to thriving in today’s increasingly digital world. This is truer now than ever, when the entire world has been forced to transition largely to an online-based learning and work environment. Technology provides us with a vast array of tools and it is vital to be able to effectively take full advantage of them,” she added.

When asked about how they are utilising this change in pace of modern education, Mrs. Bistra Ilieva replied: “At Darbi College we do not only teach students the basic skills and instruments of information technology, but we also aim to help them become adaptable and independent. We believe it is important for students to learn transferable skills, to be capable of obtaining information efficiently and to develop problem-solving capabilities that will benefit them in their future.”

To better understand the ground reality of this prosperous market, we asked Mrs. Ralitsa Boisgontier, the design, technology and ICT teacher at the British School of Sofia to speak on the matter. She elaborates: “When it comes to Bulgaria, the last few years have seen all the new international companies that have started business in our market are looking for highly qualified employees with good technical skills. In Universities and schools, students also learn with the help of the technologies. Our life is not possible anymore without ICT (information and communications technology). Their names speak for themselves: they give us information about the world around us and they help us to communicate wherever we are.”

“The IT sector in Bulgaria is highly developed and backed by multitudes of trained IT professionals. An interesting fact from the statistics shows that Bulgaria is one of the European countries with the highest percentage of women working in the IT sector. Also, Bulgaria has become one of the preferred destinations for international IT companies to recruit highly skilled workforce, thanks to the well-qualified experts and low costs.

Nowadays with the economic crisis around the world caused by the COVID pandemic, companies that have more stable technologies will have better chance of surviving. In the education sector, we realise how important the technologies are in such a moment. Considering all the positive educational aspects of technology, we have to be aware of the negative ones, especially when we are using them in the education system. We could not have offered better education for our students without the technologies this year. However, we as teachers need to set the limits on the use of technology for our students. This way we can avoid the negative effects of the technology,” Mrs. Ralitsa Boisgontier concluded.

The Bulgarian ICT sector has witnessed a sustained growth since the beginning of Y2K, and the market’s value, according to market analysis reports, is estimated at 2.3 billion EUR. More and more countries are waiting in line to be part of this Bulgarian market owing to the constant growth, fairly recent membership in the EU, a currency pegged to the Euro and attractive corporate tax levels.

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April | 2021

PRIVATE SCHOOL DRUZHBA The Fashionably Innovative Learning Grounds

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ducation in Bulgaria is mainly supported by the state through the Ministry of Education and Science. School education is compulsory for the children aged seven to sixteen. This makes parents legally responsible for the education of their children. But to secure a learning experience which is holistic, based on real-time information, and ensures optimal development of a student's mind is another matter entirely.

Delivering on a good, much less great, educational period of a child is crucial to making them into responsible and fortuitous adults. Fortunately, there is a school in Bulgaria which has been and continues to be a promising playground for its pupils to grow in. This is Private School Druzhba.

Private School Druzhba, Plovdiv, was founded in 2004.

Starting with only 15 students in six different grades, from prep class to 5th grade, with just 2-3 students in each class, the school grew up every year – in number of students and also managed to improve its teaching methodology, becoming one of the most successful schools in Plovdiv.

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The year 2013 bears a crucial significance in the school's history because it was the inception of its Secondary (High) School.

A School and A Promise of a Lifetime Excellence, creativity, potential – these are the bywords of Private School Druzhba (PSD Plovdiv), an attractive innovative school focused on foreign language studies.

Pupils can develop their abilities and receive adequate contemporary education and training in the constructivist classroom and school environment.

The school is perfectly suited for the bright minds of children from preschool to students at Grade 12, with the stress placed on understanding and responding to the social and emotional needs of trainees. Students are treated individually by placing them at the centre of the learning process. CLIL (content and language integrated learning) is used in the teaching process. All the natural science disciplines – biology, chemistry and physics are carried out

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The 10 Excellent Schools in Bulgaria, 2021

Dr Iliya Emilov Principal

Excellence, creativity, potential – these are the bywords of Private School Druzhba, an attractive innovative school focused on foreign language studies

A Promising Environment to Nurture Young Minds in English, while the complete curriculum covers and exceeds the national requirements.

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Students have the opportunity to enquire and discover themselves by taking part in various projects and being integrated in implementation of problem-based school activities. Students and teachers love the homeland and preserve the traditions of their ancestors. In the lessons and training delivered at this school, individual care is focused on each student`s personal potential. The priority is always to give a good quality education to prepare the students for all life challenges.

Speaking of challenges, this school had its bunch too. It was hard for PSD to settle the authority and to become a wellknown institution. All teachers and staff devoted a huge amount of time and effort to fulfil that purpose. As the school is a private institution, it is not allowed to receive a budget from the government and to take part in public projects (national projects) which are directed by Ministry of Education and Science.

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At the Private School Druzhba, alongside the basically settled requirements by educational authorities, there are extra-curricular clubs like: robotics, modern dance, aerobics, piano, chess, outdoor sports etc. “With these activities, we aim to strengthen the inner connection between students` personality and school; they are shown how general knowledge is implemented in real life; they are kept safe being protected from acquiring bad habits,” commented the school Principal, Dr Iliya Emilov (PhD).

Additionally, the constructivist academic environment and well-equipped staff contribute to the excellent results of students, who regularly take part in regional, national and international competitions. University application workshops prepare the students for applying in Bulgaria and abroad, as well as taking the international exams.

But it is not all work and no play – school trips, theatre workshops, gaming competitions and picnics make life at school a pleasure that leaves fond memories.

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perseverance. Some of Dr Emilov's other noteworthy achievements are as follows: Ÿ

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The Visionary behind PSD Dr. Emilov has made great reforms at this school in the past five years. He modernized the entire school and changed the system from class distribution to a subject-distribution one, in order to help teachers to create constructivist learning environment as well as investing in science and language education.

Furthermore, he included PSD as an examination centre for Cambridge certificate exams and enriched the facilities, equipment, and classroom design to provide supportive academic environment for excellent results of students, who regularly take part in national and international Olympiads.

He also initiated e-registry system and PSD school was one of the first schools in the region using that platform for marks, absences, and topics.

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He developed and won the European project, Erasmus + entitled 'Innovative practices in Education' and especially had it conducted in Helsinki, Finland.

During the pandemic, he launched a project for all teachers to have a laptop and train the staff on using GSuite for educational purposes.

He played a key role in Druzhba Schools being awarded in the Best Brand Awards for education in 2018 in Bulgaria. Moreover, he received an honorable placket from the mayor of the central district of Plovdiv in 2019.

On behalf of PSD school, he received a certificate for Digital Transformation from the National Digital Platform Shkolo to be one of the first schools which started to use e-registry system. He was awarded an honorable placket in the project innovations in action.

He participated in international and national conferences by presenting reports on education. He has publications in international journals with high impact factor.

When asked about how does the school help prepare its students with their imminent participation in the real world, Dr Emilov commented: “We focus on our students’ potential and abilities. Based on that, there are special workshops and class activities which aim to broaden their perception of the world and give them useful orientation for further education at universities. There is a Students` Council in our school.

They select their representatives, and these representatives meet regularly, plan and organize different activities and projects in and out of the school”.

The above-mentioned facts are only an introduction to the length and breadth of Iliya Emilov's contributions, work, and

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Evolving Tides Covid-19 is a crucial challenge for the whole world – disrupting communities and industries alike. But, thanks to the devoted professional teachers of PSD, the school managed quickly and effectively to switch to online teaching and developed various methods trying to engage student's attention and keep their motivation at a high level.

Regarding the online trends, the school has decided to use G-Suite along with Google Classroom and Google Meet.

“As we are back to school all necessary equipment like dispensers, notifications, guidelines for students are installed to ensure teachers` and students` safety,” added Dr Emilov.

By preserving the traditions whilst always following the new trends – thinking of implementing more STEM projects, the distinguished Private School Druzhba, Plovdiv, continues to modernize the school facilities and offer the best care and education to all its students to ensure their optimal participation in the future.

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