The 10 excellent schools in bulgaria2021

2021 | VOL- | ISSUE-
04 01
e
Excellent
SCHOOLS
Bulgaria,
2021
ICT in Bulgaria:
Changes in the
Last Decade
Excellence in
Higher Education
at Affordable Cost
The Right Choice
in
Resounding Development

EDITOR’S
NOTE
Mountains, 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.
ALL THE REASONS
TO STUDY IN
BULGARIA

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

C O N
CXO
British School
of Soﬁa
Inspiring Students to
Create and Shape the
World of Tomorrow
Darbi College
Providing Students
with Diverse
Opportunities
Age of Wisdom
How leadership has
changed over the
past two decades
30
10
16

T E N T S
Articles
The Right Choice
Excellence in
Higher Education
at Affordable Cost
Resounding
Development
ICT in Bulgaria:
Changes in the
Last Decade
Lycée Français
Victor Hugo
The Training Grounds for
the Non-conformists
Private School
Druzhba
The Fashionably
Innovative
Learning Grounds
24
36
20 32

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URL
Name of the Institution Brief
119 High School
" Akad. Mihail Arnaudov"
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.
Anglo-American School
of Soa (AAS - Soa)
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.
British School of Soa (BSS) 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.
Darbi College 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.
Ilarion Makariopolski
Primary School
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.
Lycée Français de Soa,
Victor Hugo (LVH)
vhugo.org
Ski & Snowboard
School, Rilski
borovets-ski-school.com
Valain Montessori
Kindergarten
montessori-plovdiv.com
Private School
Druzhba, Plovdiv
drujba.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 in-
depth understanding of French culture and values.
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.
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.
Valain Montessori Kindergarten is the rst
Montessori house in Plovdiv, which seeks to develop
natural interests and activities rather than using
formal teaching methods.
VEDA 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.
T
h
e
10Excellent
SCHOOLS
in Bulgaria,2021

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BRITISH
SCHOOL
OF SOFIA
Inspiring Students to Create and
Shape the World of Tomorrow
Bulgaria 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:
Ÿ Develop knowledge, skills, and values in students to think,
learn, communicate, and solve problems.
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.
10 April | 2021

Ÿ 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.
Academic Rollout
BSS follows the Cambridge curriculum – an internationally
recognised syllabus of quality education. It prepares
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
April | 2021 11

must be able to think confidently and independently. This is
done through curiosity, creativity, and intelligence.
The curriculum of BSS is enhanced with the most innova-
tive 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 specialisa-
tions from Coimbra University and the University of
Lisbon, Portugal.
With her visionary and forward thinking she has imple-
mented 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 recognis-
able 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, emotion-
ally, 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.
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 10 Excellent Schools in Bulgaria, 2021
12 April | 2021

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 10-15-
years’ 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 environ-
ment.”
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, Open-
minded, 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
st
students who are ready to meet the challenges of the 21
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.
April | 2021 13

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.
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 We treat all our students as individuals, recognizing and
responding to their personal needs.
Ÿ We engage the students in the process of their
education.
Ÿ We believe that our lessons should be academically
challenging.
Ÿ We are committed to a policy of social and cultural
tolerance.
Ÿ We strive to develop creative personalities who will
work for the prosperity of society.
Where 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.
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:
Ÿ Kindly brief us about your esteemed school, its
history and journey since its inception.
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.
Darbi College is part of a learning community of over
10,000 Cambridge International schools in more than 160
Providing Students with Diverse Opportunities
DARBI COLLEGE
16 April | 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.
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.
The Personal Tutor
system nurtures
excellent interaction
between students and
their families
April | 2021 17

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!
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
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.
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.
18 April | 2021

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.
April | 2021 19

Higher Ed
Excellence in
20 April | 2021

ducation
at Affordable Cost
The Right Choice
April | 2021 21

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.
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.
22 April | 2021

Lycée Français
Victor Hugo The Training Grounds
for the Non-conformists
24 April | 2021

The 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.
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.
We believe that the
access to a variety of
additional activities is
complimentary to the
creation of well-rounded,
open-minded
individuals
April | 2021 25

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.
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.”
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.”
Madame Sylvie Lavigne
Principal of LVH
To learn to read is to
light a fire, every syllable
that is spelled out is a
spark
- Victor Hugo
26 April | 2021

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 open-
minded 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.
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.
April | 2021 27

30 April | 2021
‘
‘
‘
‘
‘ ‘

April | 2021 31
3.
‘
‘
‘

ICT
IN
BULGARIA
Changes
in
the
Last
Decade
32 April | 2021

Resounding Development
April | 2021 33

CT (information and communications technology)
Ihas 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.”
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.
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.
34 April | 2021

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
Education 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
th
prep class to 5 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.
The Fashionably Innovative Learning Grounds
PRIVATE SCHOOL DRUZHBA
36 April | 2021

in English, while the complete curriculum covers and
exceeds the national requirements.
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 well-
known 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.
02
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
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.
Dr Iliya Emilov
Principal
April | 2021 37

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.
The above-mentioned facts are only an introduction to the
length and breadth of Iliya Emilov's contributions, work, and
perseverance. Some of Dr Emilov's other noteworthy
achievements are as follows:
Ÿ He developed and won the European project, Erasmus +
entitled 'Innovative practices in Education' and especially
had it conducted in Helsinki, Finland.
Ÿ During the pandemic, he launched a project for all
teachers to have a laptop and train the staff on using G-
Suite for educational purposes.
Ÿ 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.
Ÿ 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.
Ÿ 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”.
38 April | 2021

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.
April | 2021 39

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