GENERAL INFO

60 Dondukov Blvd., Sofia 1504, Bulgaria • Tel: (3592) 448389

The First English Language School is one of the most prestigious secondary schools in Sofia and in the
country. Admittance to the school is after completion of the seventh grade on entrance exam basis--national scale exams in Bulgarian and Mathematics. As the interest to the school ranks high only the best-scoring candidates get enrolled, which makes the environment here, competitive and demanding.

Bulgarian secondary school curriculum is unified for all schools; it includes subjects such as Literature (Bulgarian and Foreign), Mathematics, Foreign Languages, History, Geography, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Psychology, Ethics and Law, Philosophy, Music, Arts, Vocational Training, and Physical Education. There are no course levels, A.P., or Honour Courses in the Bulgarian educational system. However, in their last two years of study, students are required to take optional advanced courses in two or three subjects.

Bulgarian Language Schools start with an extra year--a preparatory class--when students take an intensive (18--22 classes a week) language course. Students acquire the sufficient level of linguistic competence and skills which enables them to study all major subjects in that language. This, together with the generally higher requirements to our students, makes the programme a really rigorous one in comparison with that of the ordinary schools.

Although, our academic record and test scores are important factors, we pride ourselves on out-of-class accomplishments in areas such as music, art, sports, debate, community service, student government, and others. Some of the extracurricular activities offered at our school are: School Orchestra, Cheerleaders Group, Soccer Team, Volleyball Team, Basketball Team, etc.

The grading system is the same in all Bulgarian secondary schools. It is based on a five-point scale. The lowest passing grade is Fair (3), the highest--Excellent (6). The grades in non-credit courses can be either "Pass" or "Fail". Bulgarian schools do not rank their students.

The school year is divided into two terms: the first is from Mid-September to the end of January, and the second -- from the beginning of February to the end of June. At the end of each term students receive term grades in each subject, and at the end of the school year they get final grades in the subjects.

On graduating the five-year course of the school students receive Diploma--a final record of their academic performance from the last three years. Over 85% of our graduates get excellent results and distinction. More than 70% of the students are awarded state grants for brilliant studies. All the students pursue further academic careers; less than 1% are not admitted into higher educational establishments at home or abroad at first attempt.

At our school we have 28 classrooms, a gym, two chemistry labs, two labs in physics and maths, a biology lab, a language lab, a computer room, a video room, a music practice hall, a drawing study room, a cafe, and a refectory. The pride of our school is the rich library (about 35,500 volumes), compiled in the course of several decades with personal contributions from many teachers--native, English, American, as well as from official organizations such as the British Council, the American Embassy, the Center for Democracy, the National Library, and other foundations.

Our school is a wonderful place for young people of various views, attitudes and backgrounds to meet and bring together their perspectives. Here students strike friendships which last a lifetime and develop a sense of belonging to the school.

The best way to learn more about us is to visit us, to talk with students, teachers, and instructors.

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