The educational philosophy at the Anglo-American School of Sofia is guided by our mission to engage, support, and prepare each student for today and tomorrow.

Appropriately challenging standards and an appreciation for the child as a whole are at the heart of our approach to teaching and learning. AAS educators use a variety of hands-on and minds-on experiences to foster each student’s natural curiosity about the world around them.

Our formal curriculum is anchored in standards and benchmarks from our Pre-Kindergarten program up through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) with an emphasis on teaching for understanding. Teachers use a variety of teaching techniques to best meet the unique needs of each student. At times students may be engaged in guided inquiry, collaborative research and self-discovery and, other times, they may work with a small group or receive one-to-one support.

High School is a time of further exploration. It is also a time of looking to the future while staying in the present. While it is a time when the academic stakes may be considered higher, the adage that students do not care how much you know until they know how much you care continues to be very true and most relevant.

High School at AAS comprises grades 9 through 12 and it is characterized by a rigorous academic program of studies combined with activities and pursuits beyond the classroom. During High School years at AAS, students have opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and values to find solutions, innovate and communicate in a world they are building and shaping. We are a community of learners who are committed to learning and becoming responsible citizens.

AAS IB Subject Offerings

All students are required to take English and students whose first language is Bulgarian may choose to take Bulgarian Literature as well. Students usually take one subject from each group although there are exceptions to this. If you have specific questions about subject combinations please contact our IB Coordinator.

Most subjects are offered at both standard level (SL) and higher level (HL). To complete the full diploma program students are required to study three subjects at each level.

The following subjects are offered at AAS:

IB Core Program

In addition to the six academic subjects students must also take part in the Core of the IB, namely the Extended Essay (EE), Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) and the Theory of Knowledge (TOK).

The EE

The EE gives students the opportunity to investigate a topic of individual interest. With a prescribed word limit of 4,000 words, it is an independent study taken on under the supervision of a teacher. Undertaking the EE acquaints students with the independent research and writing skills expected at university level.

TOK

TOK is an interdisciplinary course designed to provide students with the necessary tools to see the world around them. The nature of knowledge across similar and different disciplines is explored allowing for a greater appreciation of other cultural perspectives.

CAS

Participation in CAS encourages students to involve themselves in artistic pursuits, sports and community service work. This participation, and reflection on it, fosters the students’ awareness and appreciation of life outside of the academic arena.

The IB DP is well recognized by the world’s leading universities and students who successfully complete the full diploma are highly prepared for university.