Privilege and Responsibility Go Hand in Hand – Antoaneta Kalenderova Speaks to Forbes Bulgaria
Business often says the academic environment is too sterile. How does the IB programme at Britanica Park School take learning beyond the classroom walls?
The IB programme is a framework that puts the student in the active role of researcher, analyst, and decision-maker. Real-world case studies and current global topics are woven directly into the structure of the subjects themselves – for example, in Business Management classes, students analyze real companies and develop their own business models, marketing strategies, and financial forecasts. They apply management theory within a simulated but realistic business environment.
In History, students don't simply memorize chronologies – they work with primary sources and archival documents. The process involves analyzing evidence and building a well-reasoned position. In this way, the IB programme turns learning into a cycle of planning, execution, and evaluation, much like what's found in the professional world. Students develop a way of thinking in which every task has a purpose, a strategy, and a measurable outcome.
How do you identify individual potential at the high school stage and ensure "the right stimulus for the right person"?
Identifying potential is a deliberate, targeted process for us. We know our high schoolers well – not just academically, but as individuals with their own interests and strengths. The close relationship between teachers and students allows for the timely recognition of talent, whether that's analytical thinking, leadership qualities, or an entrepreneurial spirit.
The career guidance process begins as early as 8th grade and unfolds in a spiral: from an introduction to different professional fields, to mentorship and career aptitude tests. By 10th grade, students are able to make an informed choice of subjects aligned with their goals. Each student's path is different: a future entrepreneur is guided toward Business Management and mathematics, while a future doctor is guided toward in-depth study of biology and chemistry.
What makes your graduates valuable to the job market? What are the three skills beyond the diploma that are decisive for their success?
Our graduates are "sought after" in the market because of how they think and how they influence their environment. The first skill is the ability to work in a demanding environment with high standards and an intense pace. This makes them resilient and prepared for universities and careers with high expectations. The second is a strong work ethic and the ability to use feedback as a tool for growth rather than mere criticism. This builds professional maturity and a drive for high quality. The third is active care for their environment and proactivity. Our students see a problem, formulate a solution, and act.
You are shaping an elite. How do you teach these young people social responsibility and ethical leadership?
Social responsibility begins with the personal example set by teachers and school leadership. When students see consistency between words and actions, they come to see those values as a real standard. Every class supports specific causes, and students don't just participate – they plan and carry out the initiatives themselves. Meetings with successful professionals who share their ethical dilemmas help young people understand that true leadership is a choice of behavior. Our goal is for them to become meaningful leaders and people who create impact without losing their humanity.
Read the original article on Forbes Bulgaria here: