Innovative Programs and Projects at NTS

Construction of a STEM Center and High-Tech Equipped and Connected Classrooms (HTECC) in the NATIONAL TRADE GYMNASIUM - Plovdiv building, in connection with the implementation of a BFP Contract with ref. No. BG-RRP-1.015-0928-C01 under procedure BG-RRP-1.015 - "School STEM Environment" under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria, funded by the European Union NextGenerationEU

• Total project value (100% grant assistance): 363,572.18 BGN
• Start date: 10/14/2024
• Completion date: 05/31/2026

National Trade School develops its educational strategy taking into account the main priorities, goals, standards and strategies set out in the Preschool and School Education Act, in the national lifelong learning strategy and in the European internationalization strategy of NTS.

The objectives of this accreditation are:

1. Implementation of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and development of teachers' language competences.
2. Sustainable development of the environment and building a sustainable way of life. Ecological and healthy living.
3. Artificial Intelligence in education - friend and helper. Cybersecurity and digital literacy.

With proven experience in implementing and reporting projects under national and international programs, National Trade School has successfully secured and implemented 14 projects under the "Erasmus+" program since its first application in 2014:

• 7 projects in the field of "Vocational Education and Training"
• 6 projects in the field of "School Education"
• One participation in a consortium

This experience has not only enriched our educational offerings but has also strengthened our capacity for international cooperation and project management.

GOALS of the accreditation:

• Professional development of teachers
• Improving the quality of acquired education and professional qualifications
• Digital transformation of the offered education and training
• Strengthening transversal cognitive skills and intercultural competencies
• Personal development of learners

The Ministry of Education and Science wins the European project BG05SFPR001-3.001-0001

1. The project has a total value of BGN 70,000,000.
2. It is funded under the "Education" Program 2021-2027.

During the 2025/2026 school year, the National Trade High School – Plovdiv actively participates in the implementation of the National Program “Student Olympiads and Competitions”, Module “Providing Training for Talented Students for Participation in Student Olympiads”.

Within the framework of the program, three study groups have been formed at the school for additional preparation of motivated students:

• Two groups in “Civic Education”
• One group in “Geography and Economics”

The aim of the program is to create conditions for systematic and targeted work with students who show increased interest and high achievements in a specific subject area, by providing additional training focused on preparing them for participation in the national rounds of olympiads.

Participation in this program is part of NTG’s strategy to encourage the personal and academic development of its students and to create opportunities for the expression of their potential.

Module 3 "Creating an accessible architectural environment"

Module 3 includes:

• Activity II:
• Adaptation and construction of sanitary facilities
• Activity V:
• Delivery of a stair climbing device for wheelchairs (stair robot).

To overcome vertical obstacles in the building and facilitate access to the classrooms on the upper floors, the delivery and commissioning of a stair robot is envisaged.

Organized travel along the NP "Bulgaria - Educational Routes", Module 1 "Educational routes for schools in the country", which included 78 students and 8 leaders.

The participants in the program visited:

• Museum of Rhodope Karst - Chepelare
• Smolyan Fortress "Kaleto" - Smolyan
• Snezhanka Peak - Pamporovo
• Astronomical Observatory and Planetarium - Rozhen
• Regional Historical Museum - Smolyan
• Bachkovo Monastery - Bachkovo village

Students reinforced and upgraded knowledge and skills acquired at school through observation, research and experience in a real environment. The program included students from different grades who, through effective communication, got to know each other, worked in teams and developed integrated knowledge about Bulgaria.

The National Trade High School will participate in the NP "Together in Arts and Sports" for the 2025/2026 school year to form the following groups and teams:

Module 1. Arts

• Cheerleading, grades VIII-XII with a leader - a specialist

Module 2. Sports

• Basketball, boys, grades VIII-XII with a leader - a physical education and sports teacher or a "Basketball" coach
• Volleyball, boys, grades VIII-XII with a leader - a physical education and sports teacher or a "Volleyball" coach
• Football, boys, grades VIII-X with a leader - a physical education and sports teacher or a "Football" coach

Module 1 Modernization of material and technical base

Module 1 includes:

• Module 1 Modernization of material and technical base. 90000.00 BGN financed by the program
• Co-financed additionally 11340.00 by UK "Saglasie-2004"

Implementation of repair of a professional training cabinet and purchase of software suitable for vocational training at NTS-Plovdiv.