Academy for educational adventures
The Andy and Aya Academy is established in 2017 with the mission to serve as a place for children to develop their potential, to be inspired and to learn through experience and play, as well as to grow confident and independent. Our philosophy relies on the understanding that each child is an universe – and this is why our education relies on individualised approach in education, following the child’s own pace and supporting their strengths. Out main purpose is to develop and implement innovative approaches and methodologies, taking into consideration the dynamic social processes and the need to develop their communication skills and logical thinking, getting acquainted with arts and culture, as well as using new technologies.
The Academy is managed by the Deaf Kids Power Foundation. The education is only partially paid by parents (30-50% of the fees) and subsidised by donations and additional business activities – such as sales of products by Deaf Kids Power. The additional funds are all invested into the development of the Academy – for attracting more qualified staff, additional qualifications, creating new methodologies and educational courses, purchase of equipment and supporting materials, developing educational resources, including online interactive materials, creating new educational activities. Funds are invested also into developing new commercial educational products.
At present, the Academy educates around 30 children – either in individual or group sessions. Group sessions cover two age groups – preschool (4-6 years old), primary school (7-11 years old) and further (11+ years).
During the 2017/18 academic year there were 4 educational module – Bulgarian, Sciences, Social and Communication Training, Art therapy. In the 2018/19 academic year three new modules have been introduces – Maths and Logic, English and Digital Sciences, the last one with the support of Telerik Academy.
„Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.“
Margaret Mead