Flipper’s Takeaway from the Cambridge Schools Conference
The Cambridge Schools Conference, held on 6 and 7 July 2024 at The Perse School in Cambridge, UK, brought together educators and leaders to explore the theme "Effective Communication: From Competence to Confidence." This significant event featured dynamic keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and engaging breakout sessions, attracting over 400 participants from more than 350 schools across 61 countries. Flipper International School (FIS) from Ethiopia was honored to be one of the only two schools from the country to attend this prestigious gathering.
The delegate from FIS had an enriching experience, gaining a deeper understanding of the education sector in its different dimensions. The opportunity to meet the Cambridge team members responsible for the school's partnership in person will undoubtedly ease future communications with Cambridge.
Moreover, the exploration of resources available at Cambridge promises to benefit both teachers and students at our school.
A key takeaway from the conference was the unwavering commitment of educators from around the world to continually improve and deliver the best for their students. As a school, we are particularly impressed by the depth of thought and dedication of the professionals at Cambridge, who are committed to crafting curricula that will help shape a preferred future world.
The conference served as an inspiration to review the management practices at FIS for optimal outcomes. The school's foundation is well-suited for progressive improvement through the use of the Cambridge Curriculum. Additionally, valuable networks were established with similar schools in Africa and Asia, paving the way for future mutually beneficial engagements.
Following the ultimate goal of the communication process, a critical factor in the success of young people in schools is their ability to communicate effectively, both in speaking and listening. In a world where experiences and solutions to challenges are increasingly shared, and where technological developments rapidly evolve the tools we use, effective communication is more important than ever.
As educators, we can help Cambridge learners develop their communication skills so that they can use language creatively and effectively, both in speech and writing, listen and respond to the ideas of others to engage in meaningful dialogue, think critically and understand a range of perspectives, develop their own ideas with confidence, and respond to new opportunities in a changing world.
We can also help students become aware of the different ways language can be used and how it shapes our thoughts, identities, and feelings about ourselves. By understanding the power of communication to inform, entertain, and connect with others, students can be better prepared for the future.
Attending the Cambridge Schools Conference was a transformative experience for our school. The insights and inspirations gained from the event will be shared with the management team and teachers, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and excellence. The conference underscored the importance of effective communication and reaffirmed the school's commitment to using the Cambridge Curriculum to guide its students towards a bright and promising future.
The Cambridge Schools Conference is renowned for its commitment to advancing educational practices through collaboration and innovation. The Perse School, with its rich heritage and modern facilities, provided an inspiring setting for this year's event. The theme of effective communication resonated deeply, addressing a crucial skill set necessary for both educators and students in today's rapidly evolving world.
Flipper's participation highlighted its dedication to educational excellence and its proactive approach to global learning trends. As one of the only two Ethiopian schools attending, Flipper had the opportunity to share its unique experiences and insights, contributing to the diverse dialogue on communication competencies.
As a school, we actively participated in various sessions, sharing our strategies for fostering effective communication within the school community. The school’s involvement not only showcased our achievements but also provided a platform to discuss the specific challenges and opportunities faced by educators in Ethiopia.


