Have you ever gazed at the night sky, pondered the vastness of the cosmos, and wondered about your place within it? Or perhaps you've questioned the nature of consciousness itself, the very essence of your being. If so, then you've already taken a step into the realm of metaphysics. Metaphysics, a branch of philosophy as old as time itself, delves into the fundamental questions of existence. It seeks to understand the nature of reality, the mind, and the universe. Unlike the tangible world of physics, which explores the "how," metaphysics probes the deeper "why." It's a pursuit that has captivated thinkers for millennia, from the ancient Greeks to modern-day philosophers. I, for one, am utterly enthralled by this intellectual journey. Inspired by the likes of Plato, Aristotle, and Plotinus, I've ventured into the mystical depths of Orthodox metaphysics. Thinkers like Vladimir Lossky, with their profound insights into being, consciousness, and the divine, have challenged my understanding of reality and opened my eyes to a world beyond the physical. While AS-Level Physics may offer a rigorous exploration of the physical world, metaphysics provides a truly mind-bending experience. It's a journey into the unknown, a quest for ultimate truth. It's a subject that forces us to question our assumptions, challenge our beliefs, and embrace the mystery of existence. So, the next time you find yourself lost in thought, contemplating the nature of reality, remember that you're engaging in a timeless philosophical pursuit. Embrace the wonder, question everything, and let your mind wander through the infinite possibilities of the metaphysical realm.
Over the last nine years, I have been attending schooling at Flipper International School. Currently, I am a ninth grade student. Compared to a number of similar schools in Addis Ababa, I feel Flipper is a very good school offering quality education. During my early years the school was located in another campus which was quite a small facility. Once I turned fifth grade I went to the new compound which is bigger, decent and spacious. I will highlight my experience of learning at Flipper International School as follows: The teachers that teach in flipper had always been very kind and supportive at teaching subject matters ensuring that we rightly understand. They would try different techniques to make students understand the topic such as taking us out of the class room to show us real world problems and also make us play subject related games. This is a very good skill because everybody doesn’t understand the same way so trying different methods could help students understand better. They try to identify student’s needs and provide needs based support. The progressive assessment regularly undertaken for each student by the teachers is quite a helpful practice. The curriculum we follow currently is a Cambridge curriculum but it has not always been like that. Back in my early years we used to follow oxford curriculum which was almost comparable to that of Cambridge. The school switched it to Cambridge a few years back. However I personally prefer the Cambridge curriculum because of the quality of the textbooks and the assessment exams Cambridge provides. You get many opportunities after taking the IGCSE exam which is given by the Cambridge curriculum that is taken at the end of tenth grade. The Flipper International school facility is one of the best in Addis Ababa. It is very neat, has many football fields as well as basketball and volleyball fields. It has a standardized chemistry, physics and biology laboratories. Moreover the school has a big library with collections of varieties of books and has a large dining area where students can enjoy their snack and lunch. The classrooms are also spacious and tidy. Extra-curricular activities really help out a student build more hobbies or even develop on the ones they already have. Flipper really encourages students to do extra-curricular activities which they provide plenty of options to choose from. Ballet, taekwondo art, basketball, football were some of the options they provided for students. These extra-curricular activities would usually go on for an hour on Fridays. The school also regularly organizes sports festivals including competition with other schools which creates an opportunity for students to show their talents.
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.