10am- After the fantastic peace conference it was back to lessons this morning. I had Maths first thing and now I have double free. This may well be my last double free as TOK lessons start next week. Theory of Knowledge is a compulsory part of the IB and is the area in which you gain extra points. I will explain more when I know more!
Yesterday was another really interesting day. In the morning we had breakfast in the houses with discussions on issues of conflict/tension within AC. For example, the culture, relationship with governors etc.It was good to talk and I found it beneficial. A man called Conn Mulvena delivered a lecture on growing up during the Troubles in Northern Ireland and how he has now set up a community based peace project. It was obviously deeply troubling to hear of his experiences living in a divided society but his peace project provides a wonderful feeling of hope to those he helps, and all of us too. Kilcranny House (the centre) runs projects which combine both sides of the divide and allows them to encounter the "other side" , often for the first time in their lives. They discover that they are all people and can actually relate to and have meaningful relationships with each other, regardless of religion/ politics and history.
Following that we had feedback on the house discussions and then 'break-out' groups of a smaller size to discuss these issues, lead by student facilitators. We could choose which issue we wanted to discuss and so I went to the one on culture. We discussed the existence of a unique AC culture, the dominant Western culture and also the demographic make up of AC. We came up with ideas to learn more about day to day life in other cultures, such as "sharing time" when you would share something unusual from your culture. Once again, I really enjoyed it and it is really good to discuss these things with people other than close friends. The last workshop I went to was one given by the school counsellor on mediation. It was very interesting and I find the whole process of mediation to be very psychological and thought provoking. During the closing ceremony of the conference the World Peace Flame was lit. It was beautiful. The candle represents the wish for peace around the world. Try searching for World Peace Flame on Google!
I have a meeting during Break for Social Service. Really want to read the Guardian now! The outside world seems to be moving along without me! Love to all.
