RUTHIN SCHOOL

Founded in 1284, Ruthin School is one of the oldest independent schools in the UK and combines a rich history with a modern and (1) __________.

About Us

Ruthin is a selective co-educational day and boarding school, (2) __________ home to around 210 students from across the UK and more than 30 nationalities worldwide. Here at Ruthin, we offer small class sizes and personalised teaching, while encouraging our students (3) __________ intellectual curiosity, resilience and independence. As a result, our students (4) __________ achieve excellent results.

Why Choose Ruthin?

Ruthin School has a long tradition of academic strength, with results that place it among the strongest small independent schools in the UK. Students progress to leading universities, (5) __________ Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions.

The school maintains high academic standards but is also very friendly and welcoming, making it well-suited to motivated students who enjoy a strong (6) __________ of community.

(Adapted from www.topschoolguide.com)

INDIVIDUAL ACTIONS TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT

While large-scale policies are essential, individuals also play a crucial role in environmental protection. Here are some simple actions that can make a difference:

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Minimize waste by opting (1) __________ reusable products and recycling materials properly.

Conserve water and energy: Switch off unnecessary lights, unplug unused electronics, and use water-saving (2) __________ to reduce resource consumption.

Plant trees: Trees absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen into the atmosphere, and provide habitats for many species, (3) __________ supporting biodiversity.

Participate in clean-up campaigns: Join local efforts to clean up parks, beaches, and (4) __________ public places.

Environmental protection is a shared responsibility that requires action at all levels. Thus, governments, businesses, and individuals must join (5) __________ to reduce environmental damage. By adopting eco-friendly habits, supporting conservation efforts, and advocating for strong environmental policies, we can create a healthier, more (6) __________ world for future generations.

(Adapted from https://www.aiu.edu)

LESSONS FROM ELON MUSK'S LIFE STORY

Like that of many successful icons, (1) __________. His life story is as unpredictable as his character, entwined with surprisingly relatable moments, and darkened by exceptionally harsh experiences.

At first glance, Elon Musk seems as if he were simply born to be amazing. However, his beginnings were not reminiscent of a billionaire entrepreneur. His childhood bullies were not amazed by his unique vision, (2) __________. Elon Musk wasn't born into greatness at all; he fought his way to it.

Musk's success demonstrates that sometimes success comes from learning from your failures and (3) __________ in your abilities. His drive and perseverance are powerful reminders of how far we can truly go when we don't let our shortcomings interfere with our goals. (4) __________, but we all have the potential to follow our dreams and achieve so much more than we believe we are capable of.

Work, hardships, and challenges are companions in every journey to success. Faced with these obstacles throughout his journey, Elon Musk reminds us that "When something is important enough, you do it, (5) __________."

(Adapted from www.goalcast.com/elon-musk-life-story)

HUGE DROP IN AFRICAN ELEPHANTS

1. African elephants are Earth's largest land animals. They are very intelligent and highly social creatures. A recent study, however, reveals that populations of African elephants have sharply decreased over the past fifty years.

2. The researchers described their work as the most comprehensive study of the two African elephant species - the savanna elephant and forest elephant. Using data gathered at 475 areas in 37 countries from 1964 through 2016, the study found that savanna elephant populations fell by about 70 percent on average and forest elephant populations dropped by about 90 percent on average. The researchers mainly attributed the decline to illegal hunting and the loss of the animals' natural habitat.

3. The illegal hunting and killing of elephants for their tusks continues unabated, as poachers profit heavily from the black-market ivory trade, particularly in China and other parts of Asia, where demand for this commodity remains strong. Poaching has taken a toll on forest elephants - whose population is estimated to be about one-third that of savanna elephants - with the damage being especially acute in northern and eastern Africa, including Mali, Chad, and Nigeria.

4. The study also identified agricultural expansion as a major cause of habitat loss, with more and more natural land being cleared for farming and human settlement. This growing pressure further threatens elephant populations that are already weakened by poaching. George Wittemyer, a Colorado State University professor and researcher with Save the Elephants who helped lead the study, warned that many lost populations are unlikely to return, while others that survive in low numbers continue to face serious risks. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that further population losses are likely in the future.

(Adapted from learningenglish.voanews.com)

GETTING INTO THE FLOW

1. [I] The psychological concept of 'flow' describes a joyful state where an individual becomes completely immersed in a challenging but manageable activity. [II] First developed by Hungarian psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the concept was initially based on observations of artists who displayed intense focus during their creative work. [III] Ultimately, experiencing flow in leisure and professional pursuits significantly enhances positive emotions, overall performance, and commitment to meaningful long-term goals. [IV]

2. Achieving flow requires specific conditions, primarily characterized by a complete loss of reflective self-consciousness. The activity must be voluntary, intrinsically motivating, and must provide clear goals with immediate feedback. Csikszentmihalyi identified six main factors of flow, including intense concentration on the present moment, a strong sense of personal control, and a distorted perception of time. Regularly experiencing these elements correlates strongly with increased psychological well-being, higher self-esteem, and improved concentration.

3. To scientifically measure this optimal state, Csikszentmihalyi and Robert Larson developed the experience sampling method (ESM). Subjects received random beeper alerts prompting them to immediately record their current activities and emotional states. Over time, this data revealed distinct behavioral patterns regarding human happiness. Notably, results demonstrated that individuals reported higher happiness levels after participating in active hobbies or social events compared to passive activities like watching television.

4. Studies focusing on teenagers highlight significant differences between "high-flow" and "low-flow" individuals. High-flow teenagers spend considerably more time on active leisure, resulting in higher self-esteem, better social relationships, and greater academic success. Conversely, a preference for low-flow activities like television can unfortunately contribute to lower self-esteem and depression. Despite the immense long-term benefits, people habitually choose low-flow activities because achieving flow requires much more initial motivation, mental effort, and skill.

5. Recent research demonstrates that the benefits of flow extend globally, with similar findings replicated in countries like Italy and India. Beyond youth studies, modern psychology has expanded flow applications into professional and educational environments. In workplaces, balancing enjoyment, interest, and absorption dramatically increases employee productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. Similarly, educators who frequently experience flow are better able to draw on their personal resources, ultimately creating much richer learning environments for their students.

(Adapted from www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/science-of-happiness)