Welcome Stefan. Ask your instructor, they should be able to explain if there is any actual intended difference. The exercise is not so much about the altitude, but rather than you're low, with fewer visual cues, and apparently going faster (ground rush). Just learn to maintain control.
As for flaps, the depends upon type. Some flaps will be good, "landing flap" probably less good. And, by the way, if the flight manual for the aircraft refers to flap deployment as "stages" of flap, you should too. I've read flight manuals for many dozens of type, and never read the term "stages" for flap deployment. So, I use the terminology presented in the flight manual (so it looks like I have actually read the flight manual!)