About Round Square
From the Head of College…
Just after Speech Night, we were confirmed as a Round Square Candidate School. We are now part of a worldwide network of more than 200 Schools in 50 countries and 11,000 students.
Being approved as a Round Square Candidate School is both and affirmation and a confirmation of the incredible work Oxley does in the areas of Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service, known as the Round Square IDEALS. It is through experiences in these IDEALS that our students will be able to develop into compassionate people. This happens both in and out of the classroom and our curriculum and school programs are designed to ignite academic excellence and character development.
While students will be able to have international experiences like conferences and exchanges, being Round Square is more than this, it is about a commitment to values education. It is through this network that our students will be able to connect with a community of like-minded schools internationally, through a range of activities, from sharing digital postcards to playing games with students from around the globe.
What is Round Square?
Round Square is a global network of schools that at their core care about character development of students through experiential learning, leadership development, and community service. The organisation is based on the educational philosophy of Kurt Hahn, which emphasizes holistic education that goes beyond academic achievement and includes personal development, outdoor education, and international understanding. Kurt Hahn also founded the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Round Square schools share a common set of values, including internationalism, democracy, environmentalism, adventure, leadership, and service. Through a variety of programs and activities, Round Square aims to develop students into well-rounded individuals who are equipped with the skills and values needed to make a positive difference in the world.
Round Square at Oxley
The Empowerment Group, comprising four dedicated students, is actively developing strategies to empower their peers at Oxley. Their first major undertaking is the organisation of the International Women’s Day Breakfast in March, with plans to host additional events throughout the year and extend invitations to like-minded students to join the organisation.
In October 2023, Oxley embarked on a groundbreaking journey by sending four students to our inaugural International Conference in Nairobi. This pioneering experience paved the way for the inception of several initiatives.
During pastoral time, our Year 12 students are taking the lead in facilitating Baraza groups, utilizing the Round Square Baraza discussion model acquired during their time in Nairobi. Rooted in the Swahili language, “Baraza” signifies the coming together of diverse individuals. These sessions enable students to engage in debates and open discussions, valuing each participant’s opinion equally.
In the academic realm, we have initiated a collaborative project involving Round Square schools from India, the US, UK, and Australia. Focused on investigating the quality of life in these diverse locations, our Year 9 students are actively selecting pertinent data. This endeavor will serve as the foundation for Year 10 Geography coursework, fostering a global perspective.
Round Square promises to enrich our educational landscape by providing a plethora of opportunities to enhance both curricular and co-curricular experiences. This year, students in Year 10 and 11 are invited to apply for participation in the International Conference set to take place in Bogota, Colombia, in September. This represents just one of the many offerings that will contribute to the vibrant and dynamic tapestry of our school community.
Round Square Discovery Framework
Round Square uses the Discovery Framework as a tool to help schools design and deliver a holistic education based on the IDEALS (Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service). This framework places students as explorers in the centre of their learning and provides schools with the tools to give rich experiences to their students to ensure that they are provided a well-rounded education. Below you will find an infographic that helps highlight this framework.
