Round Square Visit to Scotch Oakburn College

A group of three Year 8 & 9 students embarked on a Round Square trip to Scotch Oakburn College in Launceston, Tasmania. They were accompanied by Mr Christophe Gauchat and Mrs Kathy Cupitt. This visit was more than just a school excursion; it was a week filled with opportunities to live out the Round Square IDEALS—Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service.

The Oxley team’s time at Scotch Oakburn was focused on learning from a different school community and fostering understanding. Through collaborative projects and classroom interactions, the group embraced Internationalism, engaging with Scotch Oakburn’s diverse student body and building meaningful connections.

The visit also provided a platform for students to experience Democracy in action as they participated in discussions, sharing ideas and exploring the importance of student voice within the school community. They attended the school’s Peace Assembly and were able to engage in the 9Alive program which is an immersive Year 9 experience.

As part of the trip’s focus on Environmentalism and Adventure, the group explored Tasmania’s natural beauty. Highlights included a walk through the iconic Cataract Gorge, a rock-climbing session at Beta Park Bouldering, and a full-day hike around Cradle Mountain’s Dove Lake. They were also able to explore the underground world of the Honeycomb caves in Mole Creek as part of the 9Alive program. These outdoor experiences not only encouraged a deeper appreciation of nature but also tested the team’s resilience and collaboration, bringing the Adventure ideal to life.

In true Round Square spirit, the group was also introduced to Service, reflecting on how they could take the lessons learned back to their own school community. The students were part of an effort to collect over 45kg of rubbish from the local wildlife reserve. They also shared dinners and interactions with Scotch Oakburn’s boarding students, which helped to deepen the bond between the schools.

This week-long Round Square trip was an unforgettable opportunity for Oxley students and staff to embody the IDEALS in a real-world setting. They returned home with broadened perspectives, strengthened leadership skills, and a renewed commitment to the values that define the Round Square ethos.