Upcoming Round Square Conference
2024 Round Square International Conference
‘Blooming from the past’
Year 10 & 11 Students
Bogota, Colombia.
Sunday 22 – Saturday 28 September
About the Conference
The theme for the 56th Round Square International Conference is “Blooming from the Past” is an invitation to understand that, in order to build a better future, it is crucial to acknowledge history.
Colombia has worked hard to change its image to ensure that the country and its people are able to harvest a prosperous future. It is with great enthusiasm that Colombia extends an invitation to ‘Join us, and embark on a journey of learning and growth’.
By focusing on theme, “Blooming from the Past,” we aim to create an experience whereby students can reflect on their roots, learn from the past, and channel those lessons into personal and collective growth.
Colombia, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, serves as the perfect backdrop for this journey. Each day promises a unique blend of activities that will celebrate the Round Square IDEALS, challenge students intellectually, foster camaraderie and ignite a passion for positive change.
About the Host Schools
The Conference will be hosted by 5 schools in Bogota and all of our students will be assigned to the one school.
Colegio Anglo Colombiano, founded in 1956, is a private, coeducational, nondenominational, international day school based upon the British educational system with a proud bicultural heritage.
Colegio Gran Bretaña is a private, co-educational, international day school (Nursery – Year 13) serving 460 students who represent 50 different nationalities. CGB is internationally accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Colegio Los Nogales is a coeducational day and private bilingual PK-12 school located in Bogotá, Colombia. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and the Colombian Ministry of Education. Colegio Los Nogales is one of the top schools in Colombia.
Set on a 15-acre campus, The English School is a thriving and renowned school with bilingual confident students and an excellent reputation as an IB school in Bogotá and Latin America. The English School (TES) opened its doors on September 1st, 1961, and has a long history of innovation, being one of the first International Baccalaureate schools in Bogotá. Sixty-two years later, TES has 1,400 students, 400 teaching and administrative staff members, and around 2500 parents, representing 20 nationalities. This year, we were certified to offer the Career-related programme of the IB, completing the IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP, CP).
Gimnasio Campestre is an all boys, day school for students aged 4-18 in Bogotá, Colombia. Gimnasio Campestre is a Colombian-international School accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), certified in the ACE learning framework (NEASC) and active member of the Council of International Schools (CIS). We are intimately committed to the promotion of civic values within our community. At the same time, we understand and proactively assume our responsibility in promoting democratic values as part of our mission, and honestly believe in the necessity of educating young men in the comprehension of our shared mission to protect the world.
Conference costs
Oxley students costs will be approximately $6000, there is also an option for a pre or post conference tour being considered.
Students will be provided with:
- All meals throughout the duration of the conference;
- All accommodation throughout the duration of the conference;
- All transport throughout the duration of the conference (including pick up and drop off to the International Airport); and
- All visits and activities throughout the duration of the conference.
Students would be required to pay for
- Visas and any required vaccinations
- Personal spending money (for souvenirs and extra drinks/snacks); and
- Personal equipment
Accommodation in Colombia
We will start the conference by welcoming you to Bogota, and students will stay in a homestay on the first evening, Sunday 22nd September. The opening ceremony will take place at Colegio Los Nogales on Monday.
After the opening ceremony, we leave the city and head north to spend three nights three nights in the beautiful department of Boyacá (300 km east of Bogotá). The accommodation in these locations will be hotels.
We will return to Bogota on Friday for the closing ceremony at Colegio Anglo Colombiano and the students will stay the final night in a homestay again.
Throughout the conference, insightful discussions and workshops led by distinguished speakers will delve into the theme of “Blooming from the Past.” Students will explore the significance of understanding their cultural heritage, learning from history, and forging a path towards a brighter future.
We believe that this conference will not only be a gathering of minds, but also a transformative experience, that will leave an indelible mark on each participant. As we come together in Bogotá, we hope to create lasting connections, share diverse perspectives, and witness the blooming of a new generation of leaders committed to positive change.