\u201cThere is more in us than we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less.\u201d \u2013 Kurt Hahn<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Hahn\u2019s approach to education was also the inspiration behind the founding of Round Square, the international network of schools that values experiential learning and character education. At the end of last term, I attended the Round Square International Conference in Colombia, along with Ms Stacey Taylor (our Round Square Coordinator), six of our Year 10 and 11 students, and teachers and students from over 200 schools in 27 countries. Under the theme \u2018Blooming from the Past\u2019, students explored how they can build a better future by starting from an understanding and acceptance, of the past \u2013 learning from, and with, each other, as well as making an authentic and significant contribution to communities in Colombia through service work. Each activity in the conference was linked to at least one of the six IDEALS of Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service \u2013 from learning about the history and culture of Colombia, to hiking, planting over 800 native trees as part of a reforestation program, building chicken sheds and fences in rural communities, to collaborating with students from across the world to address issues such as gender inequality and climate change. The conference also enabled us to build connections with schools that share similar values, with a view to establishing student exchange programs in the coming years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n OLE Week, Outback and our Service Trips use nature and outdoor activities as a backdrop for learning, helping students develop resilience, problem-solving skills, social and emotional learning and a connection to the environment; they help to develop a young person\u2019s character:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Expeditions should be part of every young person\u2019s education. They teach the value of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork.\u201d \u2013<\/em> Kurt Hahn<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Our Service Trips also provide opportunities for students to make meaningful contributions to others and to develop gratitude and an appreciation for the opportunities and privileges that they have. Rites of Passage develops independence and self-knowledge at an important stage in a young person\u2019s development, and provides activities that support them to find their vocation and make connections with others outside their friendship circle. Such activities align perfectly with the Oxley principle of \u2018care for the whole child\u2019, our Wellbeing Framework (\u2018Stay Fit\u2019, Show Gratitude\u2019, \u2018Find Meaning\u2019, \u2018Build Connections\u2019, \u2018Be Authentic\u2019), as well as helping to prepare students to take on future challenges with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These programs continue to be well supported at Oxley \u2013 evidenced from this year\u2019s MMG Survey (note: the activities relate to the 2023 programs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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