20
Wilderness Times | Spring 2020
CREATING
COURAGEOUS COMPASSIONATE AND
LEADERS
Round Square is a global association of over 200 schools from 50 different countries that share a commitment beyond academic excellence, to personal development and responsibility, service, challenge, adventure and international understanding. More a philosophy than an organisation, Round Square’s overriding goal is to ensure the full and individual development of every student as a whole person through the realisation of academic, physical and cultural aspirations. The IDEALS of Round Square perfectly complement the Wilderness core values and Wilderness Learning that Matters Framework. We are deeply committed to educating the whole girl to reach her full potential through an enriching range of alliances and experiences. Round Square has six specific areas of focus known as the IDEALS: • Internationalism – promoting internationalism and understanding of real-world issues • Democracy – encouraging student voice and freedom of thought and speech • Environmentalism – looking after the future of our planet • Adventure – risk taking, and stepping outside your individual comfort zone • Leadership – explore leadership by identifying role-models and developing leadership skills • Service – engaging with both local and wider communities through voluntary service activities These IDEALS are underpinned by the 12 Discoveries, representing the attitudes, attributes, skills and values students develop as they engage with the IDEALS: communication, inquisitiveness, diversity, responsibility, problem solving, sustainability, courage, self-awareness, compassion, teamwork, tenacity, inventiveness.
Round Square is a best practice example of how young people can be educated on the basis of tolerance, respect and mutual understanding. Whilst most member schools are highly individualistic, common ground is easily found, particularly in concepts like service to the community, adventurous learning and activities and the furthering of international co-operation. The start of a new decade in 2020 seemed a fitting time for Wilderness to extend its global alliances and broaden opportunities for all girls by challenging their thinking and inspiring them to action while collaborating with likeminded students from a range of cultural backgrounds. Round Square provides opportunities for students to: • t ravel as exchange students to other schools in Australia and overseas (two weeks – six months) •p articipate in regional and international service projects initiated between member schools • c ollaborate with students around the world on global and intercultural projects • attend annual Australasian Junior and Senior conferences as well as the annual International conference. While COVID has limited the opportunities this year, it has not dampened the enthusiasm of our Round Square Ambassadors, replacing the face to face with virtual connections. Our committee has connected digitally with students from St Phillips School in Alice Springs to learn from their student representatives’ experiences as a long-term member school. Our Student Ambassadors are currently developing an action plan to involve girls throughout Wilderness School in a range of activities based on the six IDEALS. Stay tuned to see where these girls will take us!
