Diana Usher tells us more about a remarkable international association

There is definitely a change in the air, with many parents and teachers advocating a more rounded education, with less testing and a return to the wonder and joy of learning. Healthy eating and outdoor exercise are increasingly seen as important factors in ‘adding value’ to a child’s education. Forward looking schools are aware that excellent examination grades are no longer the only factor in a student’s success. When assessing candidates for university places or employment, interviewers increasingly look beyond a student’s academic qualifications to their interest and participation in activities outside the classroom.

 

The name of Round Square is rapidly becoming well known in education circles, as it is realised that there exists an association of schools which have been offering just such a vision of education since 1966. Round Square was founded on the philosophy of the educationalist Dr Kurt Hahn, whose ideas led to the creation of many outstanding schools, as well as Outward Bound, the United World Colleges and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

 

There are Round Square schools in Europe, Australia, the Americas, Africa, India, Thailand and Japan, and the family is growing rapidly! Member schools share the belief that education should go beyond academic excellence, and that young people should be prepared for real life through challenge, adventure and opportunities to develop initiative and leadership skills. Cobham Hall has been a member of Round Square for 40 years and the education experience we offer is based firmly on the six pillars which form the Round Square Ideals: Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Adventure, Leadership and Service.

 

In a secure yet challenging environment, students are encouraged to grow and learn, and to discover the truth in the Round Square motto: ‘There is more in you than you think!’ The younger girls quickly get involved with fundraising activities and have the opportunity to attend Round Square conferences in the UK. We watch them grow in confidence and enthusiasm during their years at school, and take great pride in seeing senior girls participating fully in Round Square with commitment and the knowledge that they can make a difference. Girls come to study here from all over the world.

 

We understand that better international understanding comes from first-hand knowledge, and use whole school assemblies as an ideal forum for developing awareness and appreciation of different cultures and religions. We enjoy hearing our international students talk about their history and traditions, and learning about their music and humour, finding that there are often more similarities than differences. Daily life at Cobham Hall sees students from all over the world living and working together, and lifelong friendships are forged during these student years.

 

Student exchanges between Round Square schools are very popular, giving an insight into school life in other countries. Cobham Hall has welcomed girls from Round Square schools in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Botswana, Oman and the USA, and our students are similarly well travelled. Conferences are organised on a wide variety of topics, and for all age groups.

 

A recent conference hosted by Abbotsholme School in Derbyshire took the theme ‘The Future of Farming’. Delegates aged 11 and 12 helped with feeding and mucking out, had close encounters with new-born lambs, and learned some essential facts about the realities and economics of modern farming.

 

The Annual Conference is hosted by a different member school each year, and in 2007 was hosted at Daly College in India. The theme – ‘The World is One Family’ – was perfectly illustrated in the traditional Round Square conference discussion groups. Known as ‘Barazzas’, meaning ‘a slice’, these groups are made up of a mix of representatives from each of the participating schools, giving a truly international range of views and ideas.

 

Democracy is both valued and practiced at Cobham Hall, and there are many opportunities for leadership and initiative. Student participation in the management of their school is strongly encouraged throughout all year groups. The Student Leadership Team – made up of the Guardian (our Head Girl), her two Deputies and four House Captains – is democratically elected by staff and students, with scrutineers ensuring that it is strictly one person, one vote. Group Leaders and Round Square Representatives are elected in every tutor group, and sixth form prefects are appointed to work with individual academic and administration departments.

 

Our magnificent house and grounds are an ideal place to develop understanding of the importance of the environment and conservation in the modern world. Round Square conference delegates and students from local schools have participated in pond dipping, tree planting, grounds maintenance, bird ringing and bat conservation – all within the school’s grounds.

 

Round Square schools regard extracurricular activities as an important part of personal development. At Cobham Hall, there is a well-supported programme of clubs and activities in sport, music and the arts, and many girls take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

 

The grounds are also used for more imaginative challenges! It is not unusual to see girls, wearing hard hats and harnesses, climbing one of the many magnificent trees in the park under the careful supervision of a qualified tree surgeon. Activities Week is a tradition in the last week of the summer term, with an exciting programme of activities including camping, canoeing, sailing and tree jumping.

 

Above all, the idea of responsibility and service to others is fostered. Students devote time to fundraising in school, and all sixth formers take part in the Community Service programme, helping at local care homes and in primary schools. Many students from Round Square schools spend time in the holidays working on one of the Round Square International Service projects in Africa, India, Thailand and South America, living and working with the local community.

 

Without exception, the girls return with a sense that they have learned something valuable about the different cultures and environments which make up the world they live in.

 

It is these activities within Round Square schools which encourage students to expand their horizons and to become well-informed and thoughtful citizens. Nothing more clearly demonstrates the Round Square ethos than students from all over the world working together, learning from each other, and enjoying the experience. Politicians of the world take note!