TWENTY YEARS OF BEING ROUND SQUARE

IT’S NOT WHAT WE DO, IT’S WHO WE ARE

In 2024, Scotch Oakburn College is celebrating 20 years of being part of the Round Square network. Round Square is an internationally diverse network of 250+ like-minded schools in 50 countries on six continents that connect and collaborate to offer world-class programs and experiences, developing global competence, character and confidence in our students. This focus on nurturing and supporting holistic education aligns perfectly with our Scotch Oakburn College Mission to provide an exceptional holistic education that enables every student to maximise their potential.

Built around six IDEALS of learning (Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service), the Round Square approach inspires and draws out from every child their capacity for achievement and excellence, recognising that learning is most effective when it is practical, cross-cultural and collaborative. These principles that Kurt Hahn (one of the founders of Round Square) promoted have become even more important today.

At its heart, Round Square promotes values-based character education that deals with qualities and attitudes, with personality and strength of character. It comes from experiences, real-world learning and periods of reflection. Scotch Oakburn’s Round Square linked initiatives empower and challenge students to make a difference. They take students out of their comfort zones and connect them with like-minded learners from around the world who share the same drive to make a difference in our world. This concept aligns perfectly with our College Values and the development of students’ Leaner Attributes as the IDEALS intertwine with all we do.

Through the Round Square network, students can access a range of practical activities and programs that build character, global awareness and confidence, instilling values for positive and active citizenship, whilst also developing exceptional servant leadership skills. At Scotch Oakburn College, Round Square provides a range of tangible opportunities for our students, from everyday learning programs, guest speakers, service trips, domestic and international exchanges, and local, regional and international conferences from Year 5 to senior years.

I’m sure you’ll agree that at Scotch Oakburn College, Round Square is not just what we do, it is who we are.