Round Square

About Round Square and the IDEALS

Round Square is a worldwide association of more than 160 member schools on five continents. These schools share a commitment, beyond academic excellence, to personal development and responsibility through Service, Challenge, Adventure, and International Understanding.

All member schools share a strong underlying belief: this is the view of learning by doing. It is an on-going process of self-confrontation and formation, involving a fundamental objective of the full and individual development of every student into a whole person: academically, physically, culturally, and spiritually, within the supportive environment of their school community.

Ideals - The Philosophy Behind Round Square

The essential philosophy of Round Square is based on these six pillars. Some of the most exciting Round Square experiences come from the Hahnian vision which fuses them together. They are interrelated and all equal importance.

"…an eminent man challenged me to explain what sailing in a schooner could do for international education. In reply, I said we had at that moment the application before us for a future king of an Arab country to enter Gordonstoun. I happened to have at the school some Jews...If the Arab and one of these Jews were to go out sailing on our schooner. . .perhaps in a North-easterly gale, and if they were become thoroughly seasick together, I would have done something for international education."… Dr. Kurt Hahn

Teaching students both the values of democracy and the importance of active participation in democracy is essential to Round Square schools. Freedom of thought and speech is greatly encouraged, and appropriate forums and channels of communication are set in place. Students are also taught to appreciate the importance of self-discipline and are trained and expected to share in the running of the school.

Therefore, student government and a genuine sense of responsibility in the management of the school are goals in all Round Square schools.

"It is the sin of the soul to force young people into opinions - indoctrination is of the devil - but it is culpable neglect not to impel young people into experiences." Dr. Kurt Hahn The task of modern education is incomplete without bringing about a conscious awareness of the environment that we constitute and our duties towards the same….for it gives us unsparingly and it deserves to be respected, if we respect ourselves and the future! "Expeditions can greatly contribute towards building strength of character. Joseph Conrad in Lord Jim tells us that it is necessary for a youth to experience events which 'reveal the inner worth of the man; the edge of his temper; the fibre of his stuff; the quality of his resistance; the secret truth of his pretences, not only to himself but others." Dr. Kurt Hahn

"Leadership is found in those whose convictions are rooted in personal responsibility, kindness, and justice. Opportunities for student leadership in the school's community are fostered. The annual conference is an ideal forum for students to demonstrate leadership skills, both in the planning process and public administration.

"The experience of helping a fellow man in danger, or even of training in a realistic manner to be ready to give this help, tends to change the balance of power in a youth's inner life with the result that compassion can become the master motive." Dr. Kurt Hahn Hence, building the body and soul through adventure, meeting the physical challenge, and developing an appreciation of the outdoors is essential. Each school arranges outdoor and extra-curricular activities that challenge and strongly engage students, individually and within groups - in ways that promote personal growth and self-discovery.

The passion and ability to serve another fellow is of immense satisfaction to the soul "I regard it as the foremost task of education to ensure the survival of these qualities: an enterprising curiosity, an undefeatable spirit, tenacity in pursuit, readiness for sensible self-denial, and above all, compassion."