Round Square

BSL is a member of The Round Square group of schools. Round Square is based on the theories of experiential educational philosopher Kurt Hahn who believed that schools should have a greater purpose beyond preparing young people for college and university.

Round Square is an international community of 280+ schools in 50 countries that collaborate on character education around six themes (the Round Square IDEALS) – International Understanding, Democracy, Environmental Stewardship, Adventure, Leadership and Service.

Understanding that many of life’s important lessons come from practical experience, Round Square schools use experiential learning, to shape students’ character, and build their capacity to make a positive difference in the world as globally-minded, courageous and compassionate leaders.

Round Square membership provides us with numerous opportunities to engage and collaborate on real life issues with students in schools across the world. The Round Square IDEALS and Discoveries provide the framework for that engagement.

INTERNATIONALISM

The most powerful force in advocating and promoting international understanding is exposure to different cultures. Students from all nationalities are welcomed into each school. They are taught to appreciate value and respect all cultures, religions and languages. Students learn to see themselves as global citizens and are asked to look beyond gender, class, race, nationality and culture to understand human nature.

DEMOCRACY

Our Student Councils play a key role in guiding our school, both within the Primary and Secondary sections. 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.

ENVIRONMENT

Students are taught the importance of tending to the future of the planet. Round Square students are expected to demonstrate an active interest and concern for all natural environments, to be aware of proven problems and to play a practical role in tackling environmental issues. Students are taught the fine balance and the interdependence needed to maintain a healthy relationship between human beings and the planet. Special programmes, work projects and curricula all emphasise each young person’s destiny to be a guardian of human society and the global environment.

ADVENTURE

Round Square schools believe that there is more in you than you think, with the motto “Plus est en vous!” Our students embrace the spirit of adventure, meeting the physical challenge and developing an appreciation of the outdoors: these are all central to Round Square schools. At BSL, we arrange outdoor and co-curricular activities that challenge and strongly engage students, individually and within groups – in ways that promote personal growth and self-discovery. In their last years at school, all students can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and the IBDP CAS programme, which challenge students to achieve so much more than they might have imagined possible.

LEADERSHIP

Our BSL Co-Curriculum strongly promotes student leadership, with students able to lead in many different areas of school life. Students are taught that true leadership is found in those whose convictions are rooted in personal responsibility, kindness and justice. Leadership roles range from being a Student Council, Committee or MUN Chair, to being the captain of a team or mentoring younger students. A high level of responsibility is passed on to students individually and collectively.

SERVICE

Service is at the centre of our BSL ethos. Our Vision includes for our students ‘to act as responsible participants in a global world’. Our Mission includes that ‘everyone has respect for themselves, others and the environment’. Our Core Values include that ‘we value respect for oneself and others, and celebrate diversity’, that ‘we cultivate compassion as a way of creating a caring and supportive community’, and that ‘all students become responsible and active global citizens’. Students lead and grow through their participation in service projects, throughout their time at BSL.