The Round Square Conference of Schools is a worldwide association of more than 80 schools that allows students to travel between schools and tour the country or do community service.

Indian School, Al Ghubra is a Global Member of Round Square.

History

The title "Round Square" is derived from a seventeenth century building at Gordonstoun School in Scotland. The building was built in the 17th century as an estate square to house horses, carriages and equipment for the estate. It was built to a circular design of similar buildings the designer, Sir Robert Gordon, had seen on his travels in Italy. That lead to the odd name (really a paradox), the "Round Square".

Philosophy

Round Square schools share an educational philosophy, based on the teachings of Kurt Hahn, that supports the growth of the "whole person". This philosophy is based upon the Round Square "IDEALS" (an acronym that represents the six pillars around which Round Square schools function):

• Internationalism
• Democracy
• Environment
• Adventure
• Leadership
• Service

The common goal is to develop every student into a whole person through academic, physical, cultural and spiritual experiences.

There are more than 80 Round Square schools located around the globe in Africa, Australasia, Continental Europe, India, the Middle East, North America, South America, and the United Kingdom.

Round Square Activities

Student Exchanges

Students at any Round Square school may go on a exchange for a duration of 8 weeks or more to any of the other schools, and thus both schools benefit from the experience of direct interaction with people from another part of the world.

Round Square International Service Projects

Round Square International Service (RSIS) Projects embody all six pillars through community service projects, such as raising a new building. Over a school break, students from different Round Square schools will converge on a single location, which is often one of the less privileged schools, where they will work together on a project. The materials required for these projects are raised through the Prince Alexander Fund, and do not require funding from attending students.

Regional Projects

Regional Projects are similar to RSIS projects but are by invitation only.

Conferences

There are a variety of conferences that allow student delegates to meet from around the world and progress Round Square.

Annual International Conferences

Each year Round Square schools send teams of representatives to a five-day conference held at a member school. During the conference the prior year's collaborative activities are reported on and evaluated, and new projects are planned. Discussions, related to the theme of the conference, examine topics of importance to the member schools and the world.

Programmes initiated by Round Square help institutionally and culturally different, but like-minded students meet and share their points of view. Friendships are made through activities, expeditions and events organized by the host school. Visitors are introduced, not only to the host school, but also the country, the culture and the environment. The 2003 conference was hosted by St. Cyprian's School and St. Stithians College in South Africa. The 2005 conference was held at Ivanhoe Grammar School, in Melbourne, Australia, and the 2006 conference was held at Gordonstoun in Scotland. The 2007 conference was held at Daly College in Indore, India from October 18 – 24, 2007, Vancouver and Victoria , British Columbia, in 2008; The Mayo College in Ajemr, India in 2009 and the next conference will take place in the Regent's School, Pattaya in 2010. The theme of the conference will be, "We Walk Together."

Regional Conferences (Sr. and Junior)

Usually, a school will host an annual conference for other member schools within its region.