School Life
Global Education
Round Square
In 2012, Hackley was invited to join Round Square, a consortium of over 150 independent schools around the world that share a commitment to discovering the world and making a difference.
Round Square schools are founded on a philosophy which embraces a series of six pillars or "IDEALS": Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service.
Round Square I-D-E-A-L-S
The IDEALS on which Round Square is based represent 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.
Dr. Hahn, who was also the founder of Outward Bound and of United World Colleges, believed that it was crucial for students to prepare for life by having them face it head on and experience it in ways that would demand courage, generosity, imagination, principle and resolution. As a result, he felt that young people would become empowered and develop the skills and abilities to be the leaders and guardians of tomorrow's world.
Dr. Hahn, who was also the founder of Outward Bound and of United World Colleges, believed that it was crucial for students to prepare for life by having them face it head on and experience it in ways that would demand courage, generosity, imagination, principle and resolution. As a result, he felt that young people would become empowered and develop the skills and abilities to be the leaders and guardians of tomorrow's world.
Dr. Hahn believed that "There is more in you than you know." Students at Round Square schools make a commitment to addressing each of the six IDEALS through intellectual and cultural exchanges, service projects, and adventure activities.
Round Square's overarching goal is to ensure the full and individual development of every student as a whole person through the simultaneous realization of academic, physical, cultural and spiritual aspirations.
Round Square's overarching goal is to ensure the full and individual development of every student as a whole person through the simultaneous realization of academic, physical, cultural and spiritual aspirations.
Round Square I-D-E-A-L-S
List of 6 items.
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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.
Schools organize term-length exchanges among students and faculty. Annually, delegations of students and staff gather at member schools to attend an international conference and work on solving world issues. Students are also encouraged to join international service projects. -
Democracy
Teaching students both the values of democracy and the importance of active participation in in the democratic process is essential to Round Square schools.
Freedom of thought and speech is greatly encouraged and appropriate fora 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 environmental stewardship and 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 programs, work projects and curricula all emphasize each young person's destiny to be a guardian of human society and the global environment. -
Adventure
Building the body and soul through adventure, meeting the physical challenge and developing an appreciation of the outdoors: these are all central to Round Square schools.Each school arranges outdoor and extra-curricular activities that challenge and engage students--individually and within groups–-in ways that promote personal growth and self-discovery.All students are expected to participate in Outward Bound-type activities which will foster a spirit of adventure and the realization that students can be so much more than they might have imagined. Round Square schools also incorporate adventure pr