“There is more in you than you know.” Kurt Hahn

As a member school of Round Square, our students have access to an incredible range of learning opportunities – whether it be broadening their thinking at an International Round Square Conference, experiencing adventure through Service or discovering a wider world through the Round Square network of schools.

ROUND SQUARE PHILOSOPHY

Dr Kurt Hahn was a remarkable educator who founded Salem School in Germany to develop young people whose convictions would be rooted in personal responsibility, kindness and justice. He is also credited with inspiring the foundation of Gordonstoun School in Scotland, the Outward Bound movement, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and the United World Colleges.

SIX IDEALS OF LEARNING

Round Square schools are characterised by a shared commitment to an approach to education based on six IDEALS of learning drawn from the theories of Dr Hahn. Grammar students have an incredible range of opportunities as part of our structured program linked to each of these IDEALS.

1. INTERNATIONALISM

Students learn to see themselves as global citizens and to look beyond gender, class, race, nationality and culture to understand human nature.

Around 30 students each year participate in international Service projects which usually involves living in villages in places like Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Cambodia, Burma, India, Kenya and Honduras.

Our students have the opportunity to attend Round Square conferences regionally and internationally where they meet students from like-minded schools from all corners of the world.

We also offer regular international Language and History Tours.

2. DEMOCRACY

Freedom of thought and speech is greatly encouraged and appropriate forums and channels of communication are set in place.

Some formal student leadership roles are decided by a student vote and staff are polled on issues of teaching and learning and school management.

3. ENVIRONMENTALISM

Students learn about the fine balance needed to maintain a healthy interdependent relationship between human beings and the planet.

Our commitment to deep environmental consciousness is embedded in our educational programs – notably in our Years 4 and 9 Programs – and facilities – notably the Year 4 Centre at the purpose-built environmentally integrated precincts for Year 4 at our Mount Rowan Campus and Year 9 on our Wendouree Campus. 38kW of solar power and two 1kW wind turbines provide power for the School and students have planted thousands of trees at our Mount Rowan Campus.

4. ADVENTURE

We offer activities that foster a spirit of adventure and allow students to discover that they are capable of more than they might have imagined. A range of meaningful and robust opportunities for students through our Outdoor Ed program.

5. LEADERSHIP

At Grammar leadership is service. We nurture leadership as action rather than position and teamwork rather than a solo activity. All of our programs together weave a matrix designed to help students to understand the obligations of community and to develop their social competence, capacity for leadership and genuine compassion for others.

Our student-led Round Square Committee gives students in Years 7 to 12 the opportunity to work together to create opportunities that raise awareness about issues, to create opportunities for adventure and teamwork, to raise funds for the underprivileged in our local and global communities. Working closely with the Service Committee they create activities for the whole school to participate in, enjoy and learn from – some examples include the annual Hunger Lunch, Sleep Out, Tough Grammar and School Dance.

6. SERVICE

We are committed to nurturing in our students a deep sense of social justice and our Service Program is a critical element of our overall offering.