Round Square
Scotch College is a Global Member of the Round Square network of schools that share a commitment, beyond academic excellence, to personal development and responsibility, service, challenge, adventure, and international understanding. Round Square schools, which espouse the educational philosophy of Kurt Hahn, impel the young into challenging, instructive experiences, through which they can develop: Responsibility and care for humanity; Commitment to principles; Skill and confidence needed for effective service and leadership; A global perspective on society and the environment.
Scotch College has long sought to encourage boys to experience a broad offering of co-curricular activities that promote personal development. Round Square offers a structure for the College and promotion of activities within the IDEALS framework of Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Action, Leadership and Service.
Internationalism
As an International Baccalaureate school teaching all three programmes – PYP, MYP and Diploma, boys at Scotch 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. Boys are encouraged to join international trips venturing to different parts of the world for sport, languages and academic extension. Service projects to India, Cambodia and Tanzania provide further expressions of Internationalism and global citizenship.
Democracy
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 at Scotch are taught to appreciate an inclusive society that recognises all members, regardless of race, religion, gender, status, socio-economic status and skin colour. The Student Council and Round Square Committees in Senior and Middle Schools provide opportunities for boys to comment on various school matters and take action on a range of issues.
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. Boys at Scotch have opportunities to take environmental action on a local, national or international level such as rejuvenating a local wetland and planting trees on the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro.
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 strongly engage students, individually and within groups – in ways that promote personal growth and self-discovery. From Year 3, Scotch boys undergo an extensive programme of outdoor education camps and other Action experiences, such as sailing and surfing. Many of the camps are based at Moray, the schools Outdoor Education centre on a rural property in Dwellingup, south of Perth. Senior students can venture further a-field on Expedition-style adventure trips to various parts of the state and overseas to places as diverse as New Zealand and Tanzania.
Leadership
Scotch College encourages servant leadership whereby boys serve to create a stronger, more just community Opportunities for student leadership in the school’s community are fostered at all year levels and through many class and co-curricular activities. Year 11 students undergo a formal Leadership Training course where they are exposed to leadership theory and examples of leadership styles. Specific Leadership roles, held by final year students, in particular, are substantial and range from management of portfolios to holding key leadership positions within Houses and the College. A high level of responsibility is passed on to students individually and collectively.
Service
Round Square schools work to prepare students for life through the expectation of service. Students are encouraged to serve others through, local regional or international service activities. Boys at Scotch learn about service beginning in the Primary Years where they are encouraged to take action on issues within their sphere of contacts and interests. Through Middle School and Senior School, boys are increasingly exposed to the role of local service agencies working to support disaffected and disadvantaged groups in our society. Senior boys have the opportunity to take part in service projects in remote Australia, Cambodia, India and Tanzania. Through Round Square membership, boys have further opportunities to take part in International service trips.
Year 10 Exchanges