Round Square is an international network of 250+ like-minded schools in 50 countries that connect and collaborate to offer world-class programmes and experiences that develop global competence, character and confidence in our students. The Round Square network of schools support and promote a particular approach to education that is values based. At its heart, values-based education deals with qualities and attitudes, with personality and strength of character.
In honor of International Women's Day, we launched a global collaborative project titled "Empowering Voices: Celebrating Women Who Changed the World". This initiative invited students aged 11-15 to delve into the remarkable lives and achievements of women who have made a significant impact on our world.
Participants were encouraged to express their discoveries creatively, through mediums such as video presentations, artwork, poetry, or any other form of expression that best conveys their admiration and respect for their chosen figures. All collaborations were shared with participating schools to initiate discussions and further learning. This project aimed to highlight the diverse contributions of women in fields including, but not limited to STEM, literature and the arts, politics, environmental conservation, and social justice.
We're excited to announce that our students' Community Service efforts have been acknowledged by the CEO of Round Square. Our sixth formers Awei, Jericho, Mariha and Poom were shortlisted as the top 10 global finalists for the prestigeous Kurt Hahn Service Award.
This year, the prestigious King Constantine Medal was awarded to Jennifer Zamparo, affectionately known as Jenny, in recognition of her exceptional commitment to community service and leadership. Jenny exemplifies the core values of Round Square and RBIS through her caring nature and tireless dedication to helping others. She has volunteered countless hours, including weekends, visiting shelters and charitable foundations to provide support and assistance. Beyond her community service, Jenny is a compassionate peer, always ready to help her classmates, and she attended a student leadership conference to further her ability to make a positive impact. Her kindness, helpfulness, and unwavering dedication to her studies make her a deserving recipient of this honor.
This was a global project asking students from around the world to contribute their ideas of what "perspective" meant to them. Students were asked to see the simplicity of perspective, and that students from around the world can be united in their individual truths.
The final mural on "perspective" was created by students of Newcastle Grammar School (in New South Wales, Australia) based on artwork received by 69 Round Square schools globally and we're proud to announce that the work of RBIS students was instrumental in the final piece and was a major inspiration for the mural.
In the final piece, a young person stands open to the nourishment given by a watering can, symbolizing growth and development. The body of water, inspired by artwork from our students, is a calming element in the piece. The golden hue filling the young person represents the warmth and growth of the sun, also drawn from our students' artwork. The young person, initially looking longingly to the watering can for inspiration, eventually realises that they are the true source of inspiration. This revelation is a metaphor for the idea that we often seek external sources for inspiration when in fact it lies within each of us.
Another global collaboration, this time with Michael Ham Memorial College in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The concept was called “Around the world in a Zoom Meeting" which involved working on descriptions of tourist spots in our country to share with students all over the world. Students prepared videos for their counterparts in Argentina about tourist attractions in Thailand and in return, students of Michael Ham College shared their work with our students.
Projects such as these are essential to promote an intercultural understanding and collaborate with students from different cultures and regions to better understand each other.
Environmentalism is one of the IDEALS of Round Square and many of our Secondary students have taken up the challenge of collecting and bringing to school recyclable plastic bottles, plastic bottle tops and ring pulls, second-hand clothes, cardboard, paper and metal cans.
There are many benefits of recycling and we aim to educate our students to understand the reasons for supporting this important aspect of life. It gives them skills in respect, empathy, patience, responsibility, and teaches them about consequences. It also helps create responsible adults, with a better chance of having a decent planet to live. Recycling benefits our community and the environment. Recycling means the use of waste itself as resources. Waste minimization can be achieved in an efficient way by focusing primarily on the first of the 3Rs, "reduce," followed by "reuse" and then "recycle."
It is important that our students realise that recycling is ongoing and that they should collect items to bring to school whenever they can. We award students community service points for collecting items to recycle so as well as helping the community they are rewarded for their efforts.
Our recycling area is looked after by the 6th Form who, as well as putting up posters to encourage student’s support, also ensure that it shows the progress we are making with our collections.
The vibrant International Day celebrations held at RBIS were a true reflection of Internationalism, one of the core IDEALS of our Round Square philosophy. The day was filled with a rich tapestry of cultural activities, showcasing the diverse backgrounds of our student body. Students dressed in traditional attire from various countries, sharing stories and traditions that highlighted their unique heritage. The event also featured a series of insightful lessons and workshops that encouraged students to explore global issues, fostering a deep sense of global awareness and unity. Through interactive activities, such as international food tastings, language exchange sessions, and cultural performances, our students not only celebrated their own cultures but also gained a greater appreciation for the richness and diversity of the world around them. This celebration was not just an event, but a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding and embracing the global community we are all a part of.
In line with our commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals and Round Square IDEALS, we celebrated Coral Reef Awareness Day at RBIS.
This Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) project, led by Mr Le Serre (Biology) and supported by Ms. Paliwala (Chemistry) aimed to raise awareness and inspire action to protect our beautiful but fragile corals. Our Year 6 to Year 9 students collaborated in different teams to prepare for this wonderful event.
We were honored to host Prof Dr Suchana Chavanich, a marine biologist from Chulalongkorn University, as our guest speaker. Her inspiring keynote speech was followed by oral presentations delivered by the students and a beautiful coral-themed art exhibition. Our students also had the chance to engage with Dr Chavanich about her work on the conservation and restoration of marine ecosystems.
Our second trip to Pinkaew School was a great success. During the first residential trip last year, students helped rebuild the school after it was unfortunately damaged by floods. This year, our sixth formers decided to return there and spend some more time with the children. They also painted a beautiful mural during the week long residential.
6th Form reflection of their time at Pinkaew School.
