Queen Anne's School joins Round Square global schools network

Queen Anne's joins Round Square global schools network

Queen Anne’s School is delighted to join the Round Square community of connected schools across the globe. Through Round Square, schools connect students with their peers from across the world ‘to exchange ideas, learn about each other’s countries and cultures and to discuss and debate some of the most difficult, and sensitive, issues facing our world today.’ As a school we are delighted to be one of the 230 schools that share the aim of building students’ international understanding.

Round Square History Lab - The Cold War

On Thursday 7 December, Alice, Lucinda and Annabel from Lower 6, and Sophie, Holly, Bethany and Caitlin from Upper 5 attended our first Round Square event. This student led virtual event, part of a ‘History Lab’ series, focused on the fascinating subject of the Cold War and its impact on each of the 15 respective countries represented. Approximately 150 students participated and shared some unique perspectives. These included stories of independence movements during this era, shared by students in Tanzania, who referenced the ripple effect that the Cold War had on regional dynamics and conflicts across Africa. Our History Lab’s host school, St. Paul's Co-Educational College in Hong Kong, shared some of the more positive effects of the Cold War from greater international connectivity to economic transition and the growth of their media industry. Also, students in Argentina referred to the Cold War as ‘the most obscure time’ for their country which saw the emergence of an anti-communist military dictatorship and economic troubles which plagued the country for decades, resulting in periods of hyperinflation which continue to pose challenges to this day.

Our students spoke eloquently and succinctly about Britain’s role in the ideological struggle between capitalist west and the communist east, and how the Cold War accelerated the process of decolonisation. They also referenced Churchill’s Iron Curtain speech as a seminal moment and one which has coloured our nation’s representation and understanding of this period. Of the opportunity, they said ‘the History Lab was very interesting as we learnt lots about the Cold War in many different countries, some of which we wouldn't have considered to have been impacted.’

We are looking forward to participating in further History Labs in 2024, on a range of subjects from historical leaders and wars of independence to the ‘Roaring Twenties’. In addition to these, we are also planning to host our own ‘Round Square Postcard’ on traceability and fair trade, as well as extending our link-ups with schools across the global network through forums, conferences and collaborations.

Queen Anne's School | Round Square