On Thursday 9 January, Queen Anne’s School had the honour of welcoming 19 headteachers from across the Round Square network.
As a relatively new member of the Round Square network, we are eager to take part in as many opportunities as possible. Hosting the Heads’ Symposium was an exciting moment for us to highlight our school’s community and achievements. Upon their arrival, our guests were warmly welcomed with a short networking session, offering a chance to meet Queen Anne’s staff and students.
After a tour from Lower 6 students, who all chose to showcase one of Queen Anne’s favoured traditions of wearing the red cloaks, they then gathered in St Cecilia Hall, where Teacher of Art, Mrs Ahluwalia and a group of Art Scholar students shared their exciting journey into sustainable fashion. Mrs Ahluwalia emphasised the importance of addressing the environmental stories behind the garments we wear, which often involve the exploitation of natural resources and harm to ecosystems. The Art Scholars engaged in a collaborative effort across all year groups to investigate and implement sustainable practices, showcasing how art can inspire innovative solutions for a Net Zero future.
This collaborative piece was a beautifully detailed garment, drawing attention to biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. Inspired by “Mother Nature in The Boardroom”, a video shown at the recent G20 Summit to raise awareness of environmental issues. The dress incorporated reused and dyed fabrics to symbolise the devastating effects of coral bleaching and ocean degradation. Its intricate textures paid tribute to the animals affected by different environmental factors. The students shared the importance of raising awareness and their role in shaping a sustainable future.
The presentation concluded with a collaborative task. Each guest was asked to write their personal pledge to sustainability on a piece of fabric, which was then carefully sewn over by Mrs Ahluwalia. These contributions, along with future pledges from Queen Anne’s staff and students, will be sewn together into a large blanket which will be displayed within the school as a lasting reminder of the shared responsibility in addressing environmental challenges.
Since joining the network in October 2024, we have had a wealth of opportunities to engage in and contribute to global discussions. Our students have participated in online ‘Postcards,’ forging connections with peers from around the world and even hosting one of these events ourselves. Recently, a group of students travelled to Madrid to attend a Round Square conference, where they took part in interviews, debates, and a vibrant cultural showcase.
We are looking forward to further collaborations and conferences across the network, and to developing our relationships to enhance the learning, experiences and opportunities here at Queen Anne’s School.
#QASKindHearts #QASRoundSquare #Sustainability #QASArt
