A year ago, Mrs Holmes and I had the pleasure of attending the Round Square Heroes of Discovery Conference in Oxford. This event held special significance for me, as we stayed at the picturesque Queen’s College, where my father studied and worked for 60 years. My parents were married there, and my husband and I celebrated our own wedding there in 2000!
The conference brought together educators from 35 schools across the globe, including representatives from Brazil, Canada, Kenya, the USA, Pakistan, Rwanda, Bermuda, UAE, Australia, India, Armenia, Togo, Romania and various parts of the UK.
Over two bustling days of presentations and workshops, we forged connections, shared best practices and delved into the world of the Round Square Heroes of Discovery.
These vibrant, child-friendly cartoon superheroes embody the twelve attributes of the RS Discovery Framework, making them relatable for primary school children. We were introduced to Compassionate Carlos, Problem Solving Papri, Self-aware Simba, Courageous Collette and Teamwork Tama. Sustainability Suki personified the RS Discovery of ‘Commitment to Sustainability’, while Diversity Dani brought ‘Appreciation for Diversity’ to life. We also met Inquisitive Indu, Tenacious Tino, Responsible Rami, Communication Cara and Inventive Idris.
Upon returning to school, we eagerly shared our experiences with the Prep staff team. Their enthusiasm was palpable as they began to consider ways of integrating the RS Heroes into the curriculum and school ethos. Staff meetings buzzed with discussions and brainstorming sessions, culminating in a plan to place the RS Heroes at the heart of our reward system and celebration assemblies. They would also serve as focal points in academic and extracurricular lessons, driving the school’s emphasis on Positive Education.
The RS Heroes were launched to the children in a lively assembly, with staff dressing up as the characters. Even Mr Bucknell, our Senior School Round Square Hero, and Headteacher Dr Howling donned capes, adding to the colorful and joyful event. The children were thrilled and eager to learn how they could develop the attributes to become heroes themselves.
Following the launch, staff worked diligently to embed the new approach to Character Education throughout the curriculum and day-to-day life of the school. Our revamped library area now showcases the RS Heroes, who can also be found in various other locations around the school.
During the first term, we introduced a new RS Hero each week. The children listened to stories about each hero’s characteristics and how their skills and talents could be applied in real-life scenarios. For instance, while learning about Inventive Idris, the children explored historical inventors and brainstormed their own ideas for inventions that could improve the world.
Every Friday in our Heroes Assembly, a ‘Hero of the Week’ is chosen from each class, with their nomination explained by their class teacher. Winners might be celebrated for being a Tenacious Tino in mathematics or a Self-aware Simba in social situations.
These initiatives have led to the RS Heroes’ language becoming commonly used and understood by staff and children, encouraging them to recognise their own strengths and talents. This mirrors the Senior School’s SOAR programme, fostering a cohesive and supportive educational environment throughout the Kingsley journey.
The introduction of the Round Square Heroes has had a profound impact on our school community. By integrating these characters into our curriculum and ethos, we have fostered a culture of positive education and character development. The RS Heroes have become a vital part of our daily language, helping children to understand and celebrate their own strengths and talents. This initiative has not only enhanced academic and extracurricular activities, but also strengthened the sense of community and shared values among students and staff. As we continue to embrace the RS Heroes, we look forward to seeing our students grow into compassionate, courageous and inventive individuals who are ready to make a positive difference in the world.
By Mrs Phillips, Head of Prep
