2025 Round Square Conference in Western Australia

School: Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School & Scotch College
Location: Western Australia, Australia
Title: Footprints of Unity
Theme: Internationalism, Adventure
Age Group: 11–14 years
Dates: 12–17 April 2025

This April, two Round Square schools in Western Australia – Scotch College in Perth and Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School in the Geographe region – co-hosted a Round Square Conference for younger delegates, themed “Footprints of Unity.” Focused on the IDEALS of Internationalism and Adventure, the event brought together students aged 11–14 from across the globe for a powerful journey of connection, adventure, and cultural exchange.

A snapshot of the week in numbers:

• 6 unforgettable days across city, bush, and coast
• 2 host schools
• 2 unique venues – city and bushland
• Dozens of outdoor adventures and cultural workshops
• 1 united goal: deeper global understanding
• Countless friendships formed
• 100% impact on leadership growth and cultural empathy

The conference began at Scotch College, where delegates were welcomed with sunset views over the Swan River and a vibrant opening ceremony. From there, students were immersed in a series of rotational activities designed to spark collaboration, personal growth, and intercultural understanding. Delegates stayed for three nights at Scotch’s Outdoor Learning Campus and the expansive 33-hectare bushland grounds of Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School, surrounded by native wildlife and rich Indigenous heritage.

Throughout the week, delegates engaged in a wide variety of activities – from hiking and cave exploration to Indigenous art workshops – all designed to challenge comfort zones and build a spirit of global unity. The spirit of adventure was ever-present, with one Baraza leader reflecting, “Pretty much everything was adventurous. Especially for the younger age group the conference was aimed at – everyone just got involved.”

Baraza leaders played a vital role in guiding group conversations and bridging connections across cultures. “I was amazed at how much I enjoyed the experience and the challenges of the week,” one student shared. “You just have to go with an open mind and be ready to take every opportunity.” Another said the most powerful moment came on the final day: “When we were signing shirts and saying goodbyes, I understood why we do these conferences. It was emotional – but it made me realise how far we’d all come.”

Both student leaders agreed that Internationalism was the most impactful IDEAL explored: “We connected with students from all over the world and learned about their cultures in ways you just can’t from a classroom.”

The experience also empowered young leaders to step confidently into responsibility. “At first, I worried about people only talking to their friends,” one Baraza leader said. “But by the end of the week, everyone had made friends from different schools and countries. As leaders, we helped encourage those connections – and that made a real difference.”

As the week closed, all delegates returned to Scotch College for final Baraza reflections, guest speaker presentations, and an emotional closing ceremony. One teacher noted: “It’s amazing to see the growth from the nervous energy on day one to the heartfelt hugs and high-fives by the end. That transformation is what Round Square is all about.”

The 2025 Round Square Conference reminded everyone that unity is built step by step – through listening, learning, and adventuring together. And in the red dust and golden light of the Australian bush, those footprints of unity left a lasting mark.

Reflections of Baraza Leaders

Hear what impact being a Baraza Leader has on two of the students: