“Every Day an Adventure” at Rockport School’s Round Square Global Conference

Posted: 10 April 2019

In March, Rockport School in Northern Ireland welcomed 151 students and 43 teachers from 29 schools across the world to its Round Square Conference for students aged 13-15 on the theme of ‘Our Changed Environment’

“When I applied for the conference, this was not at all what I expected,” says Maret Zillmann, Schule Schloss Salem “I imagined us students sitting down in a room and discussing a topic. But instead, we went on this exploration of the RS IDEALS and learned a powerful lesson.”

With delegates from schools in Germany, Denmark, UK, India, China, US, South Korea, Peru, Canada, Pakistan and Romania, students enjoyed the opportunity to seek out, discover and embrace the similarities and differences between cultures and nationalities in ways that promoted meaningful and lasting understanding and respect.

“This conference has helped me realize that even if you are very different you can still connect with someone and you can accomplish much more together because you have both experienced very different things,” explains Taylor Walker from Chadwick International

“I think this conference was a great way to show us how big the world actually is and how many different realities exist out there,” agrees Josefina Montoya, San Silvestre School “being exposed to such a diverse group of people really puts many aspects of our everyday life back home in perspective.”

Delegates had the opportunity to explore Belfast’s famous Giant’s Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage is shrouded in myths and legend and it’s 40,000 hexagonal-shaped basalt columns date back to a volcanic age almost 60 million years ago.

“Every day was an adventure, but the most venturesome day was our visit to the Giant’s Causeway,” says Constance Sauve, San Silvestre School “There we appreciated the impressive natural formations while slipping and sliding on wet ground, confronting the wind and not to mention the intimidating crashes from the waves! It was amazing!”

Delegates also explored The Dark Hedges, a beautiful avenue of beech trees planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century and also iconic filming location for HBO’s Game of Thrones.

Students took part in a ‘Discovery Dash’ – an action-packed team activity where the Baraza groups explored Round Square’s twelve Discoveries. “We worked as an effective intercultural team and helped each other when required and shared our culture with each other,” explains Bakul Gupta, Vivek High School “we became a stronger team by the end of the conference.”

“Being in the group improved my communication skills,” says Karen Zhang, Keystone Academy “I am better at asking questions to help conversation flow.”

Students explored the spirit of Democracy with a visit to Stormont Parliament Buildings the home to the Northern Ireland Assembly, the legislative body for Northern Ireland established under the Belfast Agreement 1998 (Good Friday Agreement). “We visited the stunning parliament building of Belfast and learned about Northern Ireland’s history and even had our own little debate in the assembly room.” Says Maret Zillmann, Schule Schloss Salem.

“Through the tour I learned about the conflicts between the royalist and the republicans,” explains Karen Zhang, Keystone Academy “I discovered that even though there are conflicts and tension between the two groups, there are people who are becoming more understanding of the other side’s point of view and assessing the harm these conflicts cause people, inclining more towards peace.”

“I was surprised to find out that they have an interesting politic situation,” confesses Maria Botez, Paradis International School “I was never more amazed and captivated by a country’s political situation before. It was so beautiful to find out new things and that really got me. I discovered them step by step, from all the places we visited and all the speeches we listened to.”

The conference service activities took an environmental twist with visits to The Clandeboye Estate with Forest Schools, The Conservation Volunteers and Woodland Trust.

“I was very happy to work with my colleagues and share the experience with them, we had a lot of fun and laughed a lot and I can really say it was unforgettable.” Maria Botez, Paradis International School.

“We planted trees, which was a really fun experience and helped bond people a lot,” says Josefina Montoya, San Silvestre “It was also kind of humbling to know there are people who do this kind of thing everyday, it was really eye-opening.”

Mark Pollock, an international motivational speaker, explorer, and author from Northern Ireland who became the first blind man to race to the South Pole addressed the conference and inspired the students.

“It was fascinating to hear about his experiences and about his life. He was really inspiring and eye-opening for everyone,” says Olga Devine, Latymer Upper School, “he inspired me very much and I have never experienced a thoughtful presentation like this before,” agrees Vinny Park, Chadwick International school.

“Mark Pollock was truly inspiring, he broadened my perspective of acceptance and hope, and not watching on the side line.” Constance Sauve, San Silvestre.

Delegates explored the city of Belfast and visited important land marks such as peace lines and murals, Queen University, Harland and Wolf and full guided tour of Crumlin Road Gaol then Afternoon Titanic Belfast tour followed by conference closing dinner in The Titanic Suite.

After a week of pushing themselves beyond their perceived limits, crossing boundaries, students have discovered that they are capable of more than they thought.

“I think that getting out of my comfort zone made me stronger and more independent. I also learned that I have to trust myself more and sometimes follow my instinct.” Maria Botez, Paradise School

“I’ve realised I’m much more capable than I give myself credit for and that I’m capable of going out there and meeting new people” agrees Josefina Montoya, San Silvestre.

Thank you to Head of School George Vance, RS Coordinator Dawn Toland and everyone at Rockport School for hosting this amazing Round Square Conference.