Connect your classroom with schools worldwide
Are you eager for your students to practice new languages with native speakers and connect with peers from around the world? Do you want to unlock global perspectives on key historical events in your curriculum or explore real-world solutions to environmental issues raised in the Geography syllabus? Round Square Study Labs offer a unique opportunity to bridge your classroom with schools throughout our network.
When students’ in-classroom learning connects with the wider world, it magnifies their understanding and broadens their horizons. It also raises aspirations and builds their capacity to make a positive difference. One of the most accessible ways to connect students internationally is through our online Round Square Study Labs. Hosted on Zoom and lasting from 60-90 minutes, your students lead conversations across multiple time zones and cultural contexts.
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Round Square Study Labs
RS Language Labs
Round Square Language Labs are hosted by student teams who lead conversations in their native language. The sessions are run over consecutive weekly one-hour slots. This allows their peers in RS Schools around the world to practice their language skills in a real-world context. Language Labs are run by students, for students, on topics that interest them and their peers. The labs are differentiated in breakout groups from beginner to fluent.
Recent Language Labs include: Arabic, Chinese, English as an Additional Language, French, German, Japanese, Spanish and Te Reo Māori, the language of the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand and other Polynesian countries.
RS History Labs
Round Square History Labs are a six-session short course. There are six different international history topics presented by students from a student perspective.
The aim of the online sessions is for students to discuss world events. The focus is on sharing different local and cultural perspectives. This helps students to understand the importance of context, develop critical thinking skills, and enhance international understanding.
Recent topics include World War II, Colonialism, The Cold War, the Roaring Twenties, Historic Leaders, and Civil Wars and Wars of Independence.
Benefits to Attendees
Attending Round Square Study Labs offers numerous benefits including:
- International Understanding: global awareness and cross-cultural friendships through authentic real-life experiences and viewpoints;
- Communication Skills: enhanced ability to communicate effectively across cultures and often different languages. Study Labs also offer practical experience of public speaking;
- New Perspectives: new insights and appreciation that there can be many cultural and historical interpretations to a story;
- Curriculum Integration: topics link directly to the curriculum and public exams. Study Labs bring the subject to life in a unique, engaging way.
Benefits to Hosts
Hosting Round Square Study Labs provides significant advantages to students including:
- Presenting Skills: improved ability to present information clearly and engagingly within a supportive environment;
- Problem Solving and Organisation Skills: valuable experience in planning and executing successful, international events;
- Leadership Skills: opportunities to lead activities and Baraza breakout sessions;
- New Perspectives: new insights and appreciation that there can be many cultural and historical interpretations to a story;
- Curriculum Integration: topics link directly to the curriculum and public exams. Study Labs bring the subject to life in a unique, engaging way.