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The RS IDEALS 6-Part Challenge

Are you ready for a challenge? Ready to take on a big question, break it down and explore it from different angles? Are you ready for some research, to listen to the arguments, decide what you think, test out what other people think and communicate and share your ideas? Six questions are set out below, each relating to one of the Round Square IDEALS. The challenge is to take on each of these questions and share your responses through completing the task set at the end. You might be doing this in your own time, or you may be working through the challenges as a class or in your student group. Please refer to your teacher for guidance on this.

Students that complete and submit all six challenges to Round Square via their teacher will receive a Round Square Challenge completion certificate at the end.

In the Spirit of Internationalism, can we promote greater international understanding through exploring and sharing our cultural influences?

Our global community is full of diverse cultures, traditions, languages and nationalities, weaving together to make a rich international tapestry. In this challenge we consider the national and international influences that shape our personalities and drive our behaviours, exploring the similarities and differences between them and those of our international neighbours. Through the station stops in this section we explore international and intercultural influence, challenge preconceptions, celebrate global diversity, and grow our understanding, appreciation, respect and for each other and the many ways in which we are connected. The ultimate question asks you to research, create and share a visitors guide to the landmarks, experiences, history and people that represent the cultural influences shaping your life and behaviours.

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In the Spirit of Democracy, do you consider free speech to be a help or a hindrance in times of adversity?

This challenge explores what it means to have a spirit of democracy through a balance of rights and responsibilities. We consider how to make a difference by lending our voices to causes that campaign for positive change and listen carefully and selectively to those voices we hear and share – through the news, in our communities, on social media. We explore how people-power can create a movement, and the ways in which we can each become a force for good through well-informed, responsible and active citizenship. We reflect on what it means to be authentically true to our beliefs and values, in our actions, communications, and the ways in which we present ourselves to the world. Finally we ask ourselves: Whilst freedom of speech can have the power to promote equality, justice and fairness, is it always wholly positive during times of adversity and is it always used for the ‘greater good’ of everyone in our communities? The ultimate challenge is to determine your debating position on the big question and prepare an opening statement to support your point of view.

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In the spirit of Environmentalism, what impact does changing our behaviour in response to global challenges have on the environment?

This challenge considers how our behaviour impacts the environment, and how changes to that behaviour might change our impact, both positively and negatively. How are the two connected? How do we shape our surroundings, and what is the evidence that our behaviour makes a difference? Can small changes really add up to a big impact or do we only need to make big changes to see a difference? When global events overtake national policy, what can we learn from the experience and what are our positive takeaways for the future? In this section, you will be asked to explore and interpret data and debate, find evidence of the impact of global events on the environment and consider ways in which positive change in the face of adversity can create a blueprint for future action. The challenge question will ask you to examine and quantify your personal practices and behaviours, consider how these might have changed with growing awareness and create a personal sustainability action plan for the future.

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In the Spirit of Adventure can you capture and share what Adventure means to you?

This challenge will ask you to consider your own personal definition of adventure. What makes your pulses race? What takes you beyond your comfort zone? What scares you and dares you and gives you a sense of achievement when you rise to the challenge? For some adventure is found in the wilderness and the great outdoors whilst for others this is a comfortable place to be. Some find it easy to speak or present in front of a large audience and for others this takes enormous courage. Does adventure change with context and culture or is it the same the world over? The ultimate challenge asks you to consider, capture and share what adventure means to you in your own context.

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In the spirit of Leadership, what do you think makes an effective leader during times of global adversity?

This challenge asks you to consider the qualities and attributes that make for successful, courageous and compassionate leadership. Are they the steadfast and unchanging or are they different for each of the three? What leadership qualities do you think are important? What kind of leader will you be? In this section, we have pulled together some TED talks around the theme of leadership and some short tasks and reflective questions to guide you into blue-sky-thinking about the kind of leaders you want to have and the sort of leader you want to be. The ultimate challenge asks you to identify a leader within your country who you admire for their beliefs and actions in the face of global adversity and tell their story.

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In the spirit of Service, in what ways can communities pull together in times of adversity?

Each of us has a place within our communities and we each have the ability to help others through consistent, respectful and meaningful actions. This is never more important than in times of adversity, when communities large and small rely on mutual support. How can we look for the opportunities in everyday life to be considerate towards the needs of others in socially-responsible and lasting ways? In this section, we consider the challenges faced by our communities in times of local, national and international adversity, and the ways in which we can make a difference by promoting positive community action. The ultimate challenge asks you to consider ways in which your own communities can work together for mutual benefit and create a campaign plan for your ideas.

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Teachers notes

Please read the full teacher notes for each before setting the challenge to your students.