Global Citizenship & Character

A Round Square School

First Steps School of Arts & Sciences is proud to be part of Round Square, a worldwide community of schools shaped by a shared educational philosophy.

What is Round Square

Education Beyond the Classroom

Round Square is a global network of schools spanning more than 50 countries, united by a shared belief that education should build character and global citizenship alongside academic achievement. Its philosophy traces back to educationist Kurt Hahn, who believed young people grow best through challenge, service, responsibility and genuine experience — not textbooks alone.

As a Round Square school, First Steps commits to weaving these values into everyday school life, giving students opportunities to lead, serve their community, care for the environment and see themselves as citizens of a wider world.

The Six IDEALS

What Round Square Stands For

Every Round Square school shares the same six guiding principles — the IDEALS — that shape our approach to student life and learning.

Internationalism

Building friendships and understanding across cultures, and seeing the world as a shared community rather than a set of borders.

Democracy

Giving students a genuine voice — teaching them to listen, debate respectfully, and take responsibility for shared decisions.

Environment

Cultivating a sense of responsibility for the natural world through hands-on environmental action, not just classroom theory.

Adventure

Encouraging students to step outside their comfort zone, face physical and personal challenges, and discover resilience.

Leadership

Developing the confidence and character to lead — and just as importantly, to follow, collaborate and support others.

Service

Instilling a lifelong habit of service to others, rooted in empathy rather than obligation.

"There is more in us than we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less."

— Kurt Hahn, founder of the Round Square educational philosophy

What This Means at First Steps

Being a Round Square school shapes how we design student life at First Steps — from the classroom to the playground to the wider community.

Leadership & Service

Student leadership roles and responsibilities
Community service and outreach initiatives
Peer mentoring and teamwork opportunities

Adventure & Environment

Sports, educational trips and outdoor activities give students the chance to step beyond the classroom, build resilience, and develop a genuine sense of responsibility for the environment around them.

Internationalism & Democracy

Through our Cambridge and GCE curricula, clubs and societies, students engage with global perspectives while learning to express their own views, debate respectfully and take part in shared decision-making.

Character Alongside Academics

The IDEALS sit alongside, not apart from, our academic mission — helping students become confident, principled young people who are ready for higher education and for life.