The Round Square schools
Philosophy and origins of the Round Square
Is King Constantine still involved in sailing?
What is the King's role within the International Olympic Commission?
What are His Majesty's views on the developments of Athens 2004?
Nikolaos / How does he keep up with Greek culture in London?
Why doesn't the King respond to criticism?
The Round Square schools
Round Square embraces an international group of schools, which share a commitment to the educational principles of Dr Kurt Hahn.
The renowned educationalist believed that the schooling process should, above all, prepare students to tackle life by giving them the autonomy to develop both as individuals and as active members of their community. Principles should be substantiated by deeds, and both should uphold the ethics of democratic life.
Over the years, Round Square has strived to put Dr Hahn's ideals to practice, primarily by participating in numerous voluntary projects both within and beyond their communities.
The collective, altruistic spirit of Round Square is strengthened by annual international meetings, during which, students, teachers, headmasters and trustees are actively involved and through continuous efforts to help communities in need with local and international projects.
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Philosophy and origins of the Round Square
The educational philosophy prevailing in the Round Square schools was developed by Dr Kurt Hahn. The catastrophe of WWI moved Hahn to form a novel formative approach, based on providing children with the stimuli, responsibility and ethics to proudly and effectively support their community, while developing individual strengths.
This was materialized through an all-encompassing curriculum, additional responsibilities for students, and the opportunity to encounter realistic situations from a young age.
King Constantine worked hard with Jocelin Winthrop Young to continue Dr Hahn's legacy. In 1966, they decided to form an association of schools which would become Round Square. A year later, His Majesty chaired the first meeting, which comprised of seven schools. Today, Round Square embraces 43 schools worldwide, -another ten are in the process of becoming member schools- and has been involved in numerous charity and community projects.
His Majesty is Patron and Chairman of the association. Other Patrons include Nelson Mandela, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, HRH the Duke of York and Kevan Gosper, a Vice-President of the International Olympic Committee.
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His Majesty's speech at the Round Square annual meeting:
Alice Springs speech
Is King Constantine still involved in sailing?
His Majesty has always been actively involved in sports, and his personal interest in sailing has, over the years, developed into dedicated contribution to several committees worldwide.
He is currently President of Honour of the International Sailing Federation, to whom he has offered over 30 years of commitment and service.
His Majesty enjoys sailing with friends whenever possible, and attends international sailing events.
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What is the King's role within the International Olympic Commission?
The Olympic Movement, the ideals and history of the Olympic Games, are very close to His Majesty's heart. His involvement with the Olympic Committee started in 1963 when he was voted a full member at the age of 23, the youngest in the history of the IOC to this day. A few years later, he was made Honourary Member, a position he holds with fervour and pride.
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What are His Majesty's views on the developments of Athens 2004?
His Majesty is highly optimistic that the Greek team of ATHOC, the Greek Government and the Greek People will all contribute their utmost to preparing the best Olympics in the history of the Games.
Nikolaos / How does he keep up with Greek culture in London?
Prince Nikolaos is an ardent admirer of Greek music, traditional Greek dancing, but most of all, will go all the way for a typical Greek 'glendi'.
Why doesn't the King respond to criticism?
In the history of the Greek Royal Family, the media has never been used as a platform for solving arguments. His Majesty King Constantine was brought up instilled with a sense of devotion to his country and his duties, and always upholds his forefathers commitment to serve the Greek People.
Over the years, the Greek People have, both deliberately and unintentionally, been misinformed. It is His Majesty's policy never to answer denigrating fallacies, even when they are harmful to his family's image. Moreover, he maintains that a Head of State, -and especially a King-, should not respond to criticism when it encourages further debate.