On Friday the 22nd of March, the sound of yodelling echoed through the BHS classrooms, the smell of incense wafted through the corridors, and students covered themselves in henna tattoos.

This could only mean one thing — that Round Square Day had arrived once again!

One of the Head Students, Rachel Daly, spoke about how Round Square Day promotes the IDEALS (Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Action, Leadership and Service) of Round Square throughout the school.

“I think that Round Square Day lets the students realise that the IDEALS are throughout BHS. Internationalism doesn’t have to mean going on exchanges to other countries, but can simply mean researching other cultures.”

She added: “This was the main focus of Round Square this year, as each Year 7 to Year 11 classroom was given a country to research and give presentations on.”

The students eagerly took on this challenge, decorating classrooms as countries such as Argentina, Botswana, France, and Saudi Arabia.

“I thought China was one of the best,” one Year 8 student said, “because one girl was playing Chinese music on her flute, and they gave out tattoos.”

A group of Year 10s spoke excitedly about their country, Botswana.

“We made a game show which asked questions about the country,” said Lillian Griffiths. “It was really fun, because we made advertisements, too.

“It was fantastic to learn while having fun at the same time.”

While this was going on, the IB students visited the primary department and gave short interactive presentations about countries.

This included making Moroccan maracas with Year 1 students, and performing an Egyptian mummification on a stuffed bear with the Year 5s.

IB1 students Kathleen Macbeath and Kristin Dill said this was the best part of their day.

“It was great to see the primary students,” said Kathleen, “and to teach them about different countries in a fun way.”

After the touring of countries and teaching of primary students was the Environment Afternoon, during which the students had a wide choice of activities.

Some made hanging plant baskets out of colanders, some cleaned up classrooms, and some assisted with the BHS garden.

“That was our favourite part,” said the Year 9s. “We were able to play music and got the school clean.”

Some of the older students got the opportunity to learn how to use staple guns and drills, which Kristin Dill said was, “quite an experience!”

Overall, everyone at BHS agrees that this year’s Round Square Day was a roaring success, and hopes that next year will be just as informative, and just as enjoyable.