The sun shone on the guests at the Garden Party held at Cobham Hall on Sunday 16 September.  The event was a celebration of a very special anniversary this year, marking 40 years of the school’s membership of Round Square - an international association of schools which share the conviction of founder Dr Kurt Hahn that ‘there is more in you than you think!’

Over 250 staff, students and guests gathered in the Lady Darnley Garden and enjoyed a champagne buffet, followed by an entertainment performed by some of the school’s international students plus contributions from the Saheli Writers and Dancers, a local group from Gravesend.  Messages of congratulation and good wishes were received from fellow Round Square schools all over the world.

Among the guests were the Major of Gravesham, Councillor Pat Oakeshotte, and Mrs Ann West MBE, the coordinator for Round Square International Service projects, and former Deputy Headmistress of Cobham Hall.  Current RSIS projects include building work in a village in India, installation of a clean water supply in Guatemala and construction of accommodation for a new agricultural school in Honduras.  Students from Round Square schools all over the world participate in RSIS projects during school holidays, living and working with the local community.

Cobham Hall was one of the first schools to join Round Square, and has been closely involved in the development and expansion of the association over the years. Member schools share a commitment to educating students for real life by offering them challenge, adventure and opportunities for leadership and initiative.  The Round Square saying that ‘watching kids learn is what teaching is all about; watching them grow is what Round Square is all about.’ is fundamental to the unique education experience at Cobham Hall, where girls grow in confidence, grow in awareness of the world they live in and grow in respect for the history and culture of others.

The Saheli Dancers from Gravesend.
Parisa Kaveh performs on the Iranian Santur.
A play written and performed by students.
The Mayor of Gravesham with the performers.