For Armidale student Bronte Thomson-Sparrow, meeting the British royal family at an international schools conference in England last month was a privilege – but so, too, was being inspired by students from diverse economic and cultural backgrounds.
Bronte, two fellow students from New England Girls’ School (NEGS) and seven from The Armidale School (TAS) were among 1000 students and staff from 90 schools to attend the Round Square Conference at Wellington College. Round Square is a global organisation of schools, including NEGS and TAS, which share the ideals of adventure, leadership, international understanding and service to others.
Opened by The Queen and attended by the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke of York, and Round Square patron King Constantine and Queen Anne Marie of Greece, the conference gave delegates the opportunity to share experiences, work on local community projects and gain an understanding of other cultures. Speakers including paraplegic adventurer Karen Darke, Save the Children Fund International CEO Jasmine Whitbread, and world record hurdler Colin Jackson warmed to the theme Reaching Beyond Our Limits.
“To meet not only Her Majesty the Queen but also Prince Phillip and their son the Duke of York was an incredible experience I will never forget,” Bronte said.
“I was fortunate to be able to speak with her directly even if it was only briefly; she asked me if I was Australian, as she seemed to be shocked by our winter uniform for an Australian.”
The delegates said the keynote speakers were inspiring. For Bronte, Karen Darke’s story of overcoming challenges was all the more pertinent as a woman.
“She pursued what she loved and has made a career from making a positive change to young lives the world over, overpowered the expectations of what she could do as a woman,” Bronte said.
