Windermere St Anne's School Circa 2007-2008
At one time this was the official website of the Windermere St Anne's School.
Recently I discovered that the domain for WSASchool.com was available, so I bought it with the goal of recreating some of its content from archived pages and to point visitors to their current site. I definitely didn't want someone else purchasing the domain and re-purposing it for something that had nothing in common with this exceptional school. I learned about this school when our daughter asked if she could spend at least a year at an international school in England. She had chosen England since her maternal grandmother lived there. A colleague at work, Satya Rangarajan suggested this school. Not only did Satya have friends in England whose children were attending, but he was familiar with the philosophy of the Round Square group of schools of which WSA is a member. Satya was gracious to introduce me to his friends and after several conversations we contacted the headmaster of Windermere St Anne's School. My mother-in-law lived relatively close by and she was more than willing to be the guardian of our daughter. Our daughter was accepted at WSA and spent four wonderful years there. We all have a special place in our hearts for this school.
Their current website is at www.windermereschool.co.uk/​ where you can find all the most up-to-date information regarding the school.
As a recent graduate of Windermere St Anne’s School, now leading a development team in a thriving tech company, I can confidently say that my time at this exceptional institution has played a pivotal role in shaping my professional journey. The environment at Windermere St Anne’s fostered a healthy self-image, confidence, and a thirst for learning, all of which have been instrumental in my success.
One of the most significant impacts of my education at Windermere St Anne’s is the confidence it instilled in me to challenge the status quo and advocate for necessary changes. Recently, in my role as a team leader, I encountered a situation where one of our biggest clients continued to use Microsoft Access, an obsolete and unsupported software. Drawing from the leadership skills and problem-solving abilities honed during my school years, I led the charge to replace this outdated software. Through persistent efforts and clear communication of the risks involved, I finally convinced our management to allocate a budget for a modern software replacement for outdated MS Access. The success of this initiative was celebrated by everyone on my team, and it felt like a real victory not just for me, but for the values and skills instilled in me by Windermere St Anne’s.
The school's emphasis on internationalism and leadership through the Round Square programme allowed me to gain a global perspective and an appreciation for diverse cultures. This background has been invaluable in my professional life, where I often work with clients and team members from around the world. The school's dedication to adventure, environmental stewardship, and service taught me the importance of resilience, ethical responsibility, and the joy of contributing to the community. These experiences have not only made me a better professional but also a more empathetic and proactive leader.
Windermere St Anne's School, Windermere, LA23 1NW
Tel: 015394 46164
Welcome to the Windermere St Anne's School website! I hope you will enjoy the snapshot view it provides of the school, and that you find you can navigate your way to the pages you want or need to see.
Behind the snapshot stands the real school, which is a living organisation of people engaged in a common pursuit of really important outcomes for the young people entrusted into our care. We believe that we will have done our jobs well if students leave us imbued with the following characteristics:
- A healthy self-image
- Confidence
- A thirst for learning
- Respect
If they have also discovered and tasted a passion to last them all their lives, they will truly have been well served.
If I have not met you yet, I hope to do so soon.
Allan Graham Head
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Windermere St Anne's is an independent co-educational school situated in the beautiful and inspiring Lake District.
The School accepts boys and girls from the age of 2 to 18, with boarding available from 8 years.
A distinctive international perspective is brought to the School through membership of the Round Square group of schools. This global network of schools is committed to the principles of service, democracy, leadership, adventure and the preservation of our environment. The School attracts a diverse intake of pupils from around the world who further enhance the School's global dimension.
Our challenging watersports and outdoor leadership programme is offered to all pupils. Our private Watersports Centre on Windermere and access to the landscape of the Lake District National Park provide a magnificent natural environment in which we develop inspiring and courageous individuals.
A strong boarding ethos is at the heart of our philosophy, with pupils benefiting from modern accommodation and a strong family atmosphere. We combine a caring environment, and a commitment to developing each pupil as an individual, with a strong tradition of high academic achievement.
Exceptional pastoral support for pupils and a broad range of extra-curricular activities further enhance the appeal of our School.
The School has a long history of excellence in Sport, Music, Art and the Performing Arts, with facilities that enable our pupils to excel in their chosen field.
A Unique Location
Located in the heart of the Lake District National Park, our school offers a rich environment in which young people flourish. It combines the beauty and tranquillity of a wooded campus overlooking the mountains and lake with the hustle and bustle of a thriving Cumbrian community. This combined with the rich literary and cultural heritage of the Lake District provides a unique setting for study, self-development and fulfilment.
Even with its breathtaking location, the school is very convenient to get to, with easy access to the motorway, main rail lines and major airports.
Proximity to Nature
At Windermere St Anne's we believe we can offer a truely unique space in which children can grow and develop as well rounded individuals. There is no denying the backdrop of the School is just stunning, overlooking the lake and mountains beyond. But you really do need to visit the campus to experience the real sense of beauty, inspiration and happiness that is felt by everyone within the school.
The School is set on 90 acres of woodland, on two campuses providing plenty of room to appreciate nature and the space of living outside a crowded city, yet it is right in the heart of the most popular area of the English Lake District. The thriving villages of Windermere and Bowness are just a short walk away, but there are many other larger towns and cities also within close driving distance such as Kendal, Lancaster, Preston and Manchester.
Ethos
Our mission at Windermere St Anne’s is:
“To educate individuals to the best of their academic potential. Personal development through service, challenge, creativity, adventure and international understanding encourages the confidence and skills that create positive and caring members of a global society.”
Our Vision:
By 2008 Windermere St Anne’s will be recognised as a community with an international outlook that develops courageous, responsible, inspiring individuals.
We Aim to:
- Provide a broad and balanced curriculum, which prepares students for modern life.
- Create a challenging but secure environment where students can develop independence and individual responsibility.
- Help students take an increasing amount of responsibility for their own learning.
- Provide equal opportunities for all students irrespective of gender, race and beliefs and encourage students to value and respect differences.
- Help students develop a sense of responsibility for the community and the environment.
- Help students develop a positive awareness of their own worth and respect for other people.
- Help students discover and develop their individual academic, creative and sporting talents.
- Provide a strong, flexible boarding ethos which benefits all pupils.
6th Form
Being a Round Square Member School
The School actively promotes global understanding among its pupils. Much of this work is sustained through membership of the Round Square Group of Schools. This is a worldwide association of schools sharing unique and ambitious goals. The common goal of Round Square Schools is to develop every student into a whole person through academic, physical, cultural and spiritual experiences.
Its origins come from the philosophy of Kurt Hahn, who taught that schools should have a greater purpose beyond that of preparing students for future study at University. He believed in educating young people for life in the fullest sense and much of this is embraced by the vision of Windermere St Anne's School.
Round Square programmes help institutionally and culturally different schools work together through service projects, annual conferences, student exchanges and outdoor expeditions.
Exchange Programme
Pupils in Year 9 have the opportunity to participate in the Round Square international exchange programme. This involves spending a term at a partner school in countries such as Australia, South Africa, India and Canada.
This is a fantastic opportunity for pupils to learn about other cultures through their own experiences.
Windermere St Anne's regularly welcomes pupils from Round Square Schools, and this enables all pupils to benefit from living and learning with children from all over the world.
Conferences
Each year, Round Square schools send teams of representatives to a five day conference held at a member school. Friendships are made through activities, expeditions and events organised by the host school. Visitors are introduced not only to the host school, but the country, the culture and the environment.
Service Projects
School based projects are organised, staffed and logistically supported by a base school. In recent years projects have taken place in Turkey, Kenya, Thailand, Indonesia, Venezuela, Niger and Russia.
Larger projects may be directed by Round Square itself. The organisation has the leadership, expertise and funding needed to take on complex, logistically difficult projects such as school construction and disaster relief projects. Students at Round Square schools raise money each year to supply construction and emergency relief materials.
The IDEALS of Round Square
The six pillars around which the Round Square association operates are Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Adventure, Leadership and Service.
Internationalism
As Round Square schools are situated worldwide, students share the opportunity to experience exchanges.
Schools organise several student exchanges per year. Most often these last a whole term, worked out on a school to school basis. Exchanges also bring young students interested in a career in education for gap year experiences, working as teaching assistants.
The Round Square network makes it possible to match an exchanged student or teacher to a school. As exchange is popular, each school is enriched by an annual flow of visitors bringing the views and values of other nations and cultures, and by returning students whose perspective on society, education and the world has been deepened through personal experience.
Democracy
Active participation in the democratic process is essential in Round Square schools. Students learn the importance of self-discipline, and are trained and obliged to share in the daily operation of the school. Each year Round Square school’s are asked to nominate candidates for the Kurt Hahn Prize, given to one or more students who have acted courageously to serve mankind or preserve life.
Environment
Round Square schools are actively involved in maintaining a concern for all natural environments.
Adventure
Round Square students are also educated in the appreciation of physical exercise and moral fortitude.
The unique location of Windermere St Anne's School in the Lake District National Park, ensures our pupils place great emphasis on these aspects of the Round Square philosophy.
Leadership
Students learn that true leadership is found in those whose convictions are rooted in personal responsibility, kindness and justice. Senior students' roles are substantial in every aspect of school life.
Service
Round Square prepares students for life by giving experience of the privilege and values of service.
Community service in schools and international projects in developing countries all educate students in the importance of serving others.