What Does It Mean to Be a Global Citizen in 2025? | Blog | Radnor House Sevenoaks | Private School in Kent

What Does It Mean to Be a Global Citizen in 2025?   

In today’s ever-changing and deeply connected world, raising children who are not only knowledgeable but also compassionate and globally aware has never been more important. Being a global citizen is about so much more than where you’re from or where you live - it’s a mindset. It’s about raising children who understand their place in the world, appreciate diversity, and are ready to contribute to a future that is fairer, kinder and more sustainable. 

As parents, we all want our children to grow into thoughtful, capable adults who see beyond their immediate surroundings. Global citizenship is about helping them develop this wider view. It’s about teaching our young people that their actions - no matter how small - can have an impact, and that empathy, respect, and responsibility should guide the way they move through life. 

At Radnor House, this sits at the heart of everything we do. Through our carefully designed Archway Curriculum, we encourage children to explore the world with curiosity, confidence and a strong sense of connection. We want our pupils to understand not just the facts and figures, but the stories, the people, and the global challenges that shape our shared future. 

The Archway Curriculum intentionally goes beyond the classroom.  Whether pupils are learning about the fragile ecosystems of the Amazon, the traditions of Indigenous communities, or the realities of climate change, they are always encouraged to reflect on how these topics connect to their own lives.  These lessons help children ask the right questions - about identity, about the environment, about culture, and about what it means to be responsible, both locally and globally. 

What’s truly exciting is that these ideas don’t just stay within the school walls.  Through our involvement with Round Square, a global network of schools dedicated to building leadership and global understanding, our pupils get to collaborate with students from around the world.  They take part in shared projects, international conferences, and virtual exchanges that open their eyes to new perspectives and deepen their understanding of global issues. 

One of the most meaningful areas we explore through Round Square is sustainability. Our pupils learn how communities in different parts of the world are tackling climate challenges - from renewable energy to waste management. They also explore the differences in access to education and transport between countries, giving them a first-hand view of global inequalities but also the resilience and creativity found in diverse cultures. 

These experiences give children the opportunity to see the world differently. They begin to understand that the solutions to big problems often lie in empathy, cooperation, and a willingness to learn from others. 

Together, our role, is to make sure every child feels connected to the world they will one day lead. We are committed to helping them build the knowledge, confidence, and moral compass they need to shape a better future - not just for themselves, but for everyone. 

 

Mike Godwin

Head of the Prep School

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