Where students are challenged, supported and inspired to thrive from Years 7 to 12.
Secondary School
Radford College’s Secondary School is a place of growth, discovery and opportunity. From Years 7 to 12, students experience a future-focused education that balances academic excellence with wellbeing, leadership and co-curricular depth. The secondary journey builds on the strong foundations of Junior School and prepares students to graduate as confident, compassionate young people. Enrichment opportunities are available to challenge talented students beyond the classroom.
In the Secondary School, we encourage students to think deeply, act with purpose and lead with integrity. Through academic challenge, service and connection, they develop the confidence and compassion to make a meaningful impact in the world.
Jane Smith, Deputy Principal
Years 7 to 10
In Years 7 to 10, Radford provides a broad and engaging curriculum designed to nurture curiosity and strengthen core knowledge. Students explore subjects across the Australian Curriculum, complemented by specialist electives that encourage creativity, problem-solving and collaboration.
The academic program includes:
- Broad core subjects plus exploratory electives in Years 7 and 8.
- Greater choice and depth in Years 9 and 10.
- Languages: Chinese, French, Japanese and Spanish.
- Opportunities in STEM, the arts and outdoor education.
- Strong pastoral care and house-based systems that foster belonging.
- Purposeful co-curricular opportunities in sport, music, debating, drama and service learning.
Students are encouraged to discover their passions, build study habits and develop resilience, while being known and supported by dedicated teachers.
Radford has given me the confidence to try new things. I’ve discovered a love for debating and science, and I always feel supported by my teachers and peers.
Year 9 Student
Years 11 to 12
The senior years empower students to pursue pathways that reflect their interests and aspirations. Radford offers the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS) , ensuring choice and flexibility:
- Tertiary Packages – lead to an ACT Senior Secondary Certificate (ACTSSC) and ATAR.
- Accredited Packages – lead to the ACTSSC with robust vocational and applied options.
Key features of our secondary program include:
- Diverse academic pathways catering to university, vocational and global opportunities.
- Small class sizes and personalised guidance from Heads of Year and Head of Student Pathways.
- A focus on leadership, independence and preparing for life beyond school.
- Access to outstanding learning spaces and extensive co-curricular opportunities.
- All Year 11 students complete the ASPIRE program to strengthen critical thinking, communication and readiness for the ACT Scaling Test (AST).
Students graduate from Radford as capable, future-ready learners who are equipped to make confident transitions to tertiary education, training or the workforce.
Radford has challenged me academically while giving me the freedom to explore my passions in music and leadership. I feel prepared for university and beyond.
Year 12 Student
Subjects offered at Radford
Disciplines and subjects
A = Accredited subject, T= Tertiary, R= Registered
Design and technology
| Design & emerging technologies (Wood) | A | T |
| Design & graphics | A | T |
| Design & textiles | A | T |
| Digital technologies | A | T |
| Engineering studies | A | T |
| Hospitality | A | T |
| Robotics & mechatronics | A | T |
Creative arts
| Media | A | T |
| Photography | A | T |
| Visual art | A | T |
English
| English | — | T |
| Literature | — | T |
| Essential English | A | — |
Health and physical education
| Exercise science | — | T |
| Physical education | A | R |
History
| Modern history | A | T |
| Ancient history | A | T |
| Philosophy | A | T |
Languages
| Advanced French | — | T |
| Beginning Spanish | — | T |
| Continuing French | — | T |
| Continuing Japanese | — | T |
| Continuing Chinese | — | T |
| Continuing Spanish | — | T |
Mathematics
| Essential mathematics | A | — |
| Mathematical applications | — | T |
| Mathematical methods | — | T |
| Specialist methods | — | T |
| Specialist mathematics | — | T |
Performing arts
| Drama | A | T |
| Drama technical | A | T |
| Music | A | T |
| Dance | A | T |
Science
| Biology | A | T |
| Chemistry | — | T |
| Earth and environmental science | A | T |
| Health science | A | T |
| Physics | — | T |
| Psychology | A | T |
Student pathways
| Australian school-based apprenticeship (external courses only) | A | — |
Studies of society and environment
| Business | A | T |
| Economics | — | T |
| Global studies | — | T |
| Legal studies | — | T |
Aspire College-based R program
| Compulsory in Year 11 and 12 for all students | R | R |
We chose Radford because of the balance between academic rigour and student wellbeing. Our children are not only achieving strong results but are also growing into thoughtful, compassionate young people.
Current Parent
Academic Results
Radford is proud of its strong academic outcomes, consistently ranking among the leading schools in Canberra. Learn more about our latest academic results.
