Co-curricular

Co-curricular
Duke of Edinburgh
Outdoor Education
Performing Arts
Sport

An education without boundaries. At Radford, the Co-curricular program is an essential part of the journey from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12. Opportunities are not just plentiful; they are purposeful and designed to ignite passions, nurture talent and build character.

Transformative opportunities

A Radford education balances academic rigour with creativity, co-curricular depth and innovation. Every opportunity is intentionally designed to inspire self-discovery, develop leadership and foster resilience. Whether on stage, on the sporting field, in service, or in the outdoors, students grow in confidence and capability – equipping them to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Junior School

From the earliest years, students are encouraged to explore their interests through a diverse program of age-appropriate activities. Junior School co-curricular opportunities range across sport, music, creative arts, performing arts and clubs. Participation builds skills, friendships and confidence, supporting each student’s sense of belonging while laying foundations for future growth.

Secondary School

In the Secondary School, students engage with a broad range of activities. The program is intentionally designed to offer both depth and breadth, catering to individual talents while encouraging new experiences. Whether joining clubs, pursuing sport at an elite level, taking part in music ensembles or participating in performing arts productions, every student has the opportunity to discover a pathway that challenges and inspires them.

Radford Cards

Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award challenges students to grow in independence, resilience and leadership through service, skills, recreation and adventure.

Outdoor Education

Radford’s Outdoor Education program takes learning beyond the classroom with camps and expeditions that build confidence, teamwork and respect for the environment.

Performing Arts

Drama, music and dance at Radford give students the chance to express creativity, showcase talent and develop confidence on stage and behind the scenes.

Sport

Sport at Radford promotes fitness, teamwork and enjoyment, with opportunities ranging from recreational activities to high-level competitions supported by excellent facilities.

Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Edinburgh program is an internationally recognised framework that empowers young people aged 14–25 to become active, engaged members of the community. At Radford, students are invited to participate on a voluntary basis, choosing challenges that reflect their own passions and interests – whether it be sporting, academic or community-focused.

To achieve their award, students complete 4 key components:

Skills – developing ability in a personal interest or talent.
Service – making a positive contribution through community service.
Adventurous journeys – planning and undertaking expeditions that build teamwork and resilience.
Residential projects – engaging in shared experiences with new people in unfamiliar environments.

Each student is supported by an Award Leader, who provides guidance and encouragement as they progress through the program.

While the Duke of Edinburgh program is demanding, participants consistently describe it as deeply rewarding. It builds resilience, independence and a strong sense of self, with students taking pride in achieving goals that are meaningful to them.

Outdoor Education

Outdoor education is a vital part of the Radford experience, designed to extend learning beyond the classroom and foster personal growth. Through camps, retreats and experiential programs, students develop resilience, independence and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Radford’s sequential program, offered from Years 3 to 11, provides students with intentionally designed experiences in both residential and expedition environments. Each stage presents age-appropriate challenges that encourage students to step outside their comfort zones, work collaboratively and build confidence.

Participating in outdoor education delivers transformative personal and interpersonal benefits, cultivating essential life skills that serve students long after they leave the College:

Resilience and Adaptability: Navigating unpredictable weather, outdoor challenges, and physical exertion teaches students to embrace discomfort, bounce back from setbacks, and develop a robust ‘personal best’ mindset when facing real-world obstacles.

Self-Reliance and Independence: From managing their own gear and cooking meals to making critical team decisions on the trail, students build practical life skills, self-efficacy, and a strong sense of personal agency.

Collaborative Leadership and Communication: Outdoor environments strip away digital distractions and social barriers, requiring authentic teamwork, active listening, conflict resolution, and peer mentorship in real time.

Environmental Stewardship and Mindfulness: Immersive nature experiences foster a genuine appreciation for the natural world, cultivating ecological responsibility, personal mindfulness, and mental well-being away from screens.

By embedding these experiential journeys into our broader educational framework, Radford ensures that every student builds the moral courage, grit, and character needed to flourish – all while creating lasting memories with their peers.

Performing Arts

Radford’s performing arts program embraces drama, music and dance, giving students the opportunity to develop confidence, creativity and collaboration through performance. Productions, festivals and College-wide events showcase student talent while fostering a strong culture of expression and belonging.

Dance

Radford’s dance program welcomes students of all levels, from beginners to advanced performers. Students develop technical skills, creativity and teamwork while experiencing the joy of performance. Regular showcases and College productions provide opportunities for dancers to shine.

The Radford Dance Academy (RDA) offers weekly lessons for students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12, with training in ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop and contemporary dance. Students can begin at any age, developing technical skills, creativity and performance confidence.

Students may audition for performance groups that compete in ACT-wide events, with the program culminating in an annual end-of-year concert showcasing every class. Radford is also a proud member of Ausdance ACT, with students performing annually in the Youth Dance Festival.

Dance groups for Years 7 to 8, Years 9 to 10 and senior students are choreographed by students themselves, reflecting Radford’s philosophy of student-driven creativity and collaboration.

Drama

Radford offers a wide range of opportunities for performers through co-curricular drama. Students can participate in the biennial College musical as well as annual Junior School, Years 7 to 10 and Senior Drama productions. These experiences welcome students of all abilities to take part, encouraging them to develop performance skills and creativity.

Radford productions are distinctive in their student-led approach. Students not only perform but are involved in the set design and also provide the majority of the technical support, with opportunities to be assessed at a tertiary level for their achievements. This involvement nurtures confidence, teamwork and technical expertise.

Music

Music education at Radford aims to instil a lifelong love of music. Every student is encouraged to experience the joy of music, regardless of age or ability, through active participation, personal expression and the study of musical elements. Music is both an academic discipline and an enriching co-curricular pursuit, offering challenge, fulfilment and a sense of connection.

The Radford music program is built on 3 pillars:

Classroom music: Part of the core curriculum from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 8, with elective options for Years 9 to 12. Classroom music develops perception, understanding of musical elements and general musicianship, forming the foundation of all music making.
Individual tuition: Weekly lessons with visiting specialist tutors build technical fluency, musical literacy and individual expression, complementing classroom learning.
Co-curricular music: More than 30 ensembles and production/composition groups are offered, giving students opportunities to join choirs, bands, orchestras and smaller groups.

Together, these pillars create a comprehensive program that supports every student to grow as a musician.

Sport

At Radford, sport plays an important role in student wellbeing and development. Staying active helps students grow strong and healthy, while also supporting better rest, stress relief and overall balance in their lives.

Our approach to sport emphasises teamwork, technical skills and theory, ensuring students gain both practical ability and a deep understanding of fitness. Whether competing at an elite level or simply enjoying the fun of participation, every student is encouraged to be involved and supported to thrive.

Sport at Radford is delivered through both the curriculum and extensive co-curricular programs. Students are guided to develop the skills, confidence and habits that will enable them to lead active, healthy lives long after their time at the College.

Radford sports

Radford College provides a wide range of sporting opportunities, ensuring every student can find an activity that inspires them. From competitive team sports to individual pursuits, our program encourages participation, skill development and a love of staying active. Whether aiming for elite performance or simply enjoying the fun of play, there is a sport for everyone at Radford.

Team sports

Basketball
Cricket
Football
Futsal
Netball
Oztag
Rowing

Individual sports

Cross country
Snowsports
Swimming
Tennis

Specialist sports

Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS)

This level of choice allows students to explore new interests, develop teamwork and leadership skills and pursue lifelong fitness.