In the spotlight

As one of the Assistant Heads of the Junior School responsible for learning and teaching, I work alongside Ms Emily Begbie to lead initiatives that enhance learning across the school. When asked to write an article for the In the Spotlight series, I thought: 'What better spotlight to shine than on the amazing teachers in the Junior School?' I also thought it might be helpful for our community to understand some of the supports that exist behind the scenes – those that enable our teachers to be the outstanding educators they are.

Historian and author Henry Adams once wrote, 'A teacher affects eternity; you can never tell where their influence stops.' This reflection captures the extraordinary and lasting impact teachers have on children’s lives. Research consistently confirms that the single most important in-school factor influencing student success is the quality of teaching. When teachers are empowered to do their best work, it is students who benefit most.

In the Junior School, we view teaching as a reflective profession – one that thrives in a culture of collaboration, trust and continual learning. Great teaching is not left to chance; it is deliberately cultivated through structures and systems designed to help teachers grow as lifelong learners. These include:

• Coaching and mentoring new teachers, ensuring they feel welcomed, equipped and connected to our learning culture, as well as supporting experienced teachers to learn from one another and continue to grow.
• Dedicated collaborative planning time each week, allowing teachers to design transdisciplinary, concept-driven learning that sparks curiosity and connection.
• Professional learning aligned with strategic priorities, supporting a shared vision of excellence in line with the International Baccalaureate philosophy. This often involves experts in education working alongside our teachers to inspire and strengthen practice.
• A personal professional learning scheme, enabling teachers to pursue inquiries connected to their professional passions and growth goals, giving them greater agency over their learning.
• Staff scholarships that support further study, projects and research – promoting innovation and the sharing of practice. These have enabled staff to undertake tertiary study and action research projects across Australia and overseas, broadening their perspectives and bringing this expertise back to Radford.
• A peer coaching initiative, fostering a reflective culture where teachers learn with and from one another.
• A culture of individual goal setting, nurturing ownership, reflection and professional agency.

These supports demonstrate our belief that teachers are learners too – and that learning is a lifelong, collaborative and reflective journey.

By providing the right conditions, we honour the truth of Adams’ words: the influence of a teacher extends far beyond the classroom, shaping futures in ways we may never fully see. It’s a privilege to shine a spotlight on the remarkable educators in our Junior School – their dedication, creativity and care sit at the heart of everything we do.

Thank you for trusting us with your children and for supporting the teachers who make such a difference every day.