Putting service learning into action

Radford College’s service-learning program empowers students to make meaningful connections between their learning and the wider world. By encouraging empathy, purpose and a belief in their ability to make a difference, the program helps students recognise their capacity to create positive change – both in their own lives and in the lives of others.

This week, our Year 5 students brought that vision to life through two impactful community-based experiences. As part of their Sharing the Planet Unit of Inquiry, they explored the central idea: “Needs drive connections.”

One group visited our Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students, thoughtfully selecting and reading picture books they felt the younger learners would enjoy. Meanwhile, another group visited Calvary Aged Care, where they engaged in conversation, played board games and created crafts with residents.

Both activities reflected the spirit of service and the value of authentic, meaningful engagement with others – a hallmark of the Radford approach to learning.