Year 10 Interviews and the Spectacular 2023 Revue

By Mr Brad Cooney, Deputy Principal and Head of Secondary School

It is great to be back at school again following the three-week break. I am excited for the many opportunities for learning and connecting that Term 3 heralds. The teachers and broader staff have all been working very hard to plan and prepare for the term ahead. I am very grateful for their passion, dedication and commitment to our students' learning and well-being.

I trust that the publication of Semester 1 Learning Summaries has given students and parents/guardians in the Secondary School the opportunity to reflect on their progress and growth in the first half of 2023, allowing them to recalibrate and approach the remainder of 2023 with renewed focus, commitment and determination.

This week, senior staff have been facilitating interviews with our Year 10 students to review pathway and subject selections for 2024.

These interviews enable students to consider the type of learner they are, their strengths in subjects and career aspirations beyond Radford College. The staff and students have found these discussions invaluable for the decision-making process, with a view to undertake Senior Studies in Years 11 and 12.

This generation of students will undertake an average of six career changes in their lifetime, with many careers yet to be identified in this global world. Teamwork, collaboration, initiative and innovation skills are sought after by employers, and we work to incorporate these in the Year 9 and 10 curricula.

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Year 12 annual Revue. The 2023 Revue was all about students accepting responsibility, fulfilling specific roles, communicating effectively, working collaboratively within a range of teams, being critical thinkers, needing to be creative to solve problems, and meeting deadlines. Our Year 12s worked very hard to put on a wonderful show. If I were an employer, I would hire any one of them in a heartbeat for the endeavour displayed.

Special thanks to the staff who have supported these students over the past few months during the production phase: Mr Nick Akhurst, Mrs Jane Lilley, Mrs Kirsten Knight, Ms Sally Stenning, Mr Tim Minehan, Mr Dylan Mordike, Mr David Burcher, and our grounds, facilities and performing arts staff, in particular. These people will, no doubt, feel a great deal of satisfaction knowing the students involved staged a show that was well-received by audiences over the three nights.

I look forward to working with our students and families as we progress through Term 3 and hope to meet you at the myriad of events and activities on offer during this very productive and busy term.

Best wishes,
Brad Cooney.