Staff Insights
By Mr Christopher Bradbury, Principal
In 2019, the UK Education Secretary, Damien Hinds, delivered an excellent address on the importance of character development and resilience in schools. He said, 'The reason character and resilience matter so much to me is that they are key to social mobility. Social mobility starts with giving young people the unstoppable confidence that they can achieve amazing things, teaching them to cope with the challenges life brings and recognise their achievements – because they each have their own, unique potential to fulfil.'
Character education has been a significant talking point in the UK for several years now and it’s positive to see that Ofsted (the chief UK inspection body of schools) has now mandated monitoring how effective schools are in developing the character of their students. It’s a positive move because it’s a deliberate measurement of how schools need to achieve academic outcomes and develop character.
Damien Hinds went further in his address by arguing that there are 4 foundations for building character in our schools including:
- Sport
- Creativity and performance
- Volunteering (service)
- The world of work
I agree wholeheartedly with this framework and believe it enables us to reflect on how we develop these areas at Radford and how we plan to build upon these foundational areas for the future.
Sport – Traditional, competitive team sports and a wide range of other physical activities. Through both victory and defeat, athletes learn resilience, teamwork and the importance of perseverance. They develop a strong work ethic, a sense of discipline and the ability to handle pressure.
Creativity and performance – This features all kinds of thoughtful and inventive activities, as well as expressive activities for individuals or in a group, including drama, theatre, dance, playing in an orchestra, singing in a choir, public speaking and debating (oracy).
Volunteering (service) – Through voluntary youth groups, campaigns of particular interest to the young or school-based initiatives, as well as structured programs like the Duke of Edinburgh.
World of work – From learning about careers and entrepreneurialism, to actual work experience or a weekend job, future readiness is a cornerstone of the educational experience, dedicated to equipping students with the skills, insights and opportunities needed to navigate their future careers.
A focus on character education is centred around allowing students to grow as individuals and discover their passions through transformative school opportunities, so they can lead a well-rounded life and contribute to a thriving society. Our intention at Radford is to develop confident and compassionate students who are effective contributors to society, successful learners and responsible citizens.
We have a moral obligation to provide a learning environment in which our students can grow in their understanding of what is good and develop their ability to protect and advance what is good. They need to develop a commitment to serving others, which is an essential manifestation of good character in action. Character involves caring for and respecting others, as well as caring for and respecting oneself.
David Hinds supports this view when he concluded:
'Of course, I want every child to excel at school and do well in their exams – but this is just one part of how education prepares them for the future. Through school and college, young people gain the skills and qualifications they need to get a well-paid job, but to truly prepare for adult life, we also need to make sure our young people build character and resilience.'
We look forward to strengthening character education at Radford next term. I wish everyone a safe and restful term break.
By Reverend Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain
Gossan Hill is a gift to the Radford College community. The nature reserve is heritage-listed for its unique geology and Indigenous cultural heritage. Gossan Hill is a place for Radford College staff and students to walk, play and learn as we interact with the environment, explore the area as part of scientific investigation and have the privilege of working with Tyronne Bell, a Ngunawal descendant, to hear about the Aboriginal significance of this special place. The Friends of Gossan Hill maintain the reserve and organise community wildflower and bird walks.
The Season of Creation is a month-long celebration in which Christians from across the world come together to give thanks for, and act on behalf of, our common home. Beginning on 1 September with the Day of Prayer for Creation, the Season of Creation ends on 4 October with the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology.
This year, I’m giving thanks for organisations near and far who care for creation. Radford College’s Sustainability Working Group puts a lot of effort towards ensuring the College is taking initiative and maintaining meaningful action to improve biodiversity and reduce waste.
Anglicans In Development works with partners overseas and in Australia to fulfil the Fifth Mark of Anglican Mission: protect, care for and renew life on our planet. For the people of the Solomon Islands, rising sea levels are causing a loss of homes and coastal erosion, ruining food gardens with saltwater and displacing people. Men and women in religious orders, such as Brother Worrick Marako from the Society of St Francis, have been travelling throughout the Solomon Islands warning of the harmful community impacts of industrial logging and mining.
Freda Fataka, Anglican Church of Melanesia’s Environmental Observatory Coordinator, has seen for herself the devastating impact of climate change. 'I have a passion for caring for nature,' says Freda.
'I know that God created us, so we too need to be good stewards of Creation.'
Freda coordinates a network of 16 environmental observatories around the Solomon Islands. Church volunteers collect valuable data on rainfall, temperature and shoreline changes, and learn about climate change and their role as advocates.
You can find out more and support this work of Anglicans working to heal the planet in the Solomon Islands, the Philippines, Kenya and other places through Anglicans in Development.
As we approach the school holidays, may there be times of rest, rejuvenation and connection with God, with each other and with the beauty of creation.
This prayer from the Anglican Board of Mission uses images from creation to describe the wonder, power and grace of God. I wonder if there is an image or phrase that resonates with you as you celebrate and reflect upon the Season of Creation?
Prayer
Lord of courage, Lord of awe,
shake the ground beneath our feet,
that we might understand your will and power.
The tumbling might of your grace
thunders like a waterfall.
Still us with your majesty
and draw us in to swim beneath the tumult,
drawn to your depths, rising to breathe glory.
Restore our strength as we work with you
to revive creation.
Through Jesus Christ, Lord of life,
prophet of renewal.
Amen
News
By Ms Jen Bateman and Mrs Faye Robertson, Teacher Mentors
The teacher mentor role was initiated by former Principal, Mr Phillip Heath, in 2009 to provide staff with access to a specialist staff member who worked across the College. The concept was to provide additional support to teachers in a wide variety of internal and external processes, including registration, probation, accreditation, coaching, pedagogical support and other matters of professional practice. Since that time, the role has grown considerably with the natural growth of the College, but also with the increased interest in accreditation.
As the College's teacher mentors, we work closely together in this very privileged role to work with teachers at every level of experience and stage of development across the College. As our colleagues work through the various levels of accreditation, the requirements become more complex and demanding and there is a greater emphasis on initiating new programs and mentoring less experienced colleagues.
Collaboration is at the heart of the teacher mentor role. By working alongside colleagues, the teacher mentors foster a culture of professional dialogue, reflection and shared practice that directly enhances teacher quality. This collaborative approach supports teachers to engage with evidence-based, high-impact teaching strategies that have been shown to make the greatest difference to student learning.
As teachers grow in confidence and capability, they not only strengthen their own practice but also contribute to a collective culture of excellence across the College. In this way, professional growth becomes both an individual and a shared journey, ensuring that every student benefits from the highest quality of teaching.
Radford College values quality teaching and recognises the importance of professional growth and development in improving outcomes for students. The College has a rigorous probation process, which ensures that we recruit teachers who are excellent practitioners. Alongside this, teacher accreditation to which the College is committed, provides a nationwide framework defining the standard of practice in the teaching profession to ensure the quality of teaching in our schools.
Accreditation provides a basis for the ongoing growth and development of teachers to raise the outcomes of education for students. The Professional Teaching Standards define the qualities of effective teaching. They describe the knowledge, skills and practices expected of teachers at different stages of their careers, and provide a framework for critical reflection, professional development and growth.
The College currently has 7 teachers who are working towards Proficient teacher status, 4 working towards Accomplished teacher, 3 working towards Highly Accomplished teacher and one working towards Lead teacher. We currently have 4 Highly Accomplished teachers on staff and 3 qualified National Assessors for Highly Accomplished and Lead teachers.
We are very well placed to ensure that our students will be exposed to the very best in quality teaching and learning.
Netball Grand Finals
The 2025 North Canberra Netball Competition Grand Finals wrapped up in thrilling fashion on Saturday, with our 3 teams leaving it all on the court and fighting until the final whistle.
In a gripping contest for the Inters Division 9 crown, the Harriers edged past GNC Green Ambers in a close encounter. Through sharp shooting and relentless defence, the Harriers held their nerve to secure a well-earned victory and take home the premiership trophy.
In the Inters Division 5, the Radford Falcons faced a tough opponent and, despite a valiant effort, fell short in the final. Their season was marked by growth and grit, with players continually seeking to develop their skills.
In one of the most exciting matches of the finals, the Radford Hawks battled EGNC Maroon in an Inters Division 3 showdown that ran into extra time. With both teams refusing to back down, the Hawks showed incredible heart to draw the game at the end of regular time and staying goal for goal for the majority of extra time before narrowly going down 28–30. It was a match that will be remembered for its intensity and determination.
Well done to Lily, Zoe and Renee for their professionalism in umpiring the grand finals. Thank you also to the coaches and managers for their guidance and encouragement during the season. And last, but not least, congratulations to all our players for their outstanding season representing Radford netball!
2025 ACT 13 and Over Track and Field Championships
We are thrilled to share the results of the recent 13 and Over Track and Field Championships. Radford placed 1st out of 54 schools in the combined point score. The College also placed 2nd overall on the female point score and 3rd overall on the male point score.
Radford proudly fielded a strong contingent of 35 athletes, competing across all age groups and disciplines. From sprints to throws, jumps to distance events, each athlete brought determination, skill and school spirit to one of the ACT’s premier sporting stages.
Congratulations to all competitors, it was a great day of performance and competition. Thank you to Sports Program Coordinator, Mr Alex Timms, Acting Sports Operations Manager, Ms Emily Robinson, and Learning Support Assistant, Mr Ryan Clerke for supporting the students throughout the day.
Register now for Term 3 holiday camps
Coerver Coaching ACT Holiday Camp
The Coerver Coaching Holiday Camp offers a fun-filled soccer experience for students. Each day will include ball mastery, 1v1 attack and defence, receiving and passing, small-sided Coerver games and mini Coerver Cup tournaments.
Players who attend a Coerver Coaching ACT Holiday Camp will receive:
- 12 hours of Coerver Coaching sessions delivered by Coerver Diploma-accredited coaches
- Coerver Coaching training shirt
- An Adidas training football
- Coerver Coaching Home Study Program
- Coerver Coaching Home Study Program online support
- Coerver Coaching certificate of attendance
Dates:
- Monday, 29 September to Thursday, 2 October (Northside)
- Tuesday, 7 October to Friday, 10 October (Southside)
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Venues:
- Northside – University of Canberra Oval 1, Bruce
- Southside – Monash Primary School Oval, Monash
Register: Click here
UC Capitals Basketball Clinics
The UC Capitals holiday Basketball Clinics offer young basketball enthusiasts the chance to enhance their skills alongside UC Caps players and coaches in a fun and supportive environment.
This camp is a fantastic opportunity to learn from some of the WNBL’s best, right here at Radford College.
Camp details
Dates: 7 to 10 October (see sessions below)
Venue: G. Wigg Sports Centre, Radford College (1 College St, Bruce, ACT 2617) and Building 4 Sports Hall, University of Canberra (Allawoona Street, Bruce, ACT 2617)
Ages: 6 to 16 years old
Capacity: 48 participants per session
Cost: Single session – $100 (Radford College students qualify for a 20% discount on any ticket. Use RADFORD20 as a promo code during checkout).
Sessions:
- Tuesday. 7 October, 1:00pm to 4:00pm, at the University of Canberra.
- Specialist shooting session: Wednesday, 8 October, 9:00 am to 12:00pm, at the University of Canberra.
- Wednesday, 8 October, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, at the University of Canberra.
- Thursday and Friday, 9 to 10 October, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, at Radford College.
What’s included
Expert coaching: Led by UC Caps players and coaches.
Bonus ticket: Free ticket to a 2025/26 UC Capitals WNBL home game.
Snacks provided: Complimentary snacks, such as fruit and popcorn, during session breaks.
By Year 10 Student, Ariadna
Last Friday, 19 September, a group of Year 10 students had the privilege to attend the United Nations International Day of Peace commemoration. This summit, celebrating 80 years since the creation of the United Nations, was held in Canberra's Nara Peace Park, home to the Canberra Rotary Peace Bell.
The ceremony started with an amazing guitar performance by Victor and Alexander, followed by a performance by A Chorus of Women. Several dignitaries attended the ceremony, including the Ambassador of Japan, Kazuhiro Suzuki, and the United Nations Youth Representative, Satara Uthayakumaran. Messages from the Secretary-General of the UN, António Guterres, and the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, were also read out to those in attendance. Each message addressed the urgent challenge of maintaining peace in today's world, while offering hopeful solutions to global problems, such as conflict and inequality.
The Radford contingent also had the opportunity to talk to some of the dignitaries and ask them questions about their lives and careers. For example, the UN Youth Representative, Ms Uthayakumaran, told us about her trip to New York to present her findings to the United Nations committee and call them to action, addressing problems in Australia's underdeveloped areas, and allowing the silenced to finally have a voice.
The most memorable moment of the event was ringing the Peace Bell together and taking turns reading parts of a poem about peace aloud. The Canberra Rotary Peace Bell was a gift from the people of Japan after the Second World War, and it signifies peace between our nations, and the ability to sustain friendly and conflict-free relationships. Ringing this bell and listening to its sound resonate across the lake leaves one with a feeling of peace and hope for our future.
Attending this summit made us all reflect on the role that young people play in shaping the world we live in. To save our future, we must act today, because the longer we wait, the harder it will be to reverse the consequences of our actions.
By Mrs Monique Glavonjic, Community Engagement Manager
The countdown is on for the Twilight Fete on Saturday, 1 November, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Secure your ride and food wristbands now – available to purchase online or in person from the Morison or Junior School Receptions.
Everything you need to know about the Twilight Fete, including rides, volunteering and donation collections for our stalls can be found here.
