Learning, leading and serving

By Mr Christopher Bradbury, Principal

Welcome to the new academic year!

I am delighted to have been appointed as Principal of Radford College. As I stepped onto campus for the return of our students, I was immediately struck by the vibrant energy and palpable sense of community that defines this exceptional school. This energy carried through to our Whole College Commencement Service, where we celebrated our traditions, values and commitment to excellence through prayer, song, dance and storytelling. Meeting with students, staff and parents throughout the week has reinforced my initial impressions, and I am honoured to join such a dedicated and passionate community.

I am eager to embark on this journey with you, working together to build upon Radford’s rich history and shape an even brighter future for our students. I look forward to getting to know each of you in the coming months and becoming an integral part of the Radford family.

As we move into a defining year of strategic planning, Radford College will continue to value a holistic education and maintain our strong commitment to developing the intellectual, cultural, creative and spiritual capacities of our students. We will achieve this through our deliberate and intentional approach to the following key foundational areas:

Academic excellence: A foundation for the future

Radford has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence. We are proud of our dedicated teachers who are passionate about their subjects and committed to fostering a love of learning. They will challenge our students to think critically, to question assumptions and to explore new ideas.

Scholarship is about encouraging intellectual rigour and independent thinking, and valuing academic study and achievement. We want our students to be challenged and to develop a love of learning so they can harness the intellectual habits that will allow them to be independent and confident.

It is our intention for scholarship to be what our students take from school, and leadership to be what they give to the world.

Character development: The cornerstone of success

Academic achievement is important, and we believe that character development is equally vital. At Radford, we instil in our students the values of Truth, Compassion and Wisdom. These values are the cornerstone of a life well lived and are essential for building strong relationships and contributing positively to society.

Essential for the good of society is developing individuals with personal responsibility, who know the importance of kindness and consideration, and respect for others. The development of good character means challenging and stimulating young people in resilience, grit, leadership, critical thinking and emotional intelligence, which lie at the heart of what constitutes a quality education.

The Radford community: A place to belong

Radford is more than just a school—it's a community. It's a place where students meet lifelong friends, connect with inspiring mentors and develop a sense of belonging. We encourage students to embrace opportunities and get involved in the vibrant life of the College, whether it be through sport, music, drama, oracy, or any of the service and global citizenship opportunities within their reach. These activities are a wonderful way to explore different interests, develop skills and build lasting friendships. They are also an opportunity to learn the importance of teamwork, leadership and commitment.

Partnership with parents: A shared journey

We believe that a strong partnership between the College and parents is essential for student success. We encourage our parents and carers to stay connected with your child's education, to attend school events and to communicate regularly with their teachers. We value your input and believe we can provide the best possible support for your child's growth and development that by working together.

The very foundation of quality schooling is to ensure young people live their lives through a sense of belonging, fulfil their potential and develop strong moral principles about what is good and just. We have a responsibility to provide students with the opportunity to discover who they are and what they stand for, and to model and scaffold positive behaviour.

As educators, our role is to help others strive for excellence and develop character. Let us continue to work together on this purposeful journey, live our days continually inspired to convert vision into action and find the momentum of a growth mindset approach to learning, leading and serving.