An Anglican community inspiring every learner every experience every day
Vision
To be a leader in Christian education that is characterised by a global vision that inspires hope
Values
Commitment
Compassion
Courage
Integrity
Respect
We acknowledge the Dharug, Darkinjung, Wonnarua and Yolŋu peoples who are the traditional custodians of the land on which Barker College, Darkinjung Barker, Ngarralingayil Barker and Dhupuma Barker stand. We pay respect to the Elders past, present and emerging of the Dharug, Darkinjung, Wonnarua and Yolngu nations and extend that respect to other Indigenous people within the Barker College community.
Welcome
Barker College has a mission of being inspiring to all in our community.
The Vision of Barker takes our minds beyond the Mint Gates and asks us to focus on our global influence, achieved by strengthening the capacity of our students, staff and families to do something good and beautiful in the world. This is a challenging goal to pursue, but a strategic vision must be a compelling word picture of a future desired state. It must stretch us to ever higher standards of accomplishment.
It was Larry Elder who once said that “A goal without a plan is just a wish”. The pages that follow set down the Barker Strategic Plan. It is the result of countless hours of consultation and careful review conducted during a time of almost constant post COVID-19 change. It sets down in five domains the many-sided nature of our work: Academic Care, People and Culture, Student Experience, Communities, and Resources. Each of these domains have articulated key drivers that sit above specific organisational tasks that in combination help us to realise our Mission and pursue our Vision under God.
A Strategic Plan sets priorities, resources and directs our activities in a concerted effort towards an agreed purpose. We need to keep this document fresh in our minds, revisit it often and adjust its language to ensure we invest the busy
activity of school life with purpose and meaning. Reporting of our progress against this plan is akin to tracking our journey on a map. A plan imposes a discipline on our decision making and elegance in our reporting.
In Lewis Carroll’s enchanting Alice in Wonderland, we see Alice arrive at a fork in the road. 'Which road do I take?' she asked. 'Where do you want to go?' responded the Cheshire Cat. 'I don't know,' Alice answered. 'Then,' said the Cat, 'it doesn't matter’.
A complex school such as Barker will face countless forks in the road in the coming years. The following Strategic Plan will give us clarity as we choose the right path. It will also allow our students, parents and staff to understand in greater detail the purposes of the School that we cherish. I appreciate the energetic wisdom of the Barker Leadership Team and the many who contributed to this Plan. I rejoice in the opportunities ahead, which we commit to the Lord’s blessing and care.
Phillip Heath AM Head of Barker College
Look Beyond Look up
Resources
Curriculum and Academics
Student Experience
Communities
People and Culture
With courageous hearts and inquiring minds, Barker College looks beyond the horizon to a world outside our Mint Gates.
Seeking honour above rewards, a Barker education provides students with myriad opportunities to contribute to our local, national and international communities with hope and humility.
As a diverse, coeducational school with a rich heritage, Barker’s outlook is framed by an inclusive culture where all are welcomed and valued.
Our Strategic Plan sets out the long-term vision for the College where all students and staff are equipped to thrive within a supportive Christian environment.
With an agile approach to the delivery of educational objectives, the Strategic Plan centres around five Strategic Domains which provide the framework for both current and future initiatives within our School.
Curriculum and Academics
Prioritising academic excellence and achievement
Maximising learning through superb teaching, data and research
Integrating learning and wellbeing
Our curriculum is designed to develop confident, capable, and compassionate learners who are inspired to contribute positively to the world.
Within a broad and rich program of study, we prioritise academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a deep love of learning. We uphold the highest standards of academic rigour, encouraging students to think critically, engage deeply, and pursue mastery in their chosen fields.
Superb teaching remains central to student success. We invest in professional learning that promotes evidence-informed practice, collaboration, and innovation. Our programs are regularly reviewed through research, data analytics, and student feedback to ensure they remain relevant, rigorous, and responsive. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are used ethically to enhance pedagogy, assessment, and personalised learning.
We recognise the essential connection between learning and wellbeing. Strong partnerships among academic leaders, pastoral staff, cocurricular teams, and families support the growth of every student. Together, we foster a learning culture of challenge, care, and connection that empowers students to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
Student Experience
Creating meaningful experiential education that serves others and inspires hope
Educating character and capacity to build confidence
Leveraging opportunities to serve the mission, vision and values, such as STEAM and Robotics
Within the Strategic Plan lies the chief concern of the Student Experience, encapsulating the extensive journey embarked upon by each child, commencing with their entry into our school community, culminating with their departure through Mint Gates.
Barker’s priority resides in deliberately fostering an outward orientation in the experiences offered, thereby serving others, and fostering connections within the broader community. Simultaneously, an inward focus will be cultivated, facilitating introspection that nurtures the growth of character.
The Barker journey serves as the guiding handrail, with students being shepherded by their class teachers, Heads of House, and inspired by mentors, coaches, and instructors. Chaplaincy provides unwavering support, while role models demonstrate the way, and peers celebrate achievements. It is only through active participation in a myriad of diverse opportunities that the holistic development of the individual can be achieved.
The extensive list of pursuits, encompassing sports, music, outdoor education, public speaking, debating, robotics, and STEAM, among others, is a
testament to the rich tapestry of offerings. This diversity plays a pivotal role in nurturing various aspects of the students' growth. Challenges encountered along this path, and exposure to new experiences, foster profound connections and lead to revelations.
The overarching aim of this journey is to develop individuals of unwavering character and capacity, enabling them to thrive with a profound comprehension of their innate talents, bestowed upon them by God. The aspiration is for our young people to become agents of service, making contributions to the world, both during their time at Barker and, more crucially, long after they have departed through the Mint Gates.
People and Culture
Embracing a culture of excellence
Attracting, engaging and inspiring our people
Promoting a safe environment for all
At Barker, our team of over 1,000 dedicated staff members work across five campuses in New South Wales and the Northern Territory.
We foster a workplace culture built on our core values of commitment, compassion, courage, integrity, and respect; values that shape every interaction within our community.
We aspire to be a leading Independent School in the Southern Hemisphere, offering a Christian environment where staff are known, valued, supported, and equipped to thrive. This culture of care and excellence extends to our students and families, creating a vibrant and inclusive school community.
Our People & Culture Strategy outlines Barker’s commitment to cultivating a workplace that prioritises excellence, engagement, and safety. It guides how we attract and inspire outstanding educators and professional services staff who deliver exceptional academic care and enriching student experiences. Through initiatives that support professional growth, leadership development, and innovation,
we ensure our team is empowered to make a meaningful impact.
Safety and wellbeing are central to our approach. We proactively create a physically and psychologically healthy environment where every member of our community is treated with dignity and respect and can flourish within a valuesdriven culture.
The strategic focus of our People & Culture domain reflects Barker’s understanding of the evolving nature of work. We are committed to maintaining our Employer of Choice recognition, offering a workplace where people feel proud to belong and inspired to contribute.
Communities
Living our Christian values in an inclusive community
Connecting locally, nationally and globally
Contributing to the greater good (Honor non Honores)
At Barker, we are committed to embodying our Christian values in every aspect of our community. Our strategic plan prioritises fostering an inclusive environment where every individual is respected and valued.
By living our Christian values, such as compassion, empathy, and kindness, we ensure that our students, staff, and families feel a strong sense of belonging. Through regular reflection, discussion, and integration of these values into our curriculum and daily interactions, we create a nurturing atmosphere where diverse perspectives are welcomed and celebrated. This driver underpins our dedication to shaping not just academic excellence, but also character and moral growth, preparing our students to become responsible and compassionate global citizens.
Barker recognises the importance of connections that transcend geographical boundaries. Our strategic plan emphasises building connections locally, nationally, and globally. By connecting on various levels, we equip our students with the skills needed to thrive in an interconnected
world. Furthermore, we seek opportunities to engage our parent and Alumni communities by providing opportunities where their experience and expertise can be utilised for collaboration and partnerships.
Barker is dedicated to instilling in our students a sense of responsibility to contribute positively to society. Our strategic plan places a significant emphasis on nurturing a spirit of service and community engagement. We believe that education extends beyond the classroom, and by actively participating in philanthropic initiatives, environmental stewardship, and community outreach, our students learn the value of making a meaningful impact.
Resources
Enabling our students, staff and communities for success
Stewarding assets, funding and fees responsibly, justly and efficiently
Master planning for the future
Effective resourcing underpins the thriving of our staff, students, and wider community. Through the strategic drivers of enabling success, responsible stewardship, and master planning, we aim to sustain a learning environment that is innovative, inclusive, and environmentally responsible.
We are committed to empowering our people for success by investing in professional learning, state-of-the-art facilities, and emerging technologies that enhance teaching, creativity, and collaboration. These investments ensure that every member of our community has the tools and opportunities to achieve their best, both now and into the future.
Responsible stewardship guides our financial and environmental decisions. We are dedicated to transparent, ethical, and sustainable management of all assets and resources. By embedding sustainability principles into operations, procurement, and infrastructure, we model environmental responsibility and inspire our students to become thoughtful stewards of creation.
Our long-term master plan provides a visionary framework for the continued growth and evolution of the School. It anticipates the needs of future learners, supports flexible and technology-rich learning spaces, and integrates sustainable design principles. Through deliberate planning and forward-looking investment, we ensure our facilities and resources reflect our educational ambitions and values.
Together, these priorities enable us to build a resilient, future-ready school—one that balances innovation with stewardship, and growth with care for the people and environment entrusted to us.
Health and Wellbeing
Wellbeing at Barker places the student at the heart of all we do. Anchored in our School Values and the Christian message, our wellbeing strategy is agile and responsive to the contemporary challenges of our world.
The purpose is to embed wellbeing across all aspects of Barker life, equipping our students, staff and families with the tools to thrive emotionally, socially and spiritually.
Wellbeing is integrated throughout the School, supported by a robust pastoral care system that fosters belonging and connection. Students participate in Connect groups weekly, engaging in a tailored scope and sequence that includes relationship building and age-appropriate wellbeing lessons shaped to their needs.
Guest speakers throughout the year provide insights and support to address current and relevant issues in our rapidly
changing world. Strong collaboration across chaplaincy, pastoral, academic, health and psychology teams ensures a holistic approach to wellbeing that meets the unique needs of all students.
Beyond the classroom, our Mental Health First Aid initiative has trained over 350 staff and now extends to courses for parents and carers. The Parent Institute, launched to support the parenting journey, intentionally partners with our families, recognising when parents grow, children thrive. Our Respectful Partnerships Charter for Parents and Guardians, affirms our commitment to a safe, inclusive and respectful school environment where
parents are invited to partner with staff in fostering positive relationships, underpinned by our School motto Honor Non Honores, and guided by the Christian message of love and mutual respect.
At Barker, staff wellbeing and mental fitness is not an isolated initiative but a strategic priority embedded in our mission, vision and values. Our approach to continually strengthen a psychologically healthy work environment is informed by global research and internal reviews. Initiatives such as Mental Health First Aid, 360 appraisals, leadership development programs and regular employee engagement surveys are now sustainable practices. We recognise that true
wellbeing is cultivated through meaningful human connection, our strategy reframes wellbeing as a shared responsibility, grounded in kindness, inclusion, resilience and intentional connection. We are committed to fostering a workplace culture where every staff member feels seen, valued and supported to flourish. This in turn enhances the learning environment for every student.
The legacy of Barker’s wellbeing programs aims to inspire staff and enable student graduates who are resilient, compassionate and equipped to make a positive impact in the world, contributing to the greater good.
Coeducation
In 2025, Barker celebrated a significant milestone as our first fully coeducational cohort, those who began in Year 7 in 2020, complete the HSC.
This achievement marks the realisation of a bold and deliberate vision to create a truly inclusive learning community where girls and boys learn, lead, and grow together.
Coeducation at Barker reflects our deep commitment to inclusion, respect, and diversity. It affords students the opportunity to collaborate meaningfully, challenge stereotypes, and develop the confidence and empathy required to contribute to a complex and interconnected world.
While many independent schools were founded more than a century ago in very different social contexts, Barker has embraced a model of education that aligns with the realities of the 21st century.
Our transition to full coeducation, begun in the Junior School in 2019 and completed across the School in 2022, builds on the foundation laid in 1975 when girls first joined the Senior School.
Coeducation is both a reflection of our heritage and an investment in the future. It prepares students for a world no longer defined by traditional gender roles — a world that values collaboration, equality, and character. In learning together, our students develop resilience, adaptability, and mutual respect, ensuring they are well equipped to lead with wisdom and compassion in every sphere of life.
Indigenous Programs
In
2016, Barker entered into a new approach to Indigenous education with the establishment of Darkinjung Barker School for K–6 Indigenous students at Yarramalong on the Central Coast.
In 2020, Ngarralingayil Barker opened in Wollombi, catering to students from the Cessnock, Maitland, and Kurri Kurri areas. In 2021, Dhupuma Barker opened as a bilingual primary school for Yolŋu children from the community at Gunyangara in Northeast Arnhem Land.
At Barker, we recognise the importance of upholding Aboriginal cultural identities as we strive to close the educational gap. We are privileged to contribute to the education of First Nations peoples through our Indigenous campuses, where learning on Country and bilingual education are central pillars of our approach.
Each school prioritises the development of strong foundational skills in literacy and numeracy for Indigenous students from Kindergarten to Year 6, while also nurturing confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. Our bilingual programs honour
and preserve First Languages, supporting students to grow as proud speakers of both English and their ancestral tongue.
Learning on Country connects students deeply to their land, culture, and community, embedding education within the lived experience of place and identity. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens cultural knowledge alongside academic achievement.
Looking ahead, Barker is excited to expand this commitment with the opening of the new Dhupuma Barker school in 2026, which will be ready to welcome students at the commencement of the school year. This new campus will further strengthen our vision for Indigenous education that is culturally responsive, community-led, and grounded in excellence.
Service Learning and Community Engagement
Service Learning and Community Engagement work together to strengthen the School’s connection with the wider community.
Endeavours and partnerships in this space strive to embody the School values of commitment, compassion, courage, integrity, and respect. These programs nurture students to become empathetic, responsible, and active citizens; individuals who understand their capacity to contribute meaningfully to both local and global communities.
With a commitment to the cultivation of character through explicit education, and as a Round Square School, Service Learning connects classroom learning with purposeful action underpinned by virtues. Students engage in structured, age-appropriate experiences that foster empathy, leadership and social responsibility. Experiences from informal lunchtime clubs, such as knitting, through to structured partnerships with organisations such as Hornsby Connect, the Gateway Café at the Salvation Army, Anglicare, Clarke Road School, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter and Wahroonga House Aged Care, students learn that service is transformational, not
transactional. These experiences help them develop humility, empathy and a genuine sense of connection.
Community Engagement extends Barker’s commitment to service by fostering relationships with external groups and creating shared platforms for growth. The School regularly welcomes community organisations, including the Lifeline Bookfair, which attracts thousands of visitors from across the area, as well as local dance schools, sports associations, church groups and primary schools who use Barker’s facilities for programs and events. Barker has also hosted major community celebrations such as the Spring Fair and Christmas events, both of which open the School’s doors to celebrate connection between Barker and the wider community. Barker students also partner annually with the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal and Legacy Week Appeal, engaging with the public at local Shopping Centres to raise funds for community support programs.
Gifted Education at Barker
Barker celebrates gifted and talented students as part of the school’s mission to inspire every learner. At Barker, the unique needs of these students are well recognised and nurtured through the principles of academic care.
There is a K-12 pathway for gifted and talented students ensuring that learning opportunities grow with them, and that individualised case management is continuous. Our youngest learners commence their journey in Junior School as bold inquirers within the renowned Primary Years Program. In Senior School, the rigour and diversity of learning experiences increase so that students become deeply considered in their quest to use their strengths to create a better world.
Giftedness presents across intellectual, creative, physical and socio-emotional domains. Our gifted education program encompasses differentiated classroom practice, enrichment and extension
activities, mentoring, and acceleration processes to harness student strengths. There is also an extensive cocurricular suite of offerings for gifted and talented students. Barker collaborates closely with parents to create advanced student profiles and individual learning plans.
Barker educators know that for giftedness to manifest as talent, supportive relationships and commitment are required. We see the socio-emotional skills of gifted and talented students as an important area of their education. In a caring environment, we prepare them with an aspirational mindset that harnesses grit and resilience.
Environmental Sustainability
Footprint is a student group that aims to blend advocacy, education and participation across a range of environmental and social issues throughout the Barker Community.
Initiatives of this group include:
• Collection of old uniforms to be recycled by WornUp in partnership with the NSW Environmental Protection Agency and the CSIRO
• 40 bags of winter clothing and blankets collected and delivered to newly arrived refugees via House of Welcome’s Winter Clothing Drive
• Additional bubbler/refill water bottle stations have been installed around the School as part of the Refill not Landfill campaign.
• Recycling of batteries, bottle tops, bread tags, soft plastics and mobile phones which are then recycled through relevant programs such as Bread Tags for Wheelchairs and Envision 3D printed hands and mobility aids.
• With the addition of another 100kW of solar capacity on the Hub, Barker’s total solar capacity has now grown to over 500kW. This helps the School generate almost 20% of its total electricity requirements, with Rosewood and Junior School as high as 50%. Plans are now being developed to improve the solar capacity in the heritage sections of the School.
• 100% biodegradable and compostable food packing has replaced plastic containers in canteens
In November 2025 Barker became the first school in Australia to achieve Sustainable Energy Commitment (SEC) Certification, a globally recognised accreditation aligned with the Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards (ASRS) and the United Nations 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact confirming we:
1. Operate with traceable, auditable Scope 1 and 2 emissions data, and are Scope 3 ready
2. Embed emissions accountability into governance and investment decisions
3. Follow a strategic 3-step pathway: Visibility, Optimisation, and Decarbonisation; turning data into action and action into impact
4. Are actively progressing toward 24/7 carbon-free energy operations
Barker now generates 20% of its energy from on-site solar, and in July 2025 transitioned to wind and solar farm energy for most of its electricity consumption under a 10-year Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA).
Co-curricular Activities
The
experience inside the classroom is only one part of a Barker education. Co-curricular activities deepen the school experience for all our students, and from the arts to the sporting field, students are encouraged to challenge themselves and uncover their talents.
For Pre-K to Year 6 students, we offer a broad range of sporting, cultural and recreational co-curricular activities. Throughout Years 7 to 12, our students have even greater opportunities to pursue their passions. As well as Drama, Music, Cadets and over 20 different sports, Barker students can challenge themselves in the areas of Robotics, Debating and Public speaking.
Engaging in co-curricular activities offers students a multitude of benefits beyond academics. These activities foster holistic growth by nurturing essential life skills such as teamwork, time management, and leadership. They provide a platform
for students to explore their interests, enhancing their self-discovery and confidence. Through activities like sports, arts, clubs, and community service, students develop social skills, empathy, and a sense of belonging. Co-curricular activities also complement classroom learning by encouraging practical application of knowledge. By diversifying experiences, students are better equipped for future challenges and life beyond school. Overall, these activities contribute to well-rounded individuals poised for success in various aspects of life.
Robotics and Steam
Robotics is much more than electronic gaming. It combines careful design, construction, team play and character forming application to detail under rigorous, even stressful circumstances.
Barker has adopted a whole-school approach to its Robotics program with students able to participate in Robotics from Year 3. Our Robotics program has grown significantly and now involves hundreds of students from Junior School to Year 12 in three different styles of experience. A wonderful new VEX Robotics lab as well as a marvellous space for FRC activities, opened in 2022, allowing students access to a full size field and room for design work, machining, coding and planning.
Through a rewarding and enriching program, we aim to maximise the creative and intelligent capacity of the students, challenging them to grow their skills and confidence to achieve feats they never thought possible.
Inclusive Learning
Barker College is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that caters for the diverse learning needs of all students.
The strategic plan focuses on fostering a supportive culture where every learner can thrive, regardless of their unique challenges.
Key initiatives include:
• Personalised Learning Approaches: Implementing differentiated instruction to cater to various learning styles and abilities, ensuring engagement for all students. Personalised adjustments allow students to access learning according to their individualised needs.
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Adopting UDL principles to create flexible learning environments that promote accessibility and participation for diverse learners.
• Specialised Support Services: A range of supports are provided to students with diverse learning needs within a multitiered framework. Specific interventions enable students to develop their skills through targeted support classes and programs.
• Professional Development: Providing ongoing professional development for educators on inclusive teaching strategies, equipping them to meet the challenges of all students effectively.
• Collaboration and Communication: Encouraging partnerships among teachers, parents, and specialists to create a collaborative approach to support diverse learners, fostering a sense of community.
Through these initiatives, Barker College aims to cultivate an educational environment that empowers all students to reach their full potential, preparing them for success in an increasingly diverse world.
