Evidence-based learning.
Close-to-practice research.
Using the rich intellectual resources of the Barker College to facilitate learning and growth through the School and wider community.
Continuing the balancing act: AI and education in ongoing conversation
The importance of teachers and students engaging critically with AI is already well understood in schools. It is the starting point for any conversation about AI in education, even if only tacitly acknowledged. Our recent PD conference began from this shared understanding and then pressed us to go further: what does it look like to equip students to use AI as a tool for learning, while preserving independent thought and academic integrity?
- 30 September 2025
From Clinic to Classroom – My First Year of Teaching
After eight years at Barker (and a two-year stint at an international school in Singapore) I’ve spent much of my time as a School Nurse observing the craft of teaching from the sidelines.
- Lisa Chalmers
- 24 September 2025
Balancing Innovation with Integrity: AI in education
Artificial intelligence has moved quickly from hype to reality in schools. No longer just a futuristic idea, AI is now reshaping how we teach and learn—from personalised learning pathways to automating routine tasks for teachers. But the key question is no longer whether AI has a place in education. The question is: how do we balance innovation with integrity?
- Dr Timothy Scott
- 22 September 2025
Service: Beyond Utility, Into Character
In our school’s Character and Enterprise curriculum, we explore values that form the foundation of a meaningful life.
- Rhys Williams
- 19 September 2025
Indigenous Cultural Knowledge & Science with Corey Tutt OAM
- Monday 20 October
- 7:40- 8:30 pm
- Rhodes Theatre
Corey Tutt OAM, Kamilaroi man and founder of DeadlyScience comes to Barker to discuss Indigenous Australians as "The First Scientists", the title of his most recent book.
Science Extension Conference: Public Lectures & Showcase - 2025
- Monday 20 October
- 6:00 - 8:30pm
- Barker College
2025 Science Extension Conference. Free public lectures on the Science Extension Course with Poster Session. Come for revision for the HSC exam just one week later, come for profesisonal development, come as you begin your Science Extension journey!
Watoto Choir
- Wednesday 29 October
- 6:30 pm
- Barker College
The Watoto choir sing with beautiful voices but more importantly with an understanding of compassion, love, faith and hope.
Brave Parenting Conversations in the Middle School Years
- Monday 10 November
- 7:30 - 8:45 pm
- Barker College
Relationships, social media, consent, sex, substances and schoolwork. Sometimes these topics seem taboo, but 12-16-year-olds need support from school and home. We ask all parents of Barker students in Years 6-9 to come along for consistent messaging about encouraging conversations with our children.
Research Agenda 2024-2025
Our annually published document identifies high-level priority domains bringing together our rich intellectual resources to facilitate learning and growth throughout the school, and the local and global community.