Flourishing in an AI-rich future with Futurist-in-Residence Anders Sörman-Nilsson

• 18 August 2026
• 6:30 - 7:45 pm
• Leslie Hall, Barker College

Increasingly students (and families) are uncertain about the world that young people today will be inhabiting and shaping. The Barker Institute and Barker Careers are proud to be partnering with Barker Futurist-in-Residence Anders Sörman-Nilsson to ensure students and families are prepared for whatever is to come.

Public Launch: Young people, learning, and generative AI: A rapid literature review and implications for PreK–12 education

• Session 1: 11 August 2026 7:00 - 8:00 PM
• Session 2: 12 August 2026 12:30 - 1:30 PM
• Online Webinar

As part of a large reserch program on AI, Learning and the Developing Person, the Barker Institute has partnered with the University of Sydney to produce a rapid literature review. This review is a synthesis of emerging evidence on the impact of Generative AI (GenAI) on young people in PreK-12 settings. Focusing on implications for learning, development, and educational practice, the literature review informed the design, focus, and co-ordination of the research program outlined in this overview.

Colin's Favourites! Parent Institute Event

• Thursday 6 August
• 5:30 - 6:30pm
• Leslie Hall

Colin is coming to Barker - and everyone is invited!

The Confident Parent Course - Cohort 4

• Term 3 2026 - 3, 10, 17 and 24 August
• 7:00 - 8:30pm
• The Piazza, Kurrajong Building, Barker College Junior School

The flagship offering of the Parent Institute. A free, four-week course where parents grow, discuss and connect around parenthood.

Solo Supported

• Saturday 13 June
• 2:30 - 4:30
• Sue Field Room, Rosewood Centre, Barker College

We warmly invite solo parents to join us for this meaningful and supportive afternoon.

Maths Mindset Matters! A celebration of Mathematics at Barker

• Wednesday 10 June
• 5:30 - 7:45pm
• Senior School Hub (Mathematics Building) - Barker College

Inquisitive minds of all ages are invited to the Mathematics building on the evening of Wednesday 10 June to an interactive night exploring the wonderful world of mathematics at Barker.

Diverse Minds, Deep Learning

• Monday 18 May 2026
• 7:00 - 8:15pm
• The Piazza, Kurrajong Building, Barker College Junior School

A Gifted Awareness Week event for parents and educators. This seminar will highlight our understanding of Gifted Learners through Cognitive Science.

Nurturing Respectful Relationships in the Senior School Years

• Monday 11 May
• 7:00 - 8:30 pm
• The Piazza, Kurrajong Building, Barker College Junior School

Together, we can help our young people build respectful relationships, make wise decisions, and step into adulthood with confidence, clarity, and strong character. Parents are invited to learn expert tips for meaningful conversations with their children.

Year 7 Study Habits – An interactive seminar for parents and Year 7 students to attend together (2026)

• Tuesday 21 April 2026
• 6:30 - 7:45 pm
• Leslie Hall

Year 7 is an opportunity to develop effective study and learning habits. The Barker Institute will be hosting a workshop bringing parents and students together, that they may be on the same page and pursue study success as a team, using the best available information as a guide.

The Confident Parent Course - Cohort 3

• Term 1 2026 - 2, 9, 16 and 23 March
• 7:00 - 8:30pm
• The Piazza, Kurrajong Building, Barker College Junior School

The flagship offering of the Parent Institute. A free, four-week course where parents grow, discuss and connect around parenthood.

Brave Parenting Conversations in the Middle School Years

• Monday 10 November
• 7:30 - 8:45 pm
• Rhodes Theatre, 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.

Book Launch: Dr Neil Tucker - Educating for Humanity: The Holistic Principle

• Tuesday 4 November
• 4:30-5:30pm
• Sue Field Rooms, Rosewood Centre, Barker College

Barker warmly welcomes back its seventh Headmaster, Dr Neil Tucker, to launch his recently published book Educating for humanity: The Holistic Principle.

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.

Science Extension Conference: Public Lectures & Showcase - 2025

• Monday 20 October
• 6:00 - 8:30pm
• Rhodes Theatre - 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!

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.

Re-capturing HOPE in the real world

• Monday 8 September
• 7:00 - 8:00 PM
• Rhodes Theatre

Hope is in short supply in our culture at the moment. We all acknowledge that we need it, but what exactly is it and how can we nurture it?

The Confident Parent Course - Cohort 2

• Monday 4, 11, 18, 25 August
• 7:00 - 8:30 pm
• The Piazza, Kurrajong Building, Barker College Junior School

The flagship offering of the Parent Institute. A free, four-week course where parents grow, discuss and connect around parenthood.

Avoiding and breaking free from tech-enabled addiction

• Monday 23 June
• 7:30pm - 8:45pm
• Barker College

Two experts in the psychology of tech-enabled addiction share strategies with parents around teen behaviours concerning online gambling, social media, and gaming.

Educating for Global Stewardship in a Round Square School

• Thursday 5 June
• 7:00 - 8:30pm
• BCMA Theatre, Kefford Building.

How can a 21st Century Barker Education prepare students for Global Stewardship? Head of Barker College, Phillip Heath AM, and prominant speaker, thinker, and writer Stephen McAlpine explore this at this important event.

Sleep for Better Health, Resilience and Performance (Webinar)

• Monday 2 June
• 7:30 - 8:45 pm
• Online Webinar

Complementing student information sessions of sleep wellbeing in school times, special guest Dr Lisa Maltman of 'The Sleep Connection' will be presenting at a webinar for parents.

From Gifted to Talented - With special guest Dr Minh Nguyen-Hoan

• Wednesday 28 May
• 6:30 - 7:45 pm
• Kurrajong Piazza

How do we unlock potential in different domains? Join us for an inspiring event dedicated to gifted education, where we focus on nurturing potential and transforming it into talent.

Fueling Healthy Kids: Simple Nutrition for Busy Parents

• Friday 23 May
• 9:15 - 10:15am
• The Piazza, Barker College Junior School

Packing lunches, reading nutrition labels, planning weekly meals? Join expert dietitian and media nutritionist, Alex Parker from 'The Biting Truth' for an interactive nutrition workshop.

Year 7 Study Habits – An interactive seminar for parents and Year 7 students to attend together

• Tuesday 29 April 2025
• 6:30 - 7:45 pm
• Leslie Hall

Year 7 is an opportunity to develop effective study and learning habits. The Barker Institute will be hosting a workshop bringing parents and students together, that they may be on the same page and pursue study success as a team, using the best available information as a guide.

The Junior School Learning Journey: Inspiring every learner, every experience, every day

• Wednesday 5 March
• 7:00 - 8:30 PM
• Kurrajong Piazza

This session will inform parents about how teachers at Barker College use data to inform their teaching and demonstrate to parents what is required to ensure students meet their zone of proximal development. There will be an emphasis on how parents can help their child throughout their learning journey.

Discover Barker

• Thursday 27 February, 6:00pm for a 6:15 start.
• Kurrajong Piazza (Junior School) Barker College

This informative session will create an opportunity to further connect our community as well as provide helpful information for families - both new and old.

Parenting this Generation with Confidence

• Monday 24 February
• 7:00pm - 8:15pm
• Leslie Hall, Barker College

In a century of increased parenting uncertainty, we seek to understand the historical and social context, and how parents can reclaim confidence.

Science Extension Conference: Public Lectures & Showcase

• Monday 28 October
• 6:00 - 8:15pm
• Barker College

2024 Science Extension Conference. Free public lectures on the Science Extension Course with Poster Session. Come for revision for the HSC exam two days later, come for profesisonal development, come as you begin your Science Extension journey!

Barker Big Start Webinar - Year 12 2025 Students and Parents

• Wednesday 16 October
• 7:00-7:50 PM
• Online Webinar

Following the student retreat on Monday 14 October, a webinar will be held for commencing Year 12 students and parents to view together. Key information for the final year of schooling will be presented allowing families to plan effectively and be well prepared for the coming journey.

On The Same Page: A special webinar for Year 10 families

• Monday 23 September
• 7:30 - 8:45pm
• Online Webinar

The Barker College Wellbeing Team have invited David and Katie Kobler of YourChoicez to present an online webinar designed to facilitate conversations amongst Year 10 families.

ResearchMeet September 2024

• Thursday 19 September
• 3:45 - 4:45pm
• Sue Field Room (East)

ResearchMeet September 2024. Short presentations on current research work by members of the Barker College community, including the 2024 Barker Institute Global Visiting Research Fellow. You are warmly invited to this inaugural event.

Revitalising Indigenous Languages in Australia

• Tuesday September 17
• 6:30 - 7:30 pm
• BCMA Theatre

In recent years, governments at the national and state level have sought to prioritise the revival of Indigenous language teaching and learning. Jasmine Seymour will speak about Indigenous language revitalisation and her ongoing work with Dharug.

Developing Character & Enterprise at School

• Monday 9 September
• 7:00 - 8:15 PM
• Rhodes Theatre

In today’s rapidly changing world, our youth need more than just knowledge; they need personal growth, global awareness, and the skills to contribute meaningfully to society.

Female Athlete Health & Understanding the Menstrual Cycle

• Tuesday 20 August
• 6:30 - 7:45 pm
• Rhodes Theatre, Barker College

A workshop designed to educate all families, athletes and friends, to support and empower female athletes to build confidence so they can reach their potential in sport and life.

Adolescent Cyber Safety in 2024 with 'ySafe'

• 5 August 2024
• 7:00 - 8:15 pm
• Rhodes Theatre, Barker College

The online world continues to grow and extend into all areas of our lives including that of our students. YSafe can give parents the knowledge and skills to support children as they develop in this technology-enabled world.

Adolescent Drug & Alcohol Education - with Tanya Cavanagh of 'Not Even Once'

• Tuesday 25 June
• 7:00 - 8:15pm
• Rhodes Theatre, Barker College

In 2024 Barker is partnering with leading drug and alcohol education provider, 'Not Even Once', to work with students, and on the evening of June 25, with parents.

Confidence is Key! A celebration of Mathematics at Barker

• Tuesday 4 June
• 6:00 - 7:40 pm
• Senior School Hub (Mathematics Building) - Barker College

Inquisitive minds of all ages are invited to the new Mathematics building on the evening of Tuesday 4 June to an interactive night exploring the wonderful world of mathematics at Barker.

Relationships & Consent Education - with Elephant Ed

• Thursday 16 May
• 6:30 - 8:00 pm
• Rhodes Theatre, Barker College

In 2024 Barker is partnering with leading relationships and consent education provider, Elephant Ed, to work with students, and on the evening of May 16th, with parents.

On The Same Page: A special webinar for Year 7 families

• Tuesday 2 April
• 7:30 - 8:45pm
• Online Webinar

The Barker College Wellbeing Team have invited David and Katie Kobler of YourChoicez to present an online webinar designed to facilitate conversations amongst Year 7 families.

Education beyond borders: what is Barker doing in humanitarian education?

• Monday 25 March
• 6:30 - 8:00pm
• Rhodes Theatre

The Barker Institute warmly invites you to hear about another initiative of the Humanitarian Program.

An evening of Engagement in Engineering

• Thursday 7th March
• 6:30 - 8:00pm
• David Gamson Centre

A fun and informative evening involving interactive STEAM challenges organised by our Year 12 students, followed by a panel discussion with both experts and tertiary students of engineering.

Discover Barker

• Thursday 29 February
• 6:00 - 7:00pm
• The Piazza, Kurrajong Building, Barker College Junior School

An informative session that will create an opportunity to further connect our community.

The Language of Friendship with UR Strong

• Thursday 22 February
• 6:30 - 7:45 pm
• Online Classroom

On Tuesday 20 February, Barker College Junior School is celebrating a Day of Friendship. On Thursday evening, Barker Junior School Students and Parents are invited to join together in an online classroom to continue the conversation about the language of friendship.

Year 11 Jumpstart - Webinar for Students and Parents

• Thursday 8 February
• 7:30-8:15 pm
• Online Webinar

An opportunity to meet key Barker staff members supporting Year 11 in 2024 and ask questions. Students and parents are encouraged to watch this webinar together.

International Human Rights Under Pressure - What can Barker do?

• Wednesday 8 November 2023
• 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Join us on 8 November in Rhodes Theatre to learn more about Barker's Humanitarian Programs at its first-ever public event!

Science Extension Public Lectures & Showcase

• Monday 23 October
• 6:00 - 8:15pm
• Barker College

New and improved for 2023. Free public lectures on the Science Extension Course with Poster Session. Come for revision for the HSC exam two days later, come for profesisonal development, come as you begin your Science Extension journey!

Teacher Coaches Appreciation Society - Barker Coach Meet

• Wednesday 30 August 2023
• 4:30pm - 6:00pm

The 2023 Coachmeet. This event aims to foster collaboration and bring people involved in coaching and professional development programs together to share stories about their school’s experiences.

Social Impact Economics and Entrepreneurship - An evening with Dr Nat Ware (Class of '06)

• Monday 21 August
• 6:30-8:00 pm

Since graduating at Barker, Nat has founder and directed two global social-impact organisations. Using examples from his personal journey, he will explain three different approaches to social impact, and answer questions about his research and entrepreneurial projects.

Science Week Celebration 2023

• Tuesday 15 August 2023
• 5:15pm - 8:15pm Science Quadrangle

Come and celebrate National Science Week at Barker College. All welcome.

Scientific Tinkering activities will be followed by Guest speaker Laureate Professor Veena Sahajwalla, Material scientist, engineer & inventor and 2022 NSW Australian of the Year!

Understanding "The Voice" - With Julian Leeser MP

• Monday 14 August
• 7:15-8:30pm
• Barker College

In preparation for the upcoming referendum, the Barker Institute warmly invites all in the community (not just those formally associated with Barker College) to hear from our electorate’s representative to Parliament, Julian Leeser MP, Federal Member for Berowra.

In Pursuit of Excellence: The diverse faces of giftedness at Barker

• Tuesday 30 May
• 6:30pm - 7:45pm
• The Piazza, Kurrajong Building, Barker College Junior School

This seminar will provide both an overview of gifted education theory and the opportunity to see its practical application within the Barker community

Truth Telling: Stories from the Kinchela Boys Home

• Monday 29 May
• 4:00 - 5:30 pm

The theme for Reconciliation Week 2023 is “Be a Voice for Generations”. The survivors from the Kinchela Boys Home live this mantra through their work in Truth Telling and their education program.

Making Good Arguments with Bo Seo

• Tuesday 23 May
• 6:30pm - 7:30pm
• Recital Hall, McCaskell Music Centre, Barker College

Former Barker School captain, World Schools and World University debating champion, Bo Seo, will speak with Mr Hood about ideas from his recently-published book, Good Arguments.

Raising Respect with Dr Marshall Ballantine-Jones

• 2 May 2023
• 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm
• BCMA Theatre (Kefford Building)

Raising Respect: How online interactions and viewing habits impact our teens and their relationships.

Respect is one of the five Barker values which we aim to display through every individual and relationship in our school community. Being respectful requires both the desire to respect, and the knowledge of how to best demonstrate this respect. What teenagers do and view online is a key factor influencing both their attitudes and knowledge around respect, relationships, and consent.

Year 7 Study Habits – An interactive seminar for parents and Year 7 students to attend together

• Wednesday 26 April 2023
• 6:30 - 7:45 pm
• Leslie Hall

Year 7 is an opportunity to develop effective study and learning habits. The Barker Institute will be hosting a workshop bringing parents and students together, that they may be on the same page and pursue study success as a team, using the best available information as a guide. The workshop will be run by Dr Matthew Hill, Director of the Barker Institute, drew on research and Barker-specific expertise to present hard-hitting facts about the way that the brain works and how to maximise study success despite our busy lives. Talking points will include Location, location, location Scheduling for success The why and how of using a diary Different types of study Maximising memory Momentum: Show up and start!

The Barker Junior School Journey – Celebrating four years of research into the Barker Junior School difference

• Monday 20 March 2023
• 6:30pm - 8:00pm
• The Piazza, Kurrajong building, Barker College Junior School

The Barker Journey longitudinal study has now completed its fourth year. The subjects of the study are a group of students who celebrated the conclusion of their primary schooling in 2022. The significance of this milestone was underlined by the current Barker Journey cohort also being the first fully coeducational primary school year group to progress through Year 3-6 at Barker. This article presents an overview of the primary school phase of the Barker Journey project, 2019-2022. In so doing, it presents a longitudinal perspective on learning, teaching, and schooling that is distinctly student-based. These students are part of the generation labelled “Generation Alpha” and their narratives about how they have experienced going to school in the 21st century have provided valuable insights that deserve the attention of teacher and educational leader alike. The article provides a complementary analysis to the annually published articles that focus on student perspectives year-by-year. It explores the four-year development of five topics for investigation described in the methodology of the 2019 article – values, relationships, resilience, coeducation, and aspirations – and conveys its findings with an emphasis on the concepts of continuity and change as well as lessons and provocations for educators to consider.

Discover Barker

• Thursday 2 March 2023
• 6:00pm - 7:00pm
• Leslie Hall

On behalf of Mr Phillip Heath and the Barker Institute, we warmly invite you to Discover Barker. This informative session will create an opportunity to further connect our community as well as provide helpful information for families – both new and old.

The Lift Project: A year-long, evidence-based wellbeing project for the whole Barker community

• Monday 20 Feb 2023
• 7:00pm - 8.15pm
• Rhodes Theatre

Each month, the whole Barker community will be participating in one of the 10 modules of The Lift Project, which explores simple but science-based strategies for lifting your mood and your life. Students will engage in The Lift Project through in class and extra-curricular activities.