Doing Research
Three Schools, One vision: A New Chapter in Global School-Based Educational Research
During our recent stay at Leysin American School (LAS) in Switzerland as Visiting Scholars, we were struck by the depth of conversation and the spirit of inquiry that emerged when educators from different parts of the world came together around a shared commitment to education. LAS has long fostered a culture of research-informed practice through its own Visiting Scholar initiative, and with the exciting emergence of The Bridge—a new centre for Teaching, Learning and Research at Wellington College in the UK—a compelling vision began to form.
What if our three schools, each with its own educational research institute—Barker Institute, LAS Educational Research, and The Bridge—collaborated to establish a global network of Visiting Scholar programs? A tri-continental partnership that nurtures dialogue, connection, and innovation in the space where research meets practice.
This is the foundation for the Barker Institute’s new Visiting Scholar Program. In alignment with our partners in Switzerland and the UK, this initiative will welcome educators and researchers from around the world to spend time embedded in schools—observing, contributing, collaborating, and enriching the ongoing conversation about teaching and learning.
What makes these programs truly special is not only the research that takes place, but the dynamic interplay of perspectives that arises when we gather across borders and contexts. It’s in these informal moments—in classrooms, over lunch, in workshops—that the most generative insights often emerge.
By opening our doors to international scholars, we strengthen our shared belief that schools are not just places of learning, but vital contributors to a global dialogue about what education can and should be.
Dr Timothy Scott
Tim has held leadership roles in schools across Australia and abroad for 25 years, alongside teaching History and Modern Languages. His research focuses on intercultural learning and pedagogical translanguaging, refugee education, and student voice in improving educational practice. He is a lead researcher for the Barker Institute’s ongoing decade-long longitudinal study, The Barker Journey. Alongside his research work, Tim currently teaches History and Global Studies. His PhD examined socio-political influences on contemporary German conceptions of history and archaeology.
Dr Matthew Hill
Dr Matthew Hill is the Director of The Barker Institute with a focus on professional learning, research, and innovation in the school. He teaches Physics and the new Science Extension course at the School which introduces students to scientific academic research. Matthew's doctorate reflects his passion for science education focussing on Representational Fluency amongst physics students at school and university. He has published in leadership, education, and science journals and been involved in course development and teaching at The University of Sydney and The University of Western Sydney. He has also completed a Graduate Diploma in Divinity at Ridley College in Melbourne.
