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We acknowledge the Dharug, Guringai and Darkinjung people who

are the traditional custodians of the land on which Barker College and

Darkinjung Barker stands. We pay respect to the elders past and present

of the Dharug, Guringai and Darkinjung nations and extend that respect

to other Aboriginal people within the Barker College community.

Enrolments+61 2 9847 8207 enrolments@barker.nsw.edu.au www.barker.nsw.edu.au

Welcome from the

headOne of the finest things about Barker is the positive climate for learning throughout the College. Students are at the heart of our work. Despite the eminence and historical significance of an institution, it is our students and their hearts and minds under God that gives us our purpose.

Our broadly based curriculum is designed to offer significant choice of subjects and courses to meet a wide range of individual student interests and abilities. Barker’s dedicated teachers nourish the soul of each and every one of our students and help them to find knowledge from information and wisdom from knowledge.

At Barker we aim to provide a framework for young people to experience the best that the future offers – more than that, to become people who shape this future rather than merely people who consume it.

I am delighted that you are considering Barker for your son or daughter. This prospectus offers only a brief glimpse of the rich fabric that makes up the life of our School. I invite you to come and visit us so that we may show you what Barker has to offer your child.

Mr Phillip Heath Head of Barker College

BA (Hons), MA (Hons), DipEd, FACE, FACEL (ACT)

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A Christian EnvironmentFounded in 1890 by the Rev Henry Plume as a co-educational school at Kurrajong Heights, Barker College was named for Frederic Barker, the second Bishop of Sydney. Early in 1896, the School moved to its present site in Hornsby and became a school for boys. In 1975, Barker established its unique co-educational collegiate Senior School for students in Years 11 and 12. Since 2000, girls enter Barker at Year 10 level.

Today, Barker College is a school of 2000 students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12. We are an Anglican School and welcome students from a variety of Christian denominations as well as from other faith traditions. Christian values underpin all that we do. All students attend weekly Chapel and each area of the school has its own Chaplain.

iMissionAn Anglican community inspiring each learner every experience every day

VisionTo be a leader in Christian education that is characterised by a vision that inspires global hope

ValuesCommitment Compassion Courage Integrity Respect

MottoHonor non Honores (Seek honour above rewards)

A UNIQUE PARTNERSHIPIn 2016 Barker College entered into a new approach to Indigenous education with the establishment of the Darkinjung Barker Campus for K-6 Indigenous students at Yarramalong on the Central Coast.

Located just 20km from Wyong, Darkinjung Barker occupies the site of the original Yarramalong Public School, which was first opened in 1870. This picturesque site provides ample space for the students to run, play, explore and learn.

The establishment of this unique campus is a result of the support of the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, the local community and parents, and of the Barker Council, staff, students and alumni. There is high commitment by all.

A priority for this new campus is the development of strong foundational skills in literacy and numeracy for Indigenous students from Kindergarten to Year 6. Our intent is to instil a confidence to learn and a desire to learn.

Both Darkinjung and Barker recognise the importance of upholding Aboriginal cultural identities as we strive to close the gap educationally. There is a shared vision of creating a two-way partnership where we can learn from one another in an educational model that is unique in Australia.

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Preparatory School PreK–2Active Boys Active Learning

“ The Prep School is a place where our youngest students enjoy an extensive range of active learning opportunities designed to develop the unique talents of each child within a pastoral care structure based on Christian values.”

Sarah Dickson, Head of Early Learning

The Preparatory School for boys from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2, is a lively centre of teaching and learning. The foundation years of schooling are eminently important as a beginning to an education journey. Encouraging our students to be active learners exploring their environment and developing knowledge, skills and attitudes consistent with our core values and mission, is a key focus in the Prep School.

Junior School 3–6Where Boys can be Boys

“ The Prep and Junior School learning environments affirm that all boys have special abilities and talents from which a unique individual may emerge and evolve,”

Martin Lubrano, Head of Junior School (PreK–6)

Boys in the Junior School, from Years 3–6, enjoy a school environment where they are encouraged, challenged and engaged in learning and co-curricular experiences appropriate to boys of this age. Through our academic program curriculum and specialist programs, together with our co-curricular programs, we aim to develop the whole child: the academic, the social, the physical and the spiritual.

Inspiring Each LearnerFor 125 years, Barker College has offered a broad-based

education across its Prep, Junior, Middle and Senior Schools.

Inspiring Every ExperienceMy friends are very important because if I don’t have friends, I would be sad. I like playing, talking, eating and sitting with my friends. I feel good with my friends and they make me happy.

— Tommy, Year 2

Middle School 7–9Foundations for Success

“ The Middle School presents students with a diverse range of opportunities to grow. Potential is only limited by effort and we seek to guide and motivate you to thrive.”

James Denton, Head of Middle School

Barker embraces the challenges of meeting the needs of boys in the middle years of schooling. Through consciously planned and well-resourced programs, students are given the confidence and the skills they need to be able to relish the opportunities of their senior secondary years and their emerging young adulthood.

Each boy in the Middle School is a member of a House, a community of students in Years 7–9, under the care of a Head of House. The Head of House is responsible for the academic progress, welfare and well-being of the students in the House, and is the first point of communication with parents.

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Senior School 10–12 Bridge Between School and Uni

“ We support students to complete their schooling with a clear understanding of Christian values, a sense of optimism and an enthusiasm to contribute in a changing world.”

David Giltrap, Head of Senior School

We believe co-education is a more natural way for boys and girls of senior school age to study and learn. Barker’s Senior School creates an authentic, natural, true-to-life learning environment for both genders in the classroom and in co-curricular programs, where the values, attitudes and perceptions of young men and women are encouraged and respected in creating enriched and dynamic learning experiences.

At Barker, a senior student’s timetable is created from their choice of subjects, rather than predetermined subject lines. We treat our senior students as young adults, so that teachers become facilitators of learning and the skills involved in independent study develop. There is also an expectation of a healthy life-balance between the academic program and involvement in the co-curricular program.

The academic progress and personal development of each student in the Senior School is the responsibility of a Tutor who provides a link between home and School, and who monitors academic progress as well as individual student welfare, and functions very much in the role of a mentor.

Inspiring Every ExperienceWe learnt of the delays experienced by almost 200 people who had been travelling for almost 10 hours to return to our ship after the Dawn Service. So we all gathered on the deck of the ship as they returned and started singing. It was just an impromptu performance, but it had such a big impact and was such a special moment.

— Rachel, Year 11 ANZAC Gallipoli Tour

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a unique boarding experienceBoarding at Barker is a unique experience for senior students only and with a maximum student population of 60, it falls into the boutique category. This allows us to have a very high teacher to boarder ratio ensuring personalised attention that meets the needs of our boarders.

The Barker experience attracts boarders from the suburbs of Sydney through to country regions of NSW and beyond. The co-educational and small boarder numbers support the development of peer relationships and social skills, whilst also allowing strong academic and personal mentoring opportunities.

Co-ed Boarding commences in Year 10Students commence boarding at Barker in Year 10 which coincides with the time that the Barker Senior School transforms to a coeducational structure. With 40% of day students and 100% of boarders being new to the school at the same time, the transition process into a new school is less daunting and friendships are easily made both within and outside of the boarding environment.

Families can now consider keeping their children closer to home until the end of Year 9 and then elect to enter boarding from the start of Year 10. Barker offers a number of programs that aim to support the boarders to find their role as citizens of the world. The programs have a focus on the development of life skills, personal resilience, mental fitness and individual strengths utilisation.

Pastoral CareOur programs of pastoral care and support have been developed to match the needs of young people as they strive to meet their academic responsibilities whilst also allowing them to explore their sporting, musical, artistic, performing arts and outdoor educational aspirations.

We aim to help our young people develop an understanding of who they are and to explore their future options. We also work closely with our alumni relations team to assist boarders with work experience placements, career and employment explorations and opportunities.

Barker College is not registered to take independent international fee paying students.

Inspiring Every ExperienceBoarding has definitely met my expectations! Boarding with a sibling is a definite benefit – there is always someone to talk to and hang out with. You’re also living with your friends and everything is just so easily accessible.

— Mary, Year 10 Boarder

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Inspiring Every Experience

I love working with the Prep School boys. They are so much fun to be around. All the

Prep boys have bubbly personalities and we always leave with smiles across our faces.

I think I speak for all the Middle School Seniors when I say going down to the Prep

School is something that we look forward to.

— Darcy, Year 9 Senior

inspiring leadershipFrom the time they start school at age four, Barker’s students learn to live and work by the School’s Motto, Honor Non Honores – to seek Honour above Rewards. It is the core of our approach in the process of nurturing leadership qualities in every one of our students.

Learning, Leading, Serving is the framework we have adopted for our school-wide leadership focus. This servant leadership model offers excellent preparation for students entering an evolving workplace.

Much of the explicit teaching on leadership occurs within the Pastoral Care and Social Education program offered each week from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12. The program’s focus changes and evolves as students move from Prep, through the Junior School to Middle School and finally into the Senior School. Resilience, self-awareness, key values and life skills in leadership are introduced and explored.

Junior SchoolBarker’s Year 5 students attend a three day Leadership Training Program each year. This is designed for the students to gain an enriched understanding and appreciation of their own leadership potential and those of their peers. Once these students are in Year 6, they use these skills to demonstrate leadership to their fellow pupils through outstanding behaviour, initiative and assistance.

Middle SchoolAs part of the Middle School’s Servant Leadership Program, Year 9 Seniors lead the Middle School in service projects that reach out to other communities. Projects have included organising hampers for disadvantaged communities; rallying teams of volunteers for Clean Up Australia Day, The World Vision 40 Hour Famine and the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal. The aim is always to develop leadership within a framework of helping others.

Senior SchoolIn Year 10, Barker runs a leadership course, entitled, “Leading Without a Title”. During this 10 week program the model of servant leadership is further explored under the three pillars of character building, developing positive relationships and engaging in service. The SEAL week at Barker is the culminating event of this program where the Year 10 students give back to the Junior School, by inviting them to participate in various activities that they have developed and planned especially for the Junior students.

There are many service learning programs at Barker that offer leadership opportunities for all. Through our Middle School Outdoor Education program, to Year 10 Community Service and Adventure Camps, and to the Year 11 Community Service programs. In addition, the Cadet program at Barker offers leadership skills and life-skills taught comprehensively and thoroughly.

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Inspiring innovation

The Barker InstituteAt Barker we place an emphasis on encouraging students and teachers to be innovative in the ways that they undertake their work. This may involve a teacher exploring a new and challenging approach to teaching and learning in the classroom, students designing the fastest F1 cars in Design and Technology, or teams of students and staff being engaged in innovative design as part of their work with a robotics project.

Launched in 2015, The Barker Institute aims to embrace new and innovative approaches to learning, embracing new ideas and sharing these through various forums and professional learning experiences as they arise.

Seen as an integral part of our Strategic Plan, “Inspiring Global Hope”, the Barker Institute is the offspring of

Research@Barker. Through the Barker Institute, the School looks to develop collaborative ventures with other institutions to research and support new innovations, projects and programs that will benefit our students, staff and the broader community.

A Sandpit for Future LearningThe Imaginarium is a learning space designed to promote collaboration and provide opportunities for flexible learning. The space was developed from discussions with students about classrooms and the role of the physical environment as the third teacher, which influence how students learn. Students and teachers have seen enormous value in this flexible environment, as it provides more choices in teaching and learning and takes into account the relationships between formal learning, social learning and the built environment.

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STEMBarker Robotics provides a rounded educational experience, equipping students with skills that few other high school programs can offer. Teaching communication, teamwork, leadership and initiative, whilst having fun and pursuing their passion whether technical, business or artistic. Students are taken through an engineering process that involves designing, prototyping, constructing and testing their robot so that it can complete the tasks required to be a competitive player.

Barker has adopted a whole-school approach to its Robotics program with students able to participate in Robotics from Year 5. A dedicated Robotics Centre has been created for students to work together in a team-oriented environment. Through a rewarding and enriching program, we aim to maximise the creative and intelligent capacity of the students, challenging them to become better so they have the skills and confidence to do what they never thought they could.

The Barker Robotics team has enjoyed outstanding success at both a national and international level and the team in 2015 was ranked in the top 20 Robotics teams in the world.

Prep and Junior School ProgramsA range of co-curricular activities are offered each week in our Prep and Junior Schools, as part of our extension learning program. These activities provide for a diverse range of learning experiences which appeal to the equally diverse range of interests found in primary-aged students. From Cooking to Chess to Clay Modelling; Drama, Woodwork and Graffiti Art; Taekwondo to Hip Hop Dance – students are offered an exciting range of co-curricular opportunities.

Boys in the Junior School are also able to participate in a Coding Club. This Club is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about code – its usefulness and application. Coding helps build logic and problem solving skills, as well as enabling new avenues for creativity and creative expression. It also offers another opportunity to energise students and to build engagement and motivation, two key functions that point towards academic success.

MusicBarker College has one of the largest music programs in Australia. Students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 are engaged in a wide-ranging co-curricular music program. There are a wide variety of performance opportunities for students including:

• 6 concert bands.

• Jazz program – including quintets, orchestra, ensembles.

• Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra.

• Choral program.

• Chamber music.

• Rock bands.

• Musical production in conjunction with the Drama Department.

• Tours.

DramaGetting involved in a Barker Drama production can be a great way to get to know people and learn new skills. You can be an actor, a singer, a dancer; run the lights, operate sound equipment, or help to build the set and be part of the stage crew. Five productions are staged each year, including the Musical, and whilst the show changes, the quality and standard of excellence is always of the highest order.

Debating/Public Speaking/Mock TrialBarker has a long and proud tradition of Debating and Public Speaking. There is an extensive program run during the year, which provides opportunities both for those who have some experience of Debating and Public Speaking and those who would like to learn this valuable life skill. Barker participates in both the CAS and ISDA competitions as well as the Hornsby Shire Council’s Great Debate. The School also participates in the Sydney Morning Herald Plain English Speaking Award, the Legacy Junior Public Speaking Award and the Lawrence Campbell Oratory Competition. Students also have the opportunity to compete against other schools in simulated courtroom trials. This is an established Mock Trial competition organised by the Law Society of NSW.

inspiring programsWhile we regard academic work as being of primary importance,

an extensive range of co-curricular activities is offered to cultivate

students’ interests and to extend their abilities and experience.

Barker aims to meet the needs of the individual and to cater for a

wide range of recreational, cultural and sporting interests.

Inspiring Every Experience

The FIRST Robotics competition was so intense and exhilarating and we learnt so

much. You had to think on your feet, whilst keeping up with what other teams were

doing – all this whilst under the pressure of such a large scale competition.

— Sarah, Year 10

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Visual Arts and Design and TechnologyThrough Barker’s extensive Visual Arts and Design and Technology Programs, students have the opportunity to enhance their creativity through a range of media. Several after-school programs are offered in this area, including film-based photography. Students’ black and white photographs are entered in a national competition every year and Barker has been named School of the Year for its photographic entries for the past several years.

SustainabilityOne of the aims of our strategic plan, Inspiring Global Hope, is to be an exemplar of sustainable environmental practices. Leading the way are two groups of students – BEAT (Barker Environmental Action Team) in the Prep and Junior Schools and the Footprint group in our High School. In the Junior School a dedicated area has been established for the growing of produce. Similarly in the Prep School, students plant, weed, mulch and feed the garden beds, as well as maintain the vegetable gardens, worm farm, chicken coop and compost area of the farm, including a Bush Tucker Garden.

The Footprint Group are actively engaged in upholding the Sustainability Charter and feel passionate about making a difference on our own site. Reducing and recycling waste and introducing programs such as “Refill not Landfill”, that encourages students to refill their water bottles, rather than purchase plastic ones, are just some of the group’s initiatives.

ChessChess at Barker is open to all students from Kindergarten to Year 12, irrespective of their playing standard. An internal league functions at lunch times where coaching and practice is available. Barker also participates in the CAS and NSW Junior Chess League competitions.

CrusadersTo maintain a spiritual balance, students can join the voluntary Christian group Crusaders and Barker Senior School students have the opportunity to participate in the Senior Weekend Away, organised every year by the School’s Youth Workers. This weekend especially offers new Year 10 students the opportunity to forge lasting friendships and to be introduced to aspects of the Christian life at Barker in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Crusaders meets at lunchtimes to share and explore the Christian faith.

AgricultureOffered as an elective to students from Years 9–12, Agriculture provides a variety of practical and ‘hands-on’ experiences in a wide range of important agricultural enterprises. From vegetable production, raising broiler chickens, working in the school vineyard and studying the Australian sheep and beef industries, students develop life skills that relate to plant and animal production.

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inspiring ADVENTUREBarker College places a high value on Outdoor Education and on the opportunities that a carefully planned and graded Outdoor Education experience can provide for the personal, spiritual and social development of our students.

The Outdoor Education program at Barker runs from Years 2–12 and we are fortunate to be well resourced in our Outdoor Education program with two centres – The Grange at Mt Victoria in the western Blue Mountains and Barrington River Lodge on the Barrington River near Gloucester, north of the Hunter Valley.

Residential ProgramThe Year 9 Residential Program is a voluntary program focused on living together and participating in activities of adventure, challenge and learning experientially. Students spend time on country near Alice Springs collaborating with indigenous students from the Yipirinya School and Yirara College.

This program is aimed at both extending our students and also connecting in a real way with Indigenous Australia.

Cadets and Duke of Edinburgh AwardThe Barker College Cadet Unit (BCCU), founded in 1900, plays an important part in the School’s educational program, with its emphasis on personal development and promotion of leadership. Cadets are encouraged to develop initiative, self-discipline and self-reliance.

Boys from Years 8–12 and girls from Years 10–12 are invited to take part in Cadets. In Year 8, our students elect to do either the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DEAS) or Cadets, or both, in order to fulfil their Outdoor Education commitment in Middle School. Students can continue their DEAS commitment to achieve their Gold Award in Year 12.

Adventure SportsStudents in the Middle and Senior Schools have the opportunity to participate in a range of individual adventure sports, including mountain biking, equestrian events, canoeing and snow skiing.

Inspiring Every ExperienceEvery experience at Barker is unique. I especially loved the Year 4 camp – going on the high ropes, BMX bike riding, cooking marshmallows over the fire – it was a lot of fun.

— Kade, Year 4

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Inspiring Every ExperiencePlaying sport gives everyone the opportunity to share in the great spirit that is Barker.

— Gabby, Year 11 ISA and CIS Softball Representitve

Inspiring SpiritSport is an integral and compulsory part of school life at Barker. Participation in team sports, from Year 3, allows healthy competition and skills development which are essential elements in the development of well-balanced young people. A strong sense of sportsmanship and fair play is fostered within the whole School community.

The Barker Girls’ Sport Program is an inclusive program catering for beginners through to our elite athletes in order to create a healthy, active lifestyle. A high priority is placed on enjoyment within a well-structured program, in order to create a positive experience for all students.

Students are offered a wide choice of sports and benefit from the excellent sporting facilities available to them. There are five fields for Cricket, Rugby and Football within the School grounds, together with an artificial surface for Hockey, Softball, Netball, Volleyball, Basketball and other games. There are Netball, Basketball and Tennis courts as well, together with an indoor swimming pool, two indoor Gymnasiums, a well-equipped strength and conditioning gymnasium and a dedicated Girls’ gymnasium. Each student is encouraged to embrace all aspects of their sporting life at Barker.

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The Council of Barker CollegeThe Council reports annually to the Sydney Anglican Diocesan Synod and has overall responsibility for determining School policy and for financial management of the School’s resources.

The Barker College Mothers’ AssociationWhile its focus is on building the School community through promoting friendship amongst Barker parents, through its fundraising activities, the Barker College Mothers’ Association (BCMA) has provided the School with new facilities, amenities and teaching and learning resources since its foundation in 1926. The Association organises many social activities for parents of the School and cares for our school community.

The Old Barker AssociationThe Old Barker Association’s (OBA) primary function is to enable former students to maintain contact with each other and the School. The OBA also runs extensive sport competitions and social programs of reunions and get-togethers around Australia and overseas.

The Cricket, Basketball, Rugby and Football ClubsThese clubs are associations of parents who share a common purpose to support the School’s involvement and participation in these major sports.

Barker FoundationThe Barker Foundation exists to assist the School Council to raise capital funds for major new development of school facilities and through its various planned Giving Programs, to enhance the overall learning opportunities available to students and staff, and to provide opportunities for students to attend Barker through the provision of financial scholarships.

The Friends of Barker MusicFriends of Barker Music (FOBM) support the work of the McCaskill Music Centre and provide an opportunity for parents of Barker’s musicians to become more involved in the musical life of the School.

The Kurrajong SocietyThe Kurrajong Society is an association for former parents, grandparents, extended family members, former staff members and friends of the School who wish to retain their links with the School and with one another.

Boarder ParentsThe Boarders’ Parents and Guardians Committee seeks both to strengthen and to support the pastoral work of the Boarding staff and from time to time to raise funds for the provision of boarding amenities.

Every DayBarker College is fortunate to have a number of groups that work

tirelessly assisting the School in so many ways every day.

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Barker College’s Hornsby site covers 50 acres of Sydney’s upper North Shore and is only a five-minute walk from Hornsby or Waitara railway stations.

• School Chapel

• 3 Libraries

• Drama Studios

• Robotics Centre

• Indoor Aquatic Centre

• 11 Tennis Courts

• 5 Playing Fields

• Music Centre with Recital Hall

• Dedicated Girls’ Gymnasium

• Fully equipped Strength and Conditioning Gymnasium

• 2 Outdoor Education and Field Studies Centres

• 4 Lecture Theatres and 2 Performance Theatres

• Science Centre including 14 modern Science Labs

• Design Centre for Visual Arts and Design & Technology Bar

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Your next stepsVisit Our SchoolWe run regular tours of Barker throughout each School term. Barker does not have an Open Day, as we prefer to show you around the School on a normal working day. Follow the instructions on our website to book your tour of Barker College. www.barker.nsw.edu.au/enrolments/book-tour

Learn MoreTo learn more about Barker please visit our website, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

ApplyComplete the Application for Registration on the following pages and return to our Enrolments Department - 91 Pacific Highway, Hornsby NSW 2077.

ContactFor more information, please contact our Director of Enrolments & Community Engagement.

+61 2 9847 8207 enrolments@barker.nsw.edu.au

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w.barker.nsw

.edu.au

facebook.com/barkercollege

@barkercollege

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91 Pacific Highway Hornsby NSW 2077

+61 2 9847 8399 enrolments@barker.nsw.edu.au www.barker.nsw.edu.au