Strategic Plan 2022 - 2025

Mission

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.

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

Barker College has a mission of being inspiring to all in our community.

Look Beyond Look up

Academic Care

Resources

Communities

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.

Student Experience

People and Culture

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.

Academic Care

Prioritising academic excellence and achievement

Maximising learning through superb teaching, data and research

Integrating learning and wellbeing

Within the context of a broad and deep education, we prioritise academic excellence and achievement. We know that growth is often hard won, and it demands commitment and focus for success. To this end we want our students to develop an aspirational mindset that harnesses grit, resilience, and academic buoyancy.

The classroom experience is central to student success and, in keeping with our mission, we strive to inspire every learner, every experience, everyday. Our professional learning programs continue to invest in our staff so they can focus on ‘superb teaching’. It is a priority to regularly review our programs, assessments and results. Feedback from our students and current research also guide our continual plans for improvement. The mentoring of staff, through the College of Teachers and the research and data analytics of the Barker Institute all support our teaching and learning programs.

The third driver of our academic strategy recognises the imperative of integrating learning and wellbeing. Knowing and understanding the needs of our children is essential in helping them to learn well. We prioritise authentic partnerships between our academic leaders, pastoral specialists, cocurricular staff and, most importantly, our families. We leverage the experience of our classroom teachers, the expertise of our Heads of Departments, the leadership of our Learning Team and the wisdom of our Deans and Heads of Houses. Building a learning culture of challenge, care and connection helps to guide us in our pursuit of academic excellence.

Because we care deeply for our students, we want them to grow in confidence, character and capacity. We support them in their aspirations, we want them to love learning, and to use their insights to contribute to the world for good.

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

Barker College employs a dedicated team of over 1000 staff members across five campuses and two jurisdictions (NSW and NT) and upholds a workplace culture underpinned by our core values of commitment, compassion, courage, integrity and respect.

We aim to be a leading Independent School in the Southern Hemisphere, providing a Christian environment that ensures staff members feel known, valued, supported and equipped to thrive.

The People and Culture Domain serves as a comprehensive roadmap that demonstrates Barker’s dedication to cultivating a thriving work environment prioritising excellence, engagement and safety. This strategy focuses on attracting, engaging and inspiring high quality educators and operations staff to deliver exceptional student academic care and experiences. We do this through initiatives that develop talent, encourage professional growth, foster leadership expertise and drive innovation, all in line with the School’s Vision.

Providing a safe environment for all is at the heart of who we are. Proactively implementing a physically and psychologically healthy environment fosters respect and dignity, enabling all members of the community to thrive within a values laden culture of excellence.

The key strategic drivers of the People and Culture Domain of the School Strategy reflect the recognition of the ever evolving and complex landscape of the modern working world where we are committed to being an Employer of Choice in the truest sense.

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.

Living our Christian values in an inclusive community

Connecting locally, nationally and globally

Contributing to the greater good (Honor non Honores)

Barker recognises the importance of connections that transcend geographical boundaries. Our strategic plan emphasises building bridges locally, nationally, and globally. By connecting on various levels, we equip our students with the skills needed to thrive in an interconnected world.

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.

At Barker, we are committed to embodying our Christian values in every aspect of our community.

Resources

Enabling our students, staff and communities for success

Stewarding assets, funding and fees responsibly, justly and efficiently

Master planning for the future

Through three key drivers - enabling success, responsible stewardship, and master planning - we aim to cultivate a sustainable and prosperous future for our school.

The first driver focuses on empowering staff, students, and communities for success. Recognising the value of investing in professional development, we enhance educators' teaching capabilities, leading to improved student outcomes. Cutting-edge resources and technology further enrich the learning experience, fostering creativity and critical thinking.

The second driver emphasises responsible and just stewardship of assets, funding, and fees. Responsible financial planning sustains education's affordability without compromising the quality of facilities and offerings, whilst ensuring compliance with government funding requirements and legislation. Additionally, we prioritise investments in sustainable practices, inspiring the next generation to become environmentally conscious citizens.

The third driver is strategic master planning, catering to evolving educational community needs. Long-term infrastructure planning accommodates growth, incorporates new technologies, and adapts to changing paradigms. By envisioning Barker’s future landscape, we proactively address challenges and seize opportunities, maintaining our position as a leading centre of learning and innovation.

Driven by enabling success, responsible stewardship, and master planning, Barker’s strategic plan shapes a prosperous future. Effective resourcing creates an inclusive, sustainable, and innovative learning environment, allowing students to flourish while staff and communities continue making a positive impact on society.

More information about Barker’s Master Plan can be found here www.barker. college/about-barker/our-master-plan

The Resourcing domain centres around resource management, creating an environment that fosters the thriving of staff, students, and communities.

Health and Wellbeing

The purpose of the Wellbeing program at Barker is to empower students with social, emotional and spiritual skills and attributes, developed through a holistic program of care, so that they can thrive throughout their lives.

The Lift@Barker initiative was launched in 2023 and embeds evidence-based actions and learning to enhance wellbeing and enable our students, staff and families to thrive. Lift@Barker is anchored in connection and belonging, self-talk and gratitude, optimal sleep and rest, nutrition and physical activity, managing stress, and service learning. These themes are linked to biblical wisdom and reinforced through our curriculum, connect time, and in all elements of School life.

Additionally, we have developed a scope and sequence for both students and staff professional learning that reinforces and enhances respectful relationships, consent and age-appropriate sex education.

Our Mental Health First Aid program continues to go from strength to strength with over 250 staff trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid, and in 2023 this program has been expanded to facilitating courses for our families.

We continue to strive towards a psychologically healthy work environment through raising mental health literacy, embedding feedback in practice and supporting leadership pathways, to name but a few initiatives.

It is hoped that the legacy of the staff and student wellbeing programs at Barker enable and inspire our staff to achieve their best and produce graduates who are resilient and equipped to make a difference in the world, contributing to the greater good.

Wellbeing at Barker places the student at the centre of all we do. It is anchored in our School Values and is agile and responsive to the contemporary challenges of our society.

Coeducation

Most Independent schools, including Barker, were established well over 100 years ago, and in a very different world and with very different attitudes towards the roles of men and women. Given the changing world we live in and the stereotypes that can develop in single sex environments, we are of the view that coeducation, and a more inclusive and diverse community, can go some way to addressing the challenges facing the Australian community.

Coeducation is not new for us. Girls commenced in the Senior School in 1975 and Barker began its transition to full coeducation in 2019 in the Junior School and 2020 in the Secondary School. In 2022 every year in the School became coeducational. We seek to expose our students to diverse opportunities and experiences, so that they are able to develop resilience and adaptability within a supportive environment.

The world of work, the world of education, the world of employment and the world of leadership has shifted considerably in the 21st century. We have a beautiful heritage at Barker, and we are preparing our students for a future that will be far less defined by gender roles than in the past.

Coeducation at Barker affords students the opportunity to work and learn together, to be inclusive and respect diversity.

Indigenous Programs

In 2016 Barker entered into a new approach to Indigenous education with the establishment of the 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. The School is a partnership between the Yothu Yindi Foundation and Barker.

At Barker, we recognise the importance upholding Aboriginal cultural identities as we strive to close the gap educationally. Barker is blessed to be able to contribute to the education of First Nations peoples through our three Indigenous campuses.

A priority for each of the three schools 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.

Service Learning

Service learning is an important part of school life at Barker with every student afforded the opportunity to engage in ageappropriate service activities that look to see positive gains in students’ attitudes toward self, attitudes toward school and learning, civic engagement, social skills, and academic performance.

It is the aim of Barker’s Service Learning Program to develop well rounded young people who are active citizens, serving the wider community with respect, integrity and courage and compassion.

All students have the opportunity to engage in Service Learning by joining lunch time clubs including Footprint & Create for a Cause. Staff and students are involved in donating their time and money at the annual House Fair that raises funds for the 16 House Charities. Families also generously donate toys and food in the annual Anglicare Toys n Tucker campaign that shared the joy with families in need at Christmas and sponsored us in the school-wide Drop Everything and Read activity for Room to Read in November. Year 6 students participate in the annual Write a Book in a Day for the Kids’ Cancer Project.

Community Engagement

Community groups use Barker facilities and we have welcomed the Lifeline Bookfair, BrickPit Basketball, dance groups, church organisations, local primary schools and community organisations to our campus and facilities.

Barker students also assist in the local community collecting for the Red Shield Appeal, Red Cross, Clean Up Australia Day, visiting local aged care facilities and providing support to teachers and carers of the Clarke Road School through Timeout Basketball and assisting at Athletics Carnivals.

Barker staff are also involved in the community through activities such as the Bike Ride for Brain Cancer, The Dish of St John’s which provides food and friendship to disadvantaged people in the local area and the Bobbin Head Cycle Classic.

Engaging with the local community fosters positive relationships which encourage collaboration and builds trust. This engagement also exposes students to real-world issues and diverse perspectives, enriching their education and their understanding of their roles in the community. Community involvement instils a sense of responsibility and empathy, shaping students into socially aware citizens. Additionally, local partnerships can lead to valuable opportunities for internships, mentorships, and support. Overall, connecting with the community reinforces Barker’s role as one part of a larger community where we all have a role to play in working together towards creating a more unified community.

Environmental Sustainability

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.

• 100% biodegradable and compostable food packing has replaced plastic containers in canteens

• 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

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.

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 cocurricular 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 selfdiscovery 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.