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 Yolŋu nations and extend that respect to other Indigenous people within the Barker College community.
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
Opportunities for greater collaboration with Deans and Heads of House, a sharper focus on using data to inform decisions and improvements in assessment and individual learning programs were some of the key highlights in 2024.
Across the School, we continued to prioritise the initiatives under the banner of Raising Respect. We want every student to feel valued, safe and able to exercise their own agency. We now have over 40% of our staff trained as Mental Health First Aiders. A significant project across the School this year has been the implementation of Veracross – transforming Barker’s digital ecosystem, to focus on a stable, efficient, and user-friendly student information system (SIS) that aligns with the School's strategic goals and enhances educational delivery and operational efficiency.
Considerable parent consultation has taken place this year prior to the planned rollout in 2025. We intend to launch the Academic Track for parent and student use during 2025 using the new SIS being implemented.
The commencement of Marri Mittigar Special Interest School for refugee students in Term 2, 2024 was one of the highlights for the year. This initiative is the culmination of several years of imaging how a wonderful school like Barker College can make a contribution to an immensely important social issue within Australia and in our world. We are living through one of the most fractured periods of global relationships and we cannot
Reflections on 2024
Over this past 12 months and in the final year of the School’s current strategic plan, we reviewed how we can best facilitate academic excellence at Barker College.
console ourselves with the security that comes from distance. We are all part of this small, fragile planet and all shared a common humanity. With an initial enrolment of over 20 children and under the leadership of Julia West and several other colleagues, this school within a school provides a trauma informed education for children from Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Venezuela.
The Barker Redbacks achieved an extraordinary 3rd place in the World Champs held in Houston, Texas, in May. The Barker Redbacks made history. This result far surpassed our previous years, reaching the Einstein Division Play off for the title is a rare honour with no Australian school ever reaching level in this international championship. Our students designed, constructed, programmed, and drove their robot into world prominence, with virtually no recognition from media or community leadership within Australia. Honor Non Honores.
Students at each of our Indigenous campuses continued to thrive. The Dhupuma Barker Middle School commenced on January 15, 2024 and Barker took over the operation and management of the Families as First Teachers Program for 0 – 4 year olds in Gunyangara. Excitingly, construction of the Dhupuma Barker School at Gunyangara began.
Our Senior School Hub received numerous architectural citations including the prestigious Milo Dunphy Award for Sustainable Architecture, which is the top award for sustainability in NSW. The building has been a joy for
Senior students and for the teaching of Mathematics. During 2024, our beloved Head of Senior School, Mr David Giltrap, stood down from a role he has filled for more than two decades. His successor, Mr Nick Moss, has made a magnificent start in the new Senior School Hub space. Our Deputy Head Academic Care, Dr Julie Wilson Reynolds, took up the post of Principal of St Michael’s Collegiate School in Hobart in fourth term and we wish her every blessing.
In July, Ethan Kotarac (Year 12) tragically lost his life in a road accident. He was a much-loved, much-admired and toweringly loyal Barker student whose enormous influence was characterised by Honor Non Honores. The entire School grieved, especially his countless friends in Year 12 who will carry his memory with them all their days. As we reflect on all that has been achieved in 2024, we rejoice in the blessings of our God through this community.
The Year in Review is only a snapshot of the work of our students, staff and community in 2024. Thank you for the deep encouragement and support offered throughout this year. The loving care so manifestly evident is what makes our community a precious place.
Peace
Phillip Heath AM Head of Barker College
Chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy team plays a pastoral role across the School. We are there to welcome students on their first day, farewell them on their last and mark milestones along the way. Through Chapel, Christian Studies and Cru (voluntary lunch time groups) we aim to tell the Christian story in a way that shapes the life of the School and allows students to connect in their understanding of Jesus during their time at Barker.
Cru & Cru Kickstart
The year started with more than a hundred students coming away for camp before the start of the year. It was a great chance to launch the year, welcome Year 7 students, and reflect on who God has made us to be from 1 Peter 2.
Cru has run across the whole school through the year with Year Group Small Groups - small groups for each year in the Secondary School. Social events were also held to help students meet each other, and we joined with other schools at Inter-Cru and celebrated Easter with hot cross buns and a guest speaker.
Prayer and Praise Night
Prayer and Praise Night was a memorable community evening where more than 200 people met in the Junior School to sing, pray and read the Bible. The night was entirely student led and organized by our wonderful 2024 Cru Captains, James and Zara.
Special Chapel services
Weekly Chapel services are part of the student experience from Prep to Year 12, and it was brilliant to have parents join us for PrepYear 2 Chapel on Friday mornings.
This included students at Darkinjung and Ngarralingayil whom Rev Brown continued to visit each week and Dhupuma students who received video messages produced by Rev Brown. With the launch of Marri Mittigar in Term 2 our Junior School Chaplaincy team also ran Chapel services for our newest Barker school.
Through the year Chapel services marked special occasions such as the whole school gathering in Rosewood to celebrate Easter. Our theme was God’s love for the world, and we used the letters L-O-V-E to retell the Easter story. The Junior School held Chapel services for Grandparents’ Day, Fathers’ Day, Mothers’ Day together with Christmas Chapels and bush chapel on Year 6 camp. The cadet Church Parade, which marks Remembrance Day, is always a highlight for the Senior School as well as the term of Year 12 farewell Chapels, which featured a memorable visit from Belfry the puppet and a poignant Valedictory Chapel.
Extension Christian Studies
In 2024 we launched elective Christian Studies for Year 10 students with seminars timetabled before school on Wednesday mornings. The students completed four Units of the Preliminary Theological Certificate (PTC) through Moore Theological College. This course is internationally recognised as a rigorous and diploma level theology.
Partnerships with churches and other organisations
The Chaplaincy team partner with many external organisations to help the students reflect on what they are learning, provide opportunities to serve and see how the Christian faith impacts life beyond school. Through Christian Studies we partnered with local
churches as Year 7 and Year 11 students visited Youth Groups and evening services. This partnership helps students see faith beyond the Mint Gates and connect with church communities.
Mission Aviation Fellowship visited the Year 7 Christian Studies classes with a VR experience to talk about serving others in remote Australia. Year 11 students attended a Bible Masterclass hosted by Bible Society Australia.
Faith Week and Parent courses
Faith Week is an opportunity for students and staff to pause and consider where they are up to in faith and to take the next steps for them on their journey. In Term 3 former students joined us in Chapel and lunch time groups to speak to the students. Our theme was Stories of Faith and we used 7-word stories to summarise their journey of faith.
Junior School Chaplaincy also hosted a parent course to explore Christianity in partnership with a local church.
Parent Prayer network
The parent prayer network has met each term to pray for the students, staff and families of Barker College. We are so grateful for the support of our parents in this way.
Christmas
Christmas at Barker is always a joyful and community building time of the year. The Gingerbread house making event grew again with several hundreds attending a night to create gingerbread houses and reflect on the Christmas story. The Junior School Nativity, a Very Barker Christmas, Lessons and Carols rounded out the year and enabled us to reflect on the historical grounding of the Christian story in the events of the birth of Jesus.
Chaplaincy
Junior School
The Junior School commenced 2024 in a strong position with 746 students across the 33 classrooms. This was the first year of the intended Junior School profile – two classes at Pre-Kindergarten, three classes in each year level from Kindergarten to Year 2, four classes at both Year 3 and Year 4, and seven classes at each of Year 5 and Year 6.
The School also received notification that we were successfully evaluated by the International Baccalaureate Organisation, providing approval to continue our programs for another five years.
A new curriculum initiative in 2024 provided a Science specialist and a Drama specialist to build skills in these areas of the curriculum. With the appointment of Science Specialist, Mr David Collison, teaching and learning opportunities have seen authentic science syllabus connections being supported within the Programme of Inquiry. Our Drama Specialist, Ms Jennie Bradbury, worked closely with the Year 6 classes and developed authentic connections to units of inquiry, equipping the students with skills such as voice projection, body positioning and dramatic movement.
The inaugural Junior School Italy tour in April was a great success. The 28 students and seven staff toured Milan, Como, Florence, Rome and Venice. A particular highlight was the visit to the Junior School’s sister schools in Como.
The Dance program in the Junior School continued to grow with 114 students selected into six troupes this year, representing a 16.7% increase from 2023. The Ignite Co-curricular programs also continued to be highly popular for students across Kindergarten to Year 6. 960 students were enrolled each Semester across 16 activities.
A highlight in Term 4 was the Musical, Matilda JR involving 160 main character parts and supported by year group choirs. Musicals are a wonderful celebration of musical and creative talent and they bring the community together. Matilda JR showcased the incredible Junior School students, their determination, skill and their talents.
The Prep Nativity production, Baarmy Bethlehem, provided a wonderful opportunity for our youngest members of the Junior School to perform in front of an appreciative audience of parents and friends.
Finally, I was delighted to be appointed as the National President of the Independent Primary School Heads of Australia (IPSHA), a two-year appointment. I will also chair the National Board of Directors, as well as sit on the Australian Primary Principals Board.
Martin Lubrano Head of Junior School
Academic and Service Partnerships
In Term 1, Year 6 engaged in a four week (one hour per week) LifeChanger program. LifeChanger staff ran workshops about:
• Understanding emotions
• Discovering your superpower - values & strengths
• Embracing change; developing resilience
• Building stronger connections. Stronger friendships
• Barker hosted the Do da Vinci Day for students in Years 5 -10 on 29 April. 114 Years 5 and 6 students participated, with students competing in teams of four across six disciplines: Engineering, Mathematics, Art and Poetry, English, Ideation and Cartography. The overall winners for the day from each grade formed part of the team to represent Barker at the Da Vinci Decathlon in May. Two teams of eight from Years 5 and 6 competed. The Year 6 team was outstanding, placing 1st in Engineering, 3rd in Science and 3rd overall.
• Kids' Lit Quiz - The Junior School entered the Sydney heat of the Kids’ Lit Quiz as part of our Aspire (Gifted and Talented) program. The Kids’ Lit Quiz is an annual literature quiz for students aged 10 – 13 years. The Year 6 team placed second overall.
• Student leaders attended a leadership development camp for the first time at The Grange in June.
• Several Junior School teachers and their children participated in a pilot program for the Parent Hope Project facilitated by Lisa Chalmers, Andrew Brown and Martin Conway. This was a four-session program with a video section and facilitated discussion.
• Two Years 5/6 teams competed in the Tournament of Minds competition - a Language Literacy team and a STEAM team. Tournament of Minds aims to enhance youth potential by developing diverse skills, enterprise, time management, and the discipline to work collaboratively within a competitive environment. Both teams presented strongly in their Spontaneous and Long-Term Challenges, with the judges commenting on their creative and energetic presentations. The Language Literature Team received a Merit award.
• A team of Year 6 students (Harrison Simmonds, Claire Cai,
Rohan Mundkur, Maddie Burnett and Abigail Symons) competed in the 2024 Ethics Olympiad as part of the gifted and talented program. The Ethics Olympiad is a collaborative, online event which encourages students to analyse and discuss real-life, age-appropriate ethical issues. Our students developed their critical thinking skills and sense of civic engagement by offering ethical commentary to three schools.
• Noteworthy Junior was launched this year - a student literature publication featuring outstanding examples of student writing. The chosen theme, "Shine," celebrated the strength of our writers and the positive contribution literature brings to our world. Submissions included short stories or poems, with works from Kindergarten through to Year 6.
• Students across the Junior School actively engaged with their Young Scientist projects. This initiative encouraged students to undertake innovative projects and investigations to find creative solutions to real-world problems.
Young ICT Explorers results
NSW Year 3 and 4 division:
• Heidi Li, Dora Wang, Claire Wei and Amelia Xie, Year 3, were awarded Third Place for their Emotional Support App.
• Robert Cameron, Austin Deed, Caesar Hudson-Gofers, and Zeke Solomons, Year 4, were awarded Second Place for their Drop Drift game.
• Nathan Yang, Year 3, was awarded First Place for his 3D designed and printed model of the Kurrajong carpark, designed to help new parents to the School navigate our excellent carline process. Nathan will present his project to the judges of the National Young ICT Explorer competition.
Year 5 and 6 division:
• Richard Li, Rohan Mundkur, and Alex Mu, Year 6, were awarded Third Place for their Ball Bot tennis ball collecting robot and an Innovation award.
Young Scientist results
• First Place - The Year 6 team of Richard Li, Rohan Mundkur, and
Alex Mu, were National winners for their Ball Bot tennis ball robot.
• Daniel Liang 1R - received a Distinction Award for 'How to prepare perfect apple slices for my lunch box'- an experiment to prevent apple browning.
• 199 Junior School students participated in the Australian Maths Competition. Students performed very well, with 60% of students being awarded a higher level certificate.
» In the Middle Primary (Years 3 and 4) division, Gavin Zhang, Adrian Xu, and Charles Jiang, were awarded a High Distinction. “Best in School” was achieved by Adrian Xu, for placing in the top 1% of Year 3 students across NSW. 20 Distinction awards with another 29 students achieving Credit awards.
» In the Upper Primary (Years 5 and 6) division, Year 5 students Ethan Pang and Jayden Tian both achieved a High Distinction. Ten Year 5 and 6 students were awarded a Distinction, while another 49 students achieved a Credit award.
» 12 High Ability Year 6 students were able to attempt the Year 7/8 paper. Nine of these students achieved a Credit award, and Leroy Seligman, achieved a Distinction, placing him in the top 15% of Year 7 students across NSW.
• Write On - Two students were awarded a Bronze Award for the Write On Competition, Indiana Roche Year 6 and Vincent Liang Year 2. This year there were over 740 entries from 400 schools. The works of all award winners have been published in The Write-On Anthology of Writing for 2024.
• Write a Book in a Day - Year 6 students completed their Write a Book in a Day challenge at the end of Term 2. The twenty teams submitted their books online. In total, Year 6 raised approximately $30,000 this year for the Kids Cancer Project taking the School’s grand total over the last 5 years to $140,000.
• Approximately 130 Years 3 – 6 students elected to participate in the ICAS competition papers this year. These contests were held before school. The Junior School
had three ICAS Medal winners (top 1% across the competition) Oliver Yu – Year 4 Science, Olivia Xie – Year 6 Writing and Gavin Zhang – Year 3 Mathematics.
• The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is the world’s oldest international writing competition. In 2024, there were over 24 000 entries on the theme of sustainability. Jacquelyn Jin Year 6 received a Gold Award for her composition. Lachlan Boak, Ronald Liu and Abigail Symons Year 6 received a Bronze Award.
PYP Exhibitions
• This year’s Year 6 PYP Exhibition Unit of Inquiry was investigated through the lens of the transdisciplinary theme; Who We Are. The central idea, Beliefs and Values Shape Identities and Actions, linked 45 different big ideas, over 130 lines of inquiry, 170 students, seven weeks of tuning in, finding out, making connections and taking action.
» All other year groups presented a mini exhibition through one of their units of inquiry to family members.
Co-curricular
• Both Independent Schools Debating Association (ISDA) Primary A and Primary B teams qualified for the Octos (the final 16 students). The Primary A team finished equal second and the Primary B team finished equal first in Pool D. Both teams won their Octo debates and competed in the Quarter finals.
• Barker Speaks – Public Speaking Competition - As part of Rhetoric Week, the Barker Speaks - Public Speaking Competition was held in late March. Three students from Early Stage One and four students from Stage One participated in the K-2 Final and five students from Stage 2 and six students form Stage Three competed in the Primary Final which included an impromptu component for Year 6 students. The external adjudicators from Master Academy judged the competition and commented on the exceptional quality of all speakers. Class teachers selected the topics, assisted with the various iterations of the speeches, listened to the students in the preliminary rounds and selected those students to represent their grade at the Final.
Junior School
Sport
The Junior School was well represented at the various sporting carnivals and competitions throughout the year, with some exceptional results and personal bests recorded. Several students went on to represent the School at IPSHA, CIS, NSW State or National Championships in sports including – Swimming, Snowsports, Athletics, Cross Country, Football, Softball, Cricket and Gymnastics.
NSW Representatives and Champions
• Harrison Guest (Year 6) was selected in the NSWCIS Primary Boys Cricket Team which competed in the NSW PSSA Boys Cricket Championships in Armidale in October.
• Annika Saxena (Year 6) was part of the NSWCIS Primary Girls Football Team that placed equal first at the NSW Primary Schools Championships.
• Hallie Dantas (Year 5) represented NSWCIS Primary Girls Softball Team that finished fourth in the NSW Primary Schools Championships. Hallie was selected for the NSW PSSA Girls Softball Team which competed in the National Championships in Cairns in October.
• At the CIS Championships the Senior Girls Relay team placed third and represented NSWCIS at the NSWPSSA Athletics. Championships placing 7th in the Final.
• Taekwondo All Schools
» Gold Medallists: Anna Xue (Year 3), Liam White (Year 5).
• Hugh Giffin (Year 6) –NSW CIS Diving Team –Placed 6th at PSSA in 11yrs Boys Springboard
• William Zhang (Year 3) –NSW CIS Swimming Team –Placed 10th in 8yrs Boys 50m Freestyle Final
National Representation
• Seven students competed at the National Snowsport championships, with Max Cook placing 1st in the Division 4 Moguls.
• Lachlan McGowan (Year 6) competed at International G2 Australian Taekwondo
competition - Oceania President’s Cup and Australian Open held from 19-22 September in Brisbane achieving a Bronze medal in his first international competition.
• He also competed at the Australian Nationals Taekwondo Championships, in Queensland in November in the Black Belt Cadet section and was a quarter finalist.
• Ayvah Wyzenbeek was selected to represent Manly Warringah Gymnastics at the National Gymnastics Clubs Carnival in September on the Gold Coast.
• Zarah Wyzenbeek was selected to represent NSW at the 2024 Australian Gymnastics Championships on the Gold Coast, in May. Zarah was selected into the NSW Trampoline Gymnastics state team and is the youngest female gymnast on the NSW team.
Outdoor Education
The outdoor education program continued this year to develop appropriate challenges designed to build competence, resilience, connection, responsibility, and independence.
The Year 2 day camp at Galston was a great introduction to the campsite where students spend one night in Year 3. Year 4 went to Stanwell Tops for 2 nights, Year 5 spent two nights at Lake Mac, one night in tents, providing a great introduction to their Year 6 program where they are away for three nights in tents moving around the Somerset property. Activity difficulty at all camps was age appropriate and provided opportunity for students to challenge themselves and achieve.
NSW Indigenous Campuses
Students have continued to develop their vocabulary and reflect on their connection with Country.
• Mr Andrew Brown continued at both NSW campuses teaching Christian Studies and taking a Chapel Service each week. The students have engaged positively with this program. A Junior School Staff member has attended each week with Rev Brown building connection across the campuses.
• Ms Susanna Matters and Ms Alex Cook (Junior School teachers Gifted and Talented and Library Integrator, respectively) visited each campus each term with a focus on literacy and identifying strengths within the students. They provide differentiated literacy support to Ngarralingayil and Darkinjung students, who have benefited by participating in the Premier's Reading Challenge, exploring rich literature to understand important concepts in the new K-6 English syllabus such as genre and characterisation.
• Interest in enrolment at Darkinjung continued to build,
with strong expressions of interest for the new school year. The School's commitment to inclusive education, particularly our focus on Indigenous culture and community partnerships was a key factor.
• Year 12 Prefects on the Indigenous Committee organised games on Darkinjung visit days at lunch to facilitate connection between Indigenous campuses and Hornsby students. The program has been a great success.
• Both campuses supported Indigenous Languages Week coming together at Darkinjung to engage in activities that highlight Indigenous languages helping to foster a deeper appreciation for the cultural contributions of Indigenous communities. Thank you to the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council and Barang Regional Alliance (Mrs Shaw) for their support.
• The continued integration of Indigenous perspectives across the curriculum was enriched by our connections with Jonathan Wright and his mentoring company – Dhinewan.
• During Cultural time at Darkinjung Jono from Dhinewan shared the importance of storylines and the children drew the things in life that were important to them to illustrate their storyline.
• As part of the creative and practical arts curriculum at Darkinjung, teaching staff shared Darkinyung language. At both campuses the children’s appreciation of music has been developed and included the introduction of square dancing.
• The Heritage Festival & Colours of Country exhibition was held at Darkinjung in April. All the students from Darkinjung Barker planned for an art project that was displayed at the exhibition. Students also worked as part of a
group to create a painting that represented a Dreamtime Story.
• Both campuses recognised a Triple Challenge when they focused on World Down Syndrome Day, Harmony Day & Close the Gap Day.
• Ngarralingayil children represented the School at NAIDOC celebrations at St Phillip’s Christian School dancing and sharing their culture.
• Students from Darkinjung Barker joined in the Wyong Community Anzac Day March representing Indigenous Australians who have engaged in defence forces across all of Australia’s military campaigns.
• Darkinjung Barker hosted the Community Market Day BBQ for the Yarramalong School Community Centre Trust.
• Darkinjung Barker hosted a regional Robotics qualifying event in October, hosting Trinity and PLC. One team qualified for
the National VEX Robotics Competition in December.
• Students in Years 3 – 6 from both campuses attended an Outdoor education camp at Lake Mac.
NSW Indigenous Campuses | Junior School
Dhupuma
Barker
A positive start for the year saw Mr Mitch O’Brien as the new teacher replacing Mr Tom Spencer after three years. Numbers continued to be strong throughout the year, with with around 30 students attending each day.
• High School program - Ms Sarah Adams worked extremely hard to get the Middle Years program up and running this year. Teachers reported that the Middle Years students have demonstrated a renewed maturity and willingness to work in the classes, which will be bolstered by having their own learning space. Lalambarri delivers lessons in Yolŋu Matha, with some support from Cedric and David (co-teachers) who have prepared lessons in Yolŋu Matha for the Middle Years students.
• FaFT - Allyson Billot started as the Families as First Teachers educator partnering with the Family Liaison Officer, Jerisha. Later in the year Charlene joined the team as FLO. Numbers have remained positively strong with up to 19 young ones and mums/ carers attending regularly.
• Mrs Natalie Smith (ILC) visited the campus in early March and again in November to assist in the assessment of students to
ascertain needs and build data around potential and performance.
• Good to Great Literacy groups continued to operate in 2024.
• An ICT team from Hornsby visited the School in late February to help with the set of digital learning platforms and the use of the devices in teaching and learning. Each classroom received a new interactive mobile TV unit to replace the current ceiling mounted whiteboards. This was as the result of a grant received in 2023 to purchase two units in a Schools Upgrade package, and a further unit was funded by the Yadha Muru Foundation City Country grant.
• Ms Meg Kent-Spark joined the teaching team spending a half day in Midawarr class (K-2) team teaching with Mrs Lori Cross. In the afternoons, she provided release time for teachers to assist with their teaching planning and programming.
Student Experience
On-Country Learning continued to be a feature of the program, with students enjoying these experiences and the engagement from co-teachers and community members continued to be strong and appreciated.
• A rich partnership in community has been established with Nhulunbuy Christian College, with Dhupuma students welcomed to sporting events with NCC and Dhupuma hosting cultural learning.
• On-Country Learning continued to be a feature of the program, with students enjoying these experiences and the engagement from co-teachers and community members continued to be strong and appreciated.
• A number of community engagement activities continued to support the teaching and learning at Dhupuma:
» Miwatj Health weekly lessons with community health officers
» Miwatj Health sexual health nurse visits.
» Flinders Medical studies fortnightly engagements
» Travelling Tadpoles swimming lessons twice per week for 4/5 weeks.
• Nhulunbuy Christian College – each class visiting at various times with end goal of selling products made from the shared garden, initiated by the Midawarr class, at the annual Twilight Fair.
• FliJoint Easter Chapel Service at the local Oasis Church.
• FliAged care facility ‘Yutjuwala Djiwarr’ visits with shared morning tea, brush making and painting.
• The teaching staff regularly attended community meetings regarding local issues. This helped staff to better support the children in their day-to-day learning as well as their understanding around these issues and their own wellbeing and safety.
• Flinders University students continued to connect for health and On-Country experiences. They have assisted in making spears, teaching about hygiene and basic first aid principals. Flinders University students studying psychology also led a wellbeing focus for school during their fortnightly visits.
• Each Friday, the School travelled to the town oval for an AFL program. Following the morning activities, they regularly went to the town pool for swimming.
• Three students represented Dhupuma Barker at the Nhulunbuy Region Schools Swimming Championships. Zion
and Murphy competed in all strokes in the Under 10 age group. Murphy placed 2nd in Backstroke and Zion placed 1st in Freestyle, 3rd in Butterfly and was the Runner Up Age Champion. Andrew competed in the 12 years 50m Freestyle.
• Mr Tom Abbott (Barker’s Robotics coach and alumni) visited the School to conduct training and preparation for the regional robotics event. He also approached local schools to encourage participation in the Regional Robotics competition and provide support. Two Dhupuma teams have qualified for the Nationals in Sydney in December.
• Staff from Hornsby have visited throughout the year to support the School including Annelise Dodd, Rev Brown, Basketball and Music.
• A student trip for the Marayarr class to Sydney in early December to provide valuable access to facilities such as Science labs and Design and Technology rooms. This coincided with the National Robotics Championships.
• Marayarr class extended their on-country learning to a twonight camp led by Lalambarri Yunupingu and Mrs Sarah Adams.
• Dhupuma Barker students proudly hosted an on-country learning day for six Barker parents, ahead of the Garma Fetsival. The students taught the visitors how to collect bush medicine leaves, find dhanbala (mus-muscles) in the mangroves, how to throw spears and cook over the fire. Following lunch, Janet (Co-teacher) shared knowledge on preparing the bush medicine leaves for healing.
Dhupuma Barker | Junior School
Middle School
2024 was another superb year for the Middle School.
The academic program continued to improve on the back of the explicit teaching of executive functioning skills during the ReAL time program. Special seminars aimed at individual subjects, as well as study and revision skills, set students up for success. The consistent repetition of study skills was also prioritised.
An outstanding group of Middle School Leaders were appointed this year and quickly went about involving themselves in all aspects of school life. House Captains had the chance to run Year 9
Assemblies each fortnight, promoting their House and initiatives close to their hearts. As there were so many quality applicants for Middle School Senior, this year saw the largest number ever inducted into this role. They continued to impress throughout the year, leading the Middle School with aplomb, whilst involving themselves in service learning opportunities.
In 2024, the largest number of Year 9 students ever attended the extended stay program, feeding back that this was the best experience of their school journey so far. On the back of this, the program for 2025 has already had an extra 48 students sign up, and we look forward to all the benefits this will bring. The outdoor education program, including The Grange, other camps and the Extended Stay Program continues to provide such important growth opportunities for students in the Middle School.
The myriad of rich experiences in relation to sport, music, cadets, dance, robotics and other cocurricular activities, continued to provide a full and enjoyable Barker experience for all Middle School students.
Tim Eastman Head of Middle School
Academic & Co-curricular
Experiences
The School continued its programs to support the development of positive study habits for students in the high school.
ReAL Time
Adjustments to the ReAL Time program were made this year for students in Year 7 and 8. ReAL Time stands for Responsible Approach to Learning and has a focus on providing a level of guidance for students so they can take responsibility for their own learning. All students in Year 7 and Year 8 have a ReAL Time booklet. Each booklet contains precise information about most of the subjects being studied and has a focus on the organisation of important knowledge. Students are encouraged to practice regular quizzing and recall.
In Term 2, Heads of Department and other key staff were invited to speak to students about what is coming up in each subject, and to provide strategies to help students study for that subject. The focus for students this year has been on getting organised and planning for the short term deadlines and longer-term success.
Quest Program
Last year saw the running of the inaugural Quest program for gifted and talented students in Year 7. In 2024, Quest was extended to students in Year 8. Students in Year 7 have had the
chance to explore and research an area of personal interest. In Year 8, students were guided through a course on ancient wisdom, before being asked to apply ancient wisdom to solve a contemporary problem.
While there are many existing opportunities for gifted and high potential students, both in and out of the classroom, the Quest program aims to support gifted and talented students in a range of complementary ways. Both programs are designed as a means to:
• Recognise and address the characteristics of gifted and talented students.
• Engage gifted and talented students in academically challenging, project-based programs that allows for greater self-direction, abstraction, depth, breadth and complexity.
• Allow gifted and talented students the opportunity to work with like-minded peers.
• Embed character education into Barker’s learning journey for gifted and talented students in a way which is authentic and aligned with the characteristics of these learners.
Teen Mental Health First Aid Program
In Term 3 the Teen Mental Health First Aid program commenced for Year 7’s. Teen Mental Health First Aid (Teen MHFA) is an ageappropriate training course for secondary school students in Years 7 to 9 and 10 to 12. Teen MHFA empowers young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide support to their peers. Importantly, it is delivered in settings where a minimum of 10% of adults have also been trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid, and therefore have the skills to support a young person experiencing a mental health problem or crises.
Teen MHFA course participants learnt about the signs of developing, worsening or crisispoint mental health problems, and were given a practical plan for how to respond.
Mentoring Program
A new initiative was the Middle School Mentoring Program, which evolved because it became clear that some Middle School students thrived when they had a connection with an older student.
Year 11 Dean, Mr Simon Walker and Head of Middle School, Tim Eastman, looked at how Middle School students who may have a particular need, could benefit from connecting with a Senior School student, specifically, a Year 11 Monitor. Some of the areas in which the Middle School students indicated they would appreciate support, included - organisation and planning, general academic support, tips on building some social connections, and general suggestions about how to get involved in School life.
The program runs every fortnight and students meet in the Library either on a Monday or Thursday lunchtime, or Monday or Thursday after school for half an hour.
Round Square
This year’s following initiatives included:
• the creation of a Middle School Round Square Student Committee.
• commencement of student exchanges with other Round Square schools nationally and internationally.
• Conferences including the International Conference in Bogota, Columbia (17–29 September) for Year 10 and 11 students and the Regional Conference at Rockhampton Grammar School QLD (23–27 June) for Year 8 and 9 students.
Outdoor Education & Service Learning
Year 9 Extended Stay
Throughout the Middle School, the goals of our Outdoor Education programs are to develop resilience, build independence and selfconfidence while exposing students to the beauty and peace that can be found in nature.
The Extended Stay program continued this year as an 18 day journey into the heart of Australia. Students were placed in small groups to tackle tasks from cooking, cleaning, camp duties, to hiking the Larapinta, sampling kangaroo tail, making bush medicine, learning to crack a whip. As with many reflective practices, students were encouraged to extend themselves physically before spending time in quiet introspection, after which they shared their thoughts and stories.
Community Service Activities
Barker Middle School students were busy throughout the year making a difference in our local community through various service activities, showcasing their dedication and enthusiasm.
Year 7: Champions of Sustainability
This year, Year 7 students demonstrated commendable dedication to managing recycling efforts within the School, significantly promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. Their commitment extended beyond the School grounds, as some students participated in bush care activities at Netherby Reserve in collaboration with Hornsby Council. Through these activities, they gained valuable knowledge about native plants and conservation, underscoring the importance of environmental stewardship.
Year 8: Continuing the Legacy of Service
Year 8 students continued their bush care initiatives from the previous year, further deepening their connection to this meaningful service. Additionally, they extended their community engagement by visiting Wahroonga House aged care facility. There, they engaged in enriching conversations, played games, and shared morning tea with the residents, creating cherished memories and fostering intergenerational bonds.
Year 9: Advocates for Community Support
Year 9 students dedicated their time to serving at the local food pantry at Hornsby Connect. Each week, a new group of students walked to Hornsby, where they gained valuable insights into the operations of this essential community centre. Their efforts highlighted the importance of supporting those in need and demonstrated the impact of community service.
These activities not only allowed our students to give back to the community but also helped them develop a sense of responsibility and empathy.
Middle School
Senior School
2024 has been an outstanding year!
I would like to congratulate our Year 10, 11 and Year 12 students and acknowledge the support of their teachers, pastoral staff as well as their parents and caregivers.
Driven by our values of commitment, compassion, courage, integrity and respect, the Senior School remained steadfast in our pledge to know, guide and challenge every student this year. This holistic commitment, guided by our Head of Houses, incorporated supporting our students in their academic, wellbeing, co-curricular, leadership and spiritual elements of their education.
In 2024, this saw us:
• Offer personalised and meaningful learning experiences in the classroom
• Develop and embed our focus on developing character
• Provide regular opportunities to read the Bible and come to know God
• Support and upskill our student leaders
• Encourage our students to ‘fill their plate’ and undertake a diverse range of cocurricular and extra-curricular activities
I am proud that all Senior School students have grown as young people and have acquired knowledge, as well as key learning skills. This important journey is best epitomised by our graduating Class of 2024. Our departing Year 12 students, equipped with an enduring connection, all possess the tools to chase their dreams and inspire global hope.
2024 marked a significant changing of the guard, with Mr David Giltrap ending his tenure as Head of the Senior School. Mr Giltrap served in this role with distinction for 22
years and did so with a loving, servant heart. I would like to honour and thank Mr Giltrap for his exceptional support of the Senior School students, staff and parents. You will be missed Mr Giltrap!
On a personal note, I would like to express my gratitude for the warm welcome and support I have received, since starting at Barker College. Moving from Canberra with my family was a big undertaking but I am so glad we did. Barker is an extraordinary community, comprised of students, staff and parents that genuinely care for each other and celebrate diversity. I feel so blessed to be here.
On behalf of the Senior School teachers and pastoral care staff, congratulations on a superb year. It has been a pleasure working with you.
Nick Moss Head of Senior School
Years 10-12 Academic Highlights
King Constantine Medal
A new award introduced this year was the King Constantine Medal. This medal is produced by Round Square and is awarded to a student of a Round Square Global member school who truly embraces the spirit of the Round Square philosophy and the IDEALS of Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Leadership and Service. Barker’s first recipient of this prestigious global award, was Lachlan Carely, a member of the student committee involved in Barker’s admittance into the Round Square Membership. Lachlan attended our first Round Square International Conference in Nairobi, Kenya last year, has been wonderfully committed to the holistic Barker education and has serviced this community with distinction.
Character & Education
Following last year’s pilot program, four x 1-week trials of 90 students were run in 2024. These trials provided the opportunity to test and learn from a scaled-up approach from last year’s pilot program. It also provided the chance to try new ideas and curriculum as the program expands further in 2025.
Barker Big Start
The Barker Big Start adopted a new format this year, which proved just as impactful for students beginning their HSC journey. The event kicked off with an inspiring presentation by Glen Gerreyn, who encouraged students to embrace hope as a foundation for their future. He emphasised the power of small changes leading to significant ‘wins’. Following this motivational session, students participated in study workshops and a collaborative English task to launch their HSC English course.
A notable new initiative in 2024 was a visit to Macquarie University, where students experienced a day on campus. They joined guided tours led by Student Ambassadors from various faculties. This initiative aimed to provide students with a firsthand university experience, helping them make informed decisions about their future, and it was a resounding success.
Graduating Class of 2024
Similarly, the Barker Big Finish for the Class of 2024, attracted large numbers of students to the Senior School Hub at the conclusion of Term 3, as they worked together and with the support of teaching staff, in preparation for their final exams in Term 4.
The Barker Big Start adopted a new format this year for students beginning their HSC journey.
HSC
Major Works
Term 3 was a time to celebrate the efforts and success of our Year 12 students in subjects requiring a major project. We particularly enjoyed the combined DT & IT Exhibition and the Visual Arts Exhibition, along with the Drama Showcase, the Extension 2 English Evening and the HSC Music performers concert and the Senior Ensembles Concert. The Textiles and Design Showcase Evening in the Rhodes Theatre, showcased many beautifully crafted garments.
Shape
The following students’ works were nominated for inclusion in the Shape Exhibition. Shape is an annual exhibition of exemplary Major Projects developed by HSC Design & Technology and Industrial Technology students and will be held at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct in March 2025.
Design & Technology: Henry Balzer, Arne Barwell, Oliver Chandler-Sullivan, Jade Dunne, Charles Milson, Ying Him Tang, Timothy Wilson, Matthew Young
Industrial Technology: George Gow, Jake Hanley, Joe Kerdic, Kristjan Quinn, Elliot Weir, James Wood, Taliesin Young
ARTEXPRESS
ARTEXPRESS is an annual showcase of HSC Visual Arts works and the following students were
selected to have their works exhibited at various galleries around NSW in 2025:
• Frankie Small
• Min You
English
The following student/s English Extension Two Major Work were nominated for possible inclusion for Young Writers Showcase 24:
• Phoebe Ballantyne
• Broden McLaughlin
• Justin Qin
• Owen Steele
Young Writers Showcase 24 presents a selection of outstanding major works by HSC English Extension 2 students in NSW across a range of literary genres including short fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, critical response, scripts, podcasts and multimedia, with the selected works published in Young Writers Showcase 24.
Young Scientist Award
Tim Wilson was announced as the 2024 Young Scientist of the Year for his Cuddle & Comfort Chimp: An Innovative Robotic Sleep Device.
Matthew Young received awards for Technological Innovations and AARNet Use of Technology, for his Sub-surface venturi aerator for the prevention of algal blooms.
Service Learning
Kicking Off with Compassion
Earlier in the year, Year 11 students volunteered at the International Women’s Day luncheon at Roseville Golf Club, hosted by the Hornsby Kurringai Women’s Shelter (HKWS). The event featured an inspiring interview by news presenter Georgie Gardiner, with a survivor of domestic violence, leaving a lasting impact on everyone present.
Our annual House Fair was another highlight, with students enthusiastically brainstorming and setting up stalls to raise funds for their chosen charities. This studentled initiative was a massive success, generating nearly $18,000 for various causes.
Running for a Cause and More
As Term 2 rolled in, Year 10 and 11 students answered the call from HKWS once again to assist at the Lindfield Fun Run. Despite the early start, our students’ hard work ensured the event ran smoothly, showcasing their commitment and teamwork.
Following this, students from Years 11 and 12 participated in the Red Shield Appeal for the Salvation Army at Hornsby Westfield. Giving up their weekend, they collected donations for this worthy cause. The School was thrilled to receive the ‘Hornsby Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal Schools Challenge’ Award for the second consecutive year, with Barker students raising the most funds of any school.
Our Seniors also made a significant impact at the Lifeline Bobbin Head Cycle Classic, helping facilitate the event to raise money for suicide prevention.
Barker was once again pleased to host the Lifeline Book Fair at the Rosewood Centre in early December.
Ongoing Service Throughout the Year
Additionally, throughout the year, students were busy serving weekly across the School. Year 10 students continued to build relationships with Clarke Road School, a school for children with additional needs. They attended weekly, assisting in the classroom with a range of activities from art to cooking, and even running a mini Woolworths shop! Highlights included hosting the annual Clarke Road Athletics Carnival at Barker, where over 30 student volunteers helped make it an incredible day. They also assisted with the swimming carnival and topped it all off with a funfilled morning spreading joy at the Clarke Road Colour Run.
Boarding
Boarding at Barker in 2024 has been filled with growth, connection, and shared experiences that define the Boarding community.
In Term 2, new Head of Boarding, Mr Jared Scoines and his family were warmly welcomed into the Barker community. One of the highlights early in the year was the Boarder Parents’ Mixer. It was an evening of great company, where we shared stories, laughter, and a sense of shared purpose. This provided a wonderful occasion to meet the parents and to formally acknowledge the immense contributions of outgoing Head of Boarding, Ben Christopherson, for his dedication to the role.
A successful boarding community is built by the people who inhabit it and the sense of belonging they cultivate together. Throughout 2024, we welcomed new students and staff, each bringing fresh perspectives and energy to our community. New structures and routines were introduced within the boarding houses and the boarders’ patience, openness, and willingness to embrace change, was vital in shaping the positive environment enjoyed by all. This year has also been filled with activities that capture the spirit of camaraderie and fun - from
spirited bake-offs, competitive laser tag sessions, and friendly rounds of mini-golf, to spontaneous ice cream runs and simply spending time together, our boarders have created memories that will last a lifetime. The Year 12 Celebration Dinner was another standout event and a chance to reflect on the journey of our Senior students, honour their contributions to our community, and wish them well as they embark on their next chapter beyond the 'Mint Gates'.
We welcomed our new Boarding Captains - their leadership and vision will be instrumental as we continue to grow and evolve as a community. Our guiding principle, “One School, One Family,” will shape our path forward, reminding us that no matter our individual backgrounds or stories, we are united by a shared commitment to each other.
As we plan for 2025, our boarders can look forward to moving into beautifully refurbished boarding houses, with work being undertaken over the Summer holidays.
Drama
Year 12 Play:
The Drowsy Chaperone
brought the world of a struggling writer to life so much so that even Shakespeare would have approved.
32 theatre-loving Year 12 students were fortunate to work with Ms Teresa Huzij and step back into the roaring 1920s to present ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’. The return of the Year 12 play, after a few years of COVID interruptions, was a brilliant opportunity to showcase the theatrical talents of this year group. There was singing, there was dancing and there was even a blindfolded roller-skating! The show had its’ sold-out audiences on their feet at the end of every performance and has given this cohort one final Barker Drama memory.
Year 11 Play:
Shakespeare in Love
Barker Drama welcomed guest director, actor and Barker Alumnae Ms Lizze Schebesta, back to school to direct a cast of 25 Year 11’s in ‘Shakespeare in Love’. Based on the screenplay, this fast-moving romantic comedy is set in London, 1593 and is a fictional account of Shakespeare’s inspiration for ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Supported by a backstage crew of 12, the Rhodes’ Theatre was transformed into the very Globe itself. It was a beautiful, rustic and authentic feeling set that
Winter Playhouse
With a welcome return to the CRU Courtyard, our Drama Captains, Charlotte Ellis and Sam Piper, engaged everyone in an evening showcasing the Creative and Performing Arts at Barker. It was fantastic to see the inclusion of Visual Arts with an exhibition of paintings for the audience to enjoy before the show, whilst nibbling their mandatory banana bread and hot chocolate, as well as the now regular additions of Public Speaking and curriculum Dance. The audiences were lucky enough to be entertained with a range of performances from Year 7 – 12 including sneak peeks of the upcoming plays and it was a brilliant night for all who attended.
Year 10 Play:
All of Us – a collection of four short plays
This year, the Year 10 play was actually a collection of four short plays. Directed by Mrs Pia Midgley, the 50 students in cast and crew took the audience on a playful journey through four different worlds. Audiences experienced a day in the life of student recycling
warriors in “Bin Day”; a journey through what modern-day conscription could look like in “The Grandfathers”; a beautiful multidisciplinary exploration of being a teenager when the snow falls in “It Snows” and a look at the world of teenagers through the eyes of parents in “What are they like?”.
Barker goes Broadway
Barker goes Broadway is a student-led event, and this year we had the added skill of professional sound technicians to truly help us celebrate Broadway. Not only did the students look great, but they sounded fabulous too! From “Mean Girls” to “The Secret Garden”, from duets to group songs with 20 students, and an unforgettable Barker staff special appearance, it was a memorable night. It truly was a celebration of the joy of performing and the student ‘voice’.
Year 9 Play:
Peter Pan
The exciting world of Hook, Tinkerbell and all the characters we know and love from this story about a boy that doesn’t want to grow up, were magically bought to life by the hard-working Ms Teresa Huzij (two productions in one year!). The 30 students involved brilliantly threw themselves into the
skill of playmaking to perform in this imaginative and creative production. A world where a bed can be a pirate ship and a ladder can help you fly. After two years of Drama Afterhours these Year 9 students were ready for their first real opportunity in a fully-realised Barker Drama show and they did not disappoint.
Theatresports
A slightly smaller group of students creatively took to the stage playing Theatresports this year. Smaller in number but mighty in confidence! Abley encouraged by our Senior team, our Year 10 team competed bravely for the first time ever in the Inter-School Competition. Both teams learned about making and accepting offers in improvisation, developing characterisation skills, and sharpening their on-the-spot creativity. 2025 will be a year to watch as the legacy of our Senior team compete one last time and pass the baton to those emerging; taking with them a little bit of Barker Drama pride and a lot of 21st Century “soft-skills”.
Yr 7/8 Drama After Hours
The Drama After Hours program in 2024 was full of chaos, laughter, and fun. Across the year, students focused on creating group pieces, learning TheatreSports skills, playing around with parodies and short summaries of famous movies and books, and concluded the year with a fantastic short play where a production of The Wizard of Oz goes horribly wrong! Between open classrooms, Winter Playhouse, Barker Goes Broadway, and our end-of-year play, there was no shortage of amazing opportunities for students to get in
front of an audience and showcase their talent. We look forward to seeing many of our talented young performers return to the program next year.
OnSTAGE
Nominations
Group Performance:
Emerald City
Henry Eagleton, Charlotte Ellis, Hallie Graham, Ryan Thrum
Camp Helpful
Aidan Bakker, Eleanor Bock, Lachlan Carley, Leah Wang
Eleanor Bock's Individual Project, Director's Folio, was selected for the HSC Showcase OnSTAGE.
OnSTAGE is an annual showcase of HSC Drama performances and individual projects that will be held at the Seymour Centre from Saturday 8 February to Friday 14 February 2025.
Music
The musical journey at Barker is vibrant and diverse, driven by the passion of our students and supported by dedicated staff and parents.
The Music Department's philosophy of offering ‘something for everyone’ remains central to our mission, and the wide range of student musical interests encourages us to provide ensembles and performance opportunities tailored to each individual.
The musical year kicked off with the Secondary Music Camp, while the Junior School Music Camp followed towards the end of Term 1. These camps allowed our large ensembles to form bonds and develop their repertoire for the year ahead.
Two major community events, Symphony Under the Stars and The Red Thread Christmas Concert, neatly bookend the year, showcasing our students' musical achievements across all ensembles. Masterpiece provided a platform for our senior ensembles to shine, celebrating musical excellence at the highest level.
For our jazz and contemporary musicians, concerts like Barker Swings and Coffee House offered the perfect setting to highlight their talents. Meanwhile, ensemble concerts for strings, bands, and choirs in both the Junior and Secondary Schools ensured that music remained a premier performing art at Barker.
Choirs
The Copeland Choir had a successful year, gaining first place in the Sydney Eisteddfod Open Primary Choir section. They continued their growth as a liturgical choir, performing with the Chamber Choir for the Ash Wednesday Service in Term 1 and participating in Junior School events, including the Masterpiece Concert.
The Year 6 cohort impressed in the Sydney Eisteddfod, competing against auditioned choirs and showcasing the high standards of our junior groups. All year levels, from Kindergarten up, sing weekly, with their progress featured in the annual Sing Concert, Prep Easter and Christmas events.
In the Secondary School, the Middle School Choir performed at major events and the Sydney Eisteddfod. The strong foundation from our Junior School program is evident in their increased musicality. The Senior Choir also participated in key events and the Sydney Eisteddfod, growing in size and repertoire.
The Chamber Choir was the busiest, performing at large events, including Chamber in the Chapel, a funeral, and the Ash Wednesday Service. Even in the final weeks of
2024, the choirs remained active, performing at the Red Thread Christmas Concert, A Very Barker Christmas, and Lessons and Carols. Bands
In Term 1, the Barker Wind Symphony performed alongside the NSW Police Band in a special concert supporting Police Legacy and Friends of Barker Music. Police Legacy provides crucial support to families of police officers who have suffered loss, while Friends of Barker Music continuously assist in providing resources for our students.
The concert was a fantastic opportunity for our students to experience performing with a professional band. The Wind Symphony delivered a heartfelt performance, featuring a standout Deep Purple medley and selections from film music. Collaborating with the NSW Police Band offered students a glimpse into the possibilities of a music career.
Police Commissioner Karen Webb attended and praised the leadership of Music Captains Oliver French and Eleanor Bock, whose contributions were key to the evening’s success.
Meanwhile, the Junior School Co-Curricular Ensembles Concert
was another highlight of the year, showcasing the talents of our younger band musicians. The Training Band made their debut, while the Junior School Wind Orchestra and Concert Band performed with skill and enthusiasm.
Mr Manabu Inoue joined us once again for a performance of Mont Fuji at the Masterpiece Concert. Mr Inoue was the Vice-President of the Japanese Band Association and brought new perspectives and exciting rehearsal techniques for our Wind Symphony students. We always look forward to hosting our Japanese colleague at Barker College.
Over 350 of our wind band students across the Senior and Junior School took part in the Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival held at the University of New South Wales. The eight bands participated achieved outstanding results, receiving six gold awards, two silvers and one bronze.
Strings
The Junior School String Program continues to grow rapidly, with approximately 140 students participating. The standard of performance has been impressive, with the Junior School Chamber Orchestra achieving success at both ASBOF and the Sydney Eisteddfod. All Junior School orchestras delivered outstanding performances at the Junior School Ensembles and Red Thread concerts, showcasing their development and dedication.
In the Senior School, the Chamber Orchestra, supported by a strong cohort of Year 12 students, took on challenging projects throughout the year. A key highlight was their performance of three major works at the Chamber in the Chapel concert, as well as Benjamin Britten’s Variations on a Theme by
Frank Bridge at the Masterpiece Concert. The Chamber Orchestra’s tour to Spain in December highlighted Barker’s presence on the global stage, featuring a selection of Australian works.
The Symphony Orchestra also delivered high-calibre performances at major events, including Symphony Under the Stars, Masterpiece, and the Senior Ensembles Concert. Meanwhile, the Middle School String Orchestras continued to thrive, contributing to various School events with increasing skill and confidence.
The string program’s growth and achievements across both Junior and Senior School is a testament to the dedication of our students.
Jazz
The Barker Jazz Program continues to grow, with Stage Bands, Big Bands, and smaller ensembles playing key roles. These groups performed at events such as Jazz Café and Barker Swings, while also providing background music for school functions such as new parent evenings and community gatherings. However, students truly shine when they take centre stage, and this year’s Barker Swings was a standout event in the School calendar.
The evening’s performances built in energy, starting with cool jazz from the Junior and Middle School Ensembles and continuing with a sophisticated set from the OBA Big Band. A highlight was the Middle School Jazz Orchestra, featuring a standout vocal performance in the style of Michael Bublé.
The Senior School Big Band and Jazz Orchestra showcased their technical prowess, while the 20th anniversary of the Greg Henderson Award added a special touch with a tribute performance by past awardees.
Internationally renowned jazz bassist and vocalist, Ms Nicki Parrott, capped off the evening, leaving a lasting impression with her mentorship and stellar performance.
Rock
With the continued interest in contemporary music, 2024 saw the introduction of the Barker Rock Band Weekender. Held in March, this weekend workshop was a success, bringing together budding rock musicians for intensive rehearsals, a songwriting masterclass, and the opportunity to record a song in a professional studio. The weekend culminated in a concert that showcased the students' hard work, making it a valuable new addition to the music program calendar.
Coffee House is a student-run rock concert organised by the Music captains, showcasing over twenty of Barker's best rock bands. This year, two events were held to accommodate the growing popularity of informal rock bands at the School. For many young musicians, Coffee House represents their first opportunity to perform on stage, while others use it as a platform to engage the audience and demonstrate their musical skills.
In addition to these events, our rock bands also enjoyed performing at lunchtime jams, assemblies, chapel services, and local Battle of the Bands competitions in the community.
Musical
Barker’s 2024 musical production, Footloose, was a celebration of joy, resilience, and the power of music. The cast brought the iconic jukebox score of '80s hits to life, leaving audiences “kickin’ off their Sunday shoes” from the opening number. Songs like Let’s Hear It for the Boy and Holding Out for a Hero filled the stage with energy and passion, while the ballads captured the emotional depth of the story. The powerful combination of music, choreography, and performance made each number unforgettable, creating a truly electrifying atmosphere that had audiences cheering night after night.
Outstanding Individual Music Results
AMEB Diplomas:
Leo Peng - Year 10 L.Mus.A Piano
Amelia Diacopoulos - Year 11 A. Mus.A - Saxophone
Liam Nicholls - Year 12 A.Mus.AViolin
Leo Chin - Year 11 A.Mus.A - Piano
Kevin Sun - Year 11 A.MusADouble Bass
Leonard Tang, a Year 11 violinist was awarded his L.Mus.A Diploma with Distinction by the Australian Music Examinations Board. This is an outstanding achievement from the winner of this year's Barker Concerto Competition.
Sydney Eisteddfod:
Carter Barnes – Year 8 Winner
Junior Singer of The Year
NSW Band Association
Championships Solos:
Matthew Lander – Year 8 Under 15
French Horn, Under 15 Champion of Champions – 1st places
Mirabell Chen – Year 10 Under 19
Double Reed, Open Double Reed – 1st place
Isabel Li – Year 8 Open Mallet Percussion, Open Timpani – 1st places
Benjamin Weatherall – Year 12
Open Snare Drum – 1st place
Kayla Zhao – Year 8 Under 15 Mallet Percussion – 1st place
Sophie Liu – Year 9 Under 15 Trombone – 1st place
Stella Shin – Year 7 Under 15 Tuba – 1st place
Jacquelyn Lu & Lydia Hsieh –Year 11 Under 19 Duet – 1st place
Encore Nominations:
Kerry Mo – Piano
Oliver French – Bassoon & Composition
Tim Wilson – Euphonium
Liam Nichols- Violin
Deron Yip – Cello
Alana Gao – Violin
Jeffrey Lu – Cello & Oboe
Ben Weatherall –Percussion, Guitar & Composition
Peter Corniola – Saxophone
ENCORE presents a selection of outstanding major works by HSC Music students in NSW including performance, composition and musicology. It will be held at the Sydney Opera House on Monday 24 February 2025.
Robotics
Senior School
The 11th year of Barker Robotics has been filled with remarkable achievements. Students from Years 1-12 across all of Barker’s campuses, have been hard at work building some of the world’s best robots and competing with commendable professionalism and skill.
This year has been a resounding success for the Senior School program, with the Barker Redbacks FRC team advancing further in competition than ever before. After winning regionals in Turkey and Sydney, they competed at the world championship in Houston, where they made it to the Einstein Finals to compete with the other seven division winners for the top spot. The Redbacks achieved a record score in the quarterfinals and ended up finishing among the top three teams worldwide — out of 3,400 teams and a total of 87,000 students!
This year was also the first year that Barker had a second FRC team, the Barker Greybacks. Created due to an increased need for capacity in our most advanced program, the Greybacks won their first competition in Turkey which qualified them to the world championships in Houston. An impressive start with lots of potential.
Since the end of the season, students have been developing several offseason projects to improve our mechanical, electrical, and programming abilities in anticipation for next year.
In yet another first for this year, Barker qualified two FTC teams to the World Championship. However, don’t let the smaller robots fool you, this competition is just as fierce as FRC, with over 7,500 teams competing. This was a great opportunity for our younger students to experience the pressure of competing on the world stage.
FRC Awards:
Autonomous Award
Istanbul Regional
Industrial Design Award
Bosphorus Regional
Quality Award
Southern Cross Regional
Einstein Semi-finalists
World Championship, Houston
Off Season Winners
Duel Down Under, Australia
FTC Awards:
Winning Alliance Captain
FTC Sydney Qualifier
Inspire Award
FTC Sydney Qualifier
Connect Award
FTC Sydney Qualifier
Innovate Award
FTC Sydney Qualifier
Motivate Award
FTC Sydney Qualifier
Design Award
FTC Sydney Qualifier
Winning Alliance Captain
FTC Australia National
Inspire Award
FTC Australia National
Design Awar
FTC Australia National
Middle School
Meanwhile, over 100 students in the Middle School worked on the VEX-V5 “Over Under” game. Barker hosted a State Qualifier competition and a League event, providing students with an
excellent opportunity to showcase their months of hard work. At Nationals, one of our competitive teams won the Design Award, a testament to their creativity and problem solving. Their performance at Nationals also qualified them to the World Championship where they won the Build Award. With the start of the new season, students are hard at work developing their next world class robots.
Think Award
VEX V5 James Ruse State Qualifier
Tournament Champions
VEX V5 Pymble Ladies College
State Qualifier
Innovate Award
VEX V5 Pymble Ladies College
State Qualifier
League Champions
VEX V5 Barker League
Excellence Award
VEX V5 Barker League
Robot Skills Champions
VEX V5 Barker League
League Champions
VEX V5 Barker League
Junior School
Competing in the “Full Volume” game, our Junior School students immersed themselves in a competitive environment and performed excellently, all while developing their technical, problem solving, and teamwork skills.
Likewise with Middle School VEX, the School hosted a State Competition on campus with 25 teams, where our students thrived. Later, at Nationals they were able to qualify for the World Championship, a Barker first for the Junior School.
Our investment in developing high level competitive teams is paying off; the students are continuing to work on their Robots for this year’s game and continue to improve.
Tournament Champions
VEX IQ KNOX Grammar School State Qualifier
Excellence Award
VEX IQ KNOX Grammar School State Qualifier
Robot Skills Champions
VEX IQ KNOX Grammar School State Qualifier
Tournament Champions
VEX IQ Barker College State Qualifier
Tournament Champions
VEX IQ James Ruse State Qualifier
Design Award
VEX IQ Barker College State Qualifier
Judges Award
VEX IQ Barker College State Qualifier
Excellence Award
VEX IQ James Ruse State Qualifier
Think Award
VEX IQ James Ruse State Qualifier
Dhupuma Barker
Further afield, the Robotics team travelled to the Northern Territory every term to work with students from Dhupuma to improve their skills and foster a passion for robotics. While there, we hosted our second VEX-IQ inter-school competition, where our students emerged as Robot Skills Champions. In December, the students travelled to Sydney to compete in the VEX-IQ National Tournament.
Robot Skills Champions
VEX IQ East Arnhem NT Qualifier
Tournament Champions
VEX IQ East Arnhem NT Qualifier
Darkinjung/Ngarralingayil
We have continued our weekly classes to improve driving and programming skills in a competitive environment. In this spirit, Darkinjung hosted its second VEX-IQ State Qualifier, providing students with the opportunity to collaborate and learn alongside other Sydney schools.
Marri Mittigar
After much preparation, robotics was launched at Marri Mittigar, where students now have a space to participate in fun and engaging challenges, while learning about engineering and programming.
Infrastructure
All of this wouldn’t be possible without our Labs and infrastructure. Accordingly, we have been upgrading infrastructure across the program as part of the five-year restructuring plan. Our goal is to create professional and organised environments that motivate students to achieve their best. Custom furniture has been specifically created for robotics classes with easily accessible parts, tools, and storage. With the new VEX labs in the Junior school, Carden Avenue, Dhupuma Barker, and Marri Mittigar, students have dedicated spaces to focus on their projects and practice for competitions.
Cadets
Annual Field Exercise
2024 has been a successful year for the Barker College Cadet Unit, from Monday trainings, to camps, to successful CAS competitions and the continuing leadership development program.
The year began with the Annual Field Exercise (AFX) in April at the Singleton Military range, where the cadets applied all the skills learnt across their home training sessions in a field environment.
AFX took a new form this year with the unit utilising not only the Sector 8 Singleton Military area, but also the beautiful Myuna Bay Scout Camp. Here the recruits experienced some fun water activities including raft building and an RC boat activity by the Tech PR wing. Night activities were also a highlight with cadets moving tactically searching for cyalumes, whilst avoiding detection from the looming spotlights. Meanwhile, Bravo company was experiencing some amazing views atop the famed Broken Back Range, even abseiling off some of the huge cliffs. Brilliant food supplied by our beloved parents fuelled us on as the week flew by, full of fun and learning. Leading all the activities are the junior and senior ranks, from the corporals who tended to all the little issues a cadet might have, to the leaders of our unit in RHQ.
CAS Drill Competition
The CAS Drill Competition was another highly anticipated event. Led by RSM Fearnside, the team consisted of rank and cadets from across year groups who trained tirelessly for months, preparing a strictly practiced routine for competition. Barker College had the privilege of hosting the competition which saw several CAS schools compete in the Rosewood Centre. The teams were assessed on their Dress and precision to determine the winner. The Barker squad was successful in the competition and came away as the CAS Drill Competition champions for 2024, a significant achievement after lots of hard work.
Ceremonial Parade
The Cadet Units’ Ceremonial Parade is the final event of the cadet year and marked an amazing way to send off the senior leaders while at the same time commemorating their efforts throughout the year. After this event was the senior leadership team’s Dining in Night, where all the graduating cadets and their parents had an enjoyable and memorable evening of great food, reflection and celebration.
Promos
During the second half of the year, two courses were held to promote cadets into Junior and Senior leadership positions within the unit. Throughout these courses the cadets were taught invaluable lessons on leadership and how to work with cadets in the field and home environments. In the Junior Leadership Course (JLC), the candidates learnt how to lead a platoon and teach lessons to cadets and were then tested on these skills. Roles and rank were assigned based on their performance in these tests. In the Senior Leadership Course (SLC), candidates learnt how to produce and run lessons and were then assessed on their cadet skills, abilities to work as a team and running of an activity. All these courses were taught at the Singleton Military Base where the cadets stayed in barracks. At the same time, many younger cadets participated in the Barker College Adventure Training (BCAT) course, where they experienced a higher levels of field skills and discipline, and slept in tents and hutchies throughout the course.
Legacy
This year, the aspiring Junior Leadership Course participants worked with the Legacy Foundation to sell items to raise money for the families of veterans. Cadets represented the unit by standing in uniform and collecting donations at Hornsby and Waitara train stations.
Term 3 Bivouac
Term 3 Bivouac was primarily aimed at giving the new Junior and Senior rank a valuable opportunity to practice their newly acquired leadership skills in a field environment in preparation for next year’s AFX. The camp saw the return of the illusive Alpha Company, who avoided detection all camp, practicing tactical movement and advanced field skills. For the recruits, one of the most exciting activities on camp is getting out of their tent and spending a night under a hutchie, connecting with nature and enjoying the amazing surroundings and weather. The recruits received lessons in critical field skills such as navigation and radio communication, taking plenty of
notes that they were able to use in their NAVEX and TACEXs. A special thanks goes out to all our parent volunteers for making the cadets breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. The only exception being Alpha Company, who lived off ration packs until the final night, cooking out in the field.
Barker Boomerangs
2024 also saw the launch of the Barker Boomerangs Drone Club, with a range of cadets learning how to build, program and fly FPV drones. Highlights included students attending a week-long AAC hosted FPV camp in Brisbane in January, participating in a combined Military FPV racing competition at the Shellharbour Air Show in March, and culminated in four cadets heading to Townsville in September to compete in the Australian Drone Nationals.
Heading into 2025, the Barker Boomerangs are looking to launch interschool racing competitions and start a Barker community FPV racing club.
In 2025, the Unit will celebrate its 125th year.
Duke of Edinburgh
The impact of participants in the Service section of The Award is truly noteworthy, with hundreds of hours dedicated to various community initiatives. One such initiative is Dignity Dishes, where Bronze, Silver and Gold Awardees have worked tirelessly to support local homeless individuals, providing over 1,500 frozen meals and essential resources.
The Grange staff successfully hosted two distinct and challenging Gold level Adventurous Journeys. Our winter expedition traversed the Budawang Range as part of the Mountains to the Beach project, where participants camped in rock overhangs and scaled the region’s renowned peaks. In the Spring, groups ventured into the breathtaking canyons and valleys of the Blue Mountains.
Our revamped Year 10 program has attracted nearly 60 participants eager to pursue the Silver Award.
This year, many faced the challenge of completing the Twin Craters hike during an exceptionally rainy week, testing their preparation and resilience.
The Bronze program continues to shine brightly, with our dedicated Middle School earning an impressive 155 Bronze Awards.
In a remarkable achievement, eleven Year 12 participants earned Gold Awards in 2024. These Awards hold special significance for a cohort that faced an interrupted expedition pathway.
This year, we also bid farewell to Award Leader, Mrs. Lisa Jellis, who has supported our Senior school participants for over ten years, guiding more than 200 Gold Awardees.
We are proud to announce that the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award program in New South Wales has received official recognition, affirming its value and impact on young people in our community. This recognition highlights the program's commitment to fostering personal growth, leadership, and community service among participants.
At Government House, Mr Graeme Dawes, Mr Andrew Ashby, Mrs Lisa Jellis, and Mrs Sally Filtness were honoured by His Royal Highness
The Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh KG GCVO with a medal, badge and certificate for their dedicated service to the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
This year, our Duke of Edinburgh program has continued to flourish, particularly in our Bronze program, which saw significant engagement and growth.
Duke of Edinburgh
Debating & Public Speaking
Debating, Public Speaking, Mock Trial and Model United Nations
It was a highly competitive year in the world of Debating, Public Speaking, Mock Trial and Model United Nations with a comprehensive offering of speaking opportunities, often travelling across Sydney, for Friday night debates or mock trials, as well as increasing participation in the online SDC Friday afternoon debating competition. Barker also competed in, or hosted, some key Model United Nations events at the School and further afield. There were some excellent individual and team performances across the year, in an increasingly competitive arena.
Highlights
Lawrence Campbell Oratory speaker – James Trent
NSW Junior Secondary Speaking Award Zone Finalist: Sebastian Linton
NSW Junior Secondary Speaking Award Northern Division Finalist: Charlize Funke-Andrews
NSW Plain English-Speaking Award Zone Finalists – James Trent, Donnie Zhao
Public Speaking competition winners – Sebastian Linton, Charlize Funke-Andrews, James Trent
Edgeworth David Reading Aloud Competition Winners – Malachi Perry (Year 7/8), Sofia Vivoda (Year 9/10) and Tom Sturrock (Year 11/12)
ISDA Senior A Octo Finalists (final 16 of 32 schools)
ISDA Senior B Octo Finalists (final 16 of 32 schools)
ISDA Primary A Semi Finalists (final 4 of 32 schools)
ISDA Primary B Quarter Finalists (final 8 of 32 schools)
FED Senior A Quarter Finalists (final 4 of 14 schools)
FED 8Bs Quarter Finalists (final 8 of 14 schools)
FED 7A Semi Finalists (final 4 of 14 schools)
FED 7B Grand Final Winners
CAS Seconds undefeated unofficial premiers
CAS Thirds undefeated unofficial premiers
CAS 7Bs unofficial premiers
CAS Representative Debating – CAS Firsts – Claudia McDougall
CAS Representative Debating –
CAS Seconds – Harry Field
CAS Representative Debating –CAS Thirds – Christina Kong
Mock Trial Team – final 32 schools
Mock Trial 2024
Each year, Barker enters the NSW Law Society Mock Trial competition, with some extraordinary results over the years, including winning the National competition in 2014. This year, 100 schools participated from across NSW, pleasingly returning to face-to-face Mock Trials. The competition is open to students in Years 10 and 11. It requires significant research, practice and case preparation before each 3–4-hour trial. Trials are judged by professionals in the legal industry and provide students with a unique opportunity to receive encouraging advice about pursuing legal careers.
The Barker team this year was a dedicated group of students, with all the Year 11 students returning for their second year in the competition, including barristers Claudia McDougall, Finn Reynolds and Eric Chung, solicitors Shirley Ji and Madeleine Henry, court officer,
Claire Park and witnesses Roy Yan, Tessia Xu, Donnie Zhao and Angelina Barnsdall.
Barker won two out of three of its round robin trials, achieving victories against very strong teams – Hornsby Girls High School and St Aloysius – while losing in a hair breadth’s trial to PLC Pymble. From the rounds, Barker qualified for the elimination section of the competition, which represents the top 32 schools in NSW. In this, Barker was narrowly knocked out in the first elimination round by Asquith Girls, but performed extremely strongly and the team were commended on their efforts and ability.
Model United Nations
In 2024, Barker hosted its own Model United Nations Day on Saturday September 21 with 100 students, including 32 from Barker and over 30 other schools represented. At the start, the whole Assembly was addressed by Mr
Crispin Conroy, Head of DFAT NSW and previous Australian delegate to the United Nations in Geneva and also by the Head of Barker, Mr Heath, on the importance of international cooperation. After this, the group split into two assemblies, discussing a number of motions across the day. It was truly a student-driven day and was highly successful, with individual speaker prizes given out at the end. This was Barker’s contribution to local Model United Nations, after our students had attended three other Model United Nations at other schools across the course of this year.
Sport
Team Awards
Barker students participated in a huge variety of sporting programs throughout the year, where they developed skills, values and character, whilst representing the Red with pride.
Sport once again provided the full spectrum of emotions, with some outstanding victories and some heartbreaking defeats. We witnessed some individual brilliance as well as teams working together to achieve an outcome few may have thought was possible, lifting the trophy at the end of a competitive season. These highs and lows mixed with the supportive culture of the ‘Reds’ is what will bring us all back to do it all again next year.
AFL
Division 1 Independent Schools Girls Competition Premiers
Division 3 Independent Schools Girls Competition Premiers
Athletics
National Schools Challenge Junior Boys - Bronze Medal
NSW Schools Challenge Junior Boys - Silver Medal
NSW Schools Challenge Intermediate Boys - Silver Medal
ISA Division 1 Overall Champions
ISA Division 1 Junior Champions
ISA Division 1 Intermediate Champions
ISA Division 1 Senior Champions
CAS Overall 4th Place
Basketball
NSW All Schools Girls School Playoff Champions
NSW CIS Secondary Girls School Playoff Champions
ISA Open 1st Division Champions
ISA Open 5th Division Champions
ISA Junior B Division Runners Up
ISA Junior C Division Runners Up
Cricket
1st XI CAS T20 Grand Final Winners
Northern Districts Girls' Cup Winners
Cross Country
ISA Junior 2nd Place
Hills Dance Spectacular
Open Lyrical Troupe - 5th Place
Middle School Jazz Troupe2nd Place
Open Hip Hop Troupe - 5th Place
City of Sydney Eistedfodd
Middle School Jazz - Highly Commended
Open Lyrical Troupe - Highly Commended
Open Hip Hop Troupe - Highly Commended
Dance Spec Eisteddfod
Open Hip Hop Troupe - 2nd Place
Open Lyrical Troupe - 3rd Place
Middle School Jazz TroupeHighly Commended
Open Jazz TroupeHighly Commended
Open Contemporary TroupeHighly Commended
Dance Life Unite Eisteddfod
Open Lyrical Troupe - 1st Place
Open Contemporary Troupe2nd Place
Curriculum Dance Year 104th Place
Open Hip Hop Troupe - 3rd Place
Middle School Jazz Troupe3rd Place
Open Jazz Troupe- 4th Place
Extreme Eistedfodd
Open Hip Hop Troupe – 3rd Place
Fencing
Australian Senior Schools' Championships Boys Epee A Team - 3rd Place
Australian Senior Schools' Championships Boys Epee B Team - 7th Place
Australian Senior Schools' Championships Boys Foil A Team - 3rd Place
Australian Senior Schools' Championships Boys Foil B Team - 6th Place
NSW Schools' Fencing League Championships U19 Boys Epee1st Place
NSW Schools' Fencing League
Championships U19 Boys Foil5th Place
NSW Schools' Fencing League
Championships U16 Boys Foil3rd Place
NSW Schools' Fencing League Championships U14 Boys Foil3rd Place
NSW Schools' Fencing League Championships U14 Girls Epee - 3rd Place
Football
ISA Champion School - Joint Winners
ISA Senior 1st - Champions
ISA Senior 3rd - Runners Up
ISA Junior C - Champions
Golf
CAS, GPS, ISA Interschool GolfRunners Up
Hockey
ISA Joint Overall Champions
ISA Senior 2ndDivision 2 Premiers
ISA Junior A - Division 3 Runners Up
ISA Junior B - Division 4 Runners Up
Netball
ISA School Championship Shield
ISA Senior 7th - Champions
ISA Inter A - Champions
ISA Inter H - Champions
ISA Junior A - Champions
ISA Senior 6th - Runners Up
ISA Inter F - Runners Up
ISA Inter G - Runners Up
Rowing Head of the River
Schoolboy Single Scull Heat - 5th Place
Schoolboy Year 9 Single Scull Heat - 3rd Place
Schoolboy Year 9 Single Scull Final - 6th Place
Schoolboy Year 8 Single Scull Final - 3rd Place
Schoolboy Year 8 Double Scull Final - 3rd Place
Schoolgirl Year 8 Single Scull Heat - 3rd Place
Schoolgirl Year 8 Single Scull Final - 4th Place
Schoolgirl Year 9 Double Scull Heat - 3rd Place
Schoolgirl Year 9 Double Scull Final - 5th Place
Schoolgirl Year 10 Double Scull Heat - 4th Place
Schoolgirl Year 10 Double Scull Final - 5th Place
Schoolgirl Year 10 Single Scull Heat - 3rd Place
Rugby
1st XV CAS PremiersHenry Plume Shield
Rugby 7s
1st NSW Schools Chloe Dalton Competition Term 4 2023 Premiers
Inter NSW Schools Chloe Dalton
Competition Term 4 2023 Runners Up
Junior NSW Schools Chloe Dalton Competition Term 4 2023 Runners Up
1st NSW Schools Chloe Dalton Competition Term 1 2024 Premiers
Inter NSW Schools Chloe Dalton Competition Term 1 2024 Runners Up
Junior NSW Schools Chloe Dalton Competition Term 1 2024 Premiers
Softball
Open 1st Division Champions
Junior A Division Runners Up
Swimming
ISA Overall Division 1 Champions
ISA Junior Division - 1st Place
ISA Intermediate Division1st Place
CAS Overall 4th Place
Touch Football
ISA Junior A Division Runners Up
ISA Junior B Division Runners Up
Triathlon
NSW All Schools Boys Team Champions
NSWCIS Division 1 - 1st Place
Volleyball
Girls' Team 2 - 1st Place
Girls' Team 5 - 2nd Place
Water Polo
CAS 15A Champions - 2nd Year Undefeated
1st Girls ESSG CompetitionRunners Up
Sports Representation
AFL
NSW All Schools U15 Team
Levi Macri
CIS U15 Boys Team
Levi Macri
CIS U15 Girls Team
Friyana Mistry
Athletics
Australian Open
Para-Athletics Team - 400m
Cooper Robb-Jackson
NSW All Schools Team (December 2024)
Ashley Hogan
Coby Neal
Cooper Phillips
Cooper Robb-Jackson
Curtis Cui
Tyson Neal
NSW Team
Lily Axford
Australian Track & Field
Championships
Callum Gilchrist
Charlie Barker
Cooper Robb-Jackson
Naomi Gibson
Rayhaan Banerjee
Tyson Neal
Xavier Perry
CIS Merit Team
Amber Jobson
Grace Carlton
Jessica Bradford
Sophie Farrell
Tayla Moore
Basketball
NSW U18 Girl's Metro State
Jessie-May Hall
Lucy Mead
NSW U16 Girl's Metro State
Emma Lukell
Sasha Clague
Australian U15 Team
Sasha Clague
CIS Team
Keira Hudson
CIS 16 & Under Team
Sasha Clague
Emma Lukell
Cricket
NSW All Schools 15 & Under Team
Rehaan Shyamsundar
CIS 15 & Under Team
Rehaan Shyamsundar
Cross Country
NSW All Schools Team
Lily Axford
CIS Team
Cooper Phillips
Cooper Robb-Jackson
Daniel Edwards
Jessica Bradford
Lily Axford
Dance
Outstanding Performer -
Musical Theatre Recreational
Eilish Bruce
Outstanding PerformerYear 7 Lyrical Recreational
Amanda Ma
Outstanding PerformerMiddle School Jazz Troupe
Rebekah Barden
Outstanding PerformerOpen Jazz Troupe
Neve Parker
Outstanding PerformerHip Hop Recreational
Emmett Daly
Outstanding PerformerJazz Recreational
Yoyo Wang
Outstanding PerformerBallet Recreational
Belle Webster
Outstanding PerformerTap Recreational
Katherine Ross
Outstanding PerformerLyrical Recreational
Angela Hu
Diving
Australian Dream Squad
Lachlan Abbott
Diving Australia TeamTYR Junior America Cup
Lachlan Abbott
NSW All Schools Team
Ben Speed
CIS Team
Ben Speed
Equestrian
Australian Interschool Championships
Isla Fotofili
Fencing
Australian Fencing Federation Senior School Championships
- Individual Epee
Henry Liu - Bronze Medal
Tom Sturrock
Oskar Biggart
Joona Erasmus
Curtis Kennedy
Flynn Larkin
Nicholas Lance
Australian Fencing Federation Senior School Championships
- Individual Foil
Deron Yip
Tom Sturrock
Leo Cachia
Navanj Giria
Noah Choi
NSW Schools' Fencing League Championships - U19 Boys
Individual Foil
Deron Yip - Gold Medal
NSW Schools' Fencing League Championships - U19 Boys
Individual Epee
Joona Erasmus - Silver Medal
NSW Schools' Fencing League Championships - U14 Boys
Individual Foil
Max Sherrard - Bronze Medal
Football
NSW State Team
Lachlan Pain
Hockey
NSW U14 Blues Team
Chloe Young
Emily Woods-McConville
NSW Stars U13
Indoor Hockey Team
Chloe Young
NSW Lions U13
Indoor Hockey Team
Emily Woods-McConville
CIS Team
Rosie Fairbairn
CIS 15 & Under Team
Emily Woods-McConville
Rugby
Australian U18 Team
TJ Talaileva
Nick Hill
Australian U18 Squad
Nathaniel Thomas
Charlie Poynton
Australian Schools1st Team
Keegan Daly
NSW U18 Waratahs 1st XV
Keegan Daly
Charlie Poynton
Nick Hill
Harrison Dene
NSW U18 Schools - 1st Team
Keegan Daly
Jeremy Rath
NSW U18 Schools - 2nd Team
Matthew Harrison
Nathaniel Thomas
NSW U16 Waratahs Academy
Tahj Smith
Jeremy Rath
NSW U16 Waratahs - 2nd Team
Mark Falaniko-Brown PetersonPatolo
Joel Stovold
NSW U14 Next Gen Blue Team
Cruz Holmes
NSW U15 Waratahs
Academy Squad
IJ Holmes
Billy Miller
Jayden Richards
Rugby League
CIS U18 Girls' Team
Mikaela Bowen
CIS U15 Team
Billy Miller
Rugby 7s
NSW All Schools U18 7s A Team
Sydney Davis
NSW All Schools U16 7s B Team
Evie Scott
CIS 1 Girls’ Team
Sydney Davis
CIS U16 1 Girls’ Team
Evie Scott
Snowsports
Australian Interschools
Championships
Aria Miltiades
Cooper Cook
Derek Ye
Femke Engelbrecht
Haonan Zhao
Haoying Zhao
Henry Woon
Holly Girvin
Ivy Wu
Olivia Lin
Rose Hocking
Samuel Vos
Interschools NSW, ACT & QLD
State Championships
Anouk Engelbrecht
Aria Miltiades
Betty Herschell
Brayden Lyu
Carson Harvey
Cooper Cook
Derek Ye
Femke Engelbrecht
Hamish Reeve
Haonan Zhao
Haoying Zhao
Henry Woon
Holly Girvin
Ivy Wu
Lucas Schreiber
Millie Richter
Olivia Lin
Peter Su
Ronan Herbert
Rose Hocking
Samuel Vos
Seb Conn
Sebastian Moxon
Shawn Li
Skye Turner
Sophia Klau
Tom Kent
Tong Zhu
Vinnie Douglas
William Wang
Yujia Zhu
Softball
Australian U16 Women's Squad
Tayla Moore
NSW U18 Team
Tayla Moore
NSW All Schools Team
Tayla Moore
NSW U14 Girls Strikers
Eva Kunce
NSW U16 Team
Eva Kunce
CIS Team
Tayla Moore
Eva Kunce Swimming
Australian Age Swimming Championships
Harrison Woodrow
Harry Conomos
Ivy Kim
Jack Mercer
Jordan Feurtado
Matt Walter
Mia Ryan
Milla Lawrence
Neve Lawrence
Noah Workman
Irish Summer National Youth & Senior Championships
Mia Ryan
NSW All Schools Team
Jack Mercer
Mia Ryan
Milla Lawrence
Neve Lawrence
CIS Team
Alan Yang
Jack Mercer
Mia Ryan
Milla Lawrence
Neve Lawrence
Tennis
14 & Under Australian Claycourt Championships
Jonathan Shao
Taekwondo
Oceania President’s Cup G2
Jade MacGowan
Australian Open G2
Jade MacGowan
NSW State SelectionsState Champion
Jade MacGowan
NSW State Selections -
Bronze Medal
Alec MacGowan
NSW State Open -
Bronze
Jade MacGowan
NSW State Open
Alec MacGowan
Gold Coast Open -
Bronze
Jade MacGowan
Gold Coast Open
Alec MacGowan
Water Polo
Australian Youth Water Polo
Championships - U14 Boys Division A Champions & Highest Goal Scorer
Reef Potter
Australian Youth Water Polo
ChampionshipsU16 Boys Division A
Oliver Dalziell Bruty
Declan Moore
Mason Morrisey
Australian Youth Water Polo
ChampionshipsU16 Boys Division B Runners Up
Tyson Neal
Dance
The highlight of the Barker Dance calendar was the inaugural Dance Showcase which was titled ‘The Red Thread’. This evening wove together the story of a young dancer who begins her journey in the Junior School and makes her way up and out of Barker’s Mint Gates. The ‘Red Thread’ showcased the interconnectedness of each Barker student, celebrating what Dance looks like across the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools.
For the first time ever the Barker Dance Company, made up of exceptional Senior and Junior Dancers performed an unforgettable routine to ‘You Will be Found’, showcasing the beauty of all ages dancing together. The Opening Number ‘Red Thread’, performed by all Troupe students, was exceptional, performing with synchronicity and skill to the recorded voices of Year 3, Year 6 and Year 11 Dancers.
Through this showcase, we also expressed our gratitude to ‘REDed’, who have been crucial in forging this strong ‘Red Thread’ within our Barker Dance Community, building a passion for Dance in our very youngest. Barker partnered with REDed in 2011, delivering curriculum dance in the Junior School and Co-curricular Dance in 2013. The Barker Dance Troupe, the competitive stream of dance, has continued to grow dramatically. The robust passion for Dance in the Junior School has
facilitated the change to completely internalise the Dance program to K-12, harnessing the wealth of experience and expertise at Barker.
Junior School
Barker Dance Troupes in the Junior School have had an incredibly successful year. Six Troupes across Years 1–6 bonded as a team and family from their first rehearsal in Term 1 and have continued to show their commitment throughout the year. They performed brilliantly at each competition, with the highlight being performing at the iconic Sydney Opera House for Sydney Eisteddfod. Each troupe competed in very large sections against schools with an extremely high standard and we are all incredibly proud of their achievements. As their passions continue to grow, they are eager for further development in their technique as dancers, which will be met with the introduction of Barker Dance REC in 2025. Dance REC classes will support the technical development and performance skills of each dancer in a fun and supportive environment being offered in Ballet/Lyrical, Jazz/ Funk/HipHop (JFH) and Tap.
Eisteddfods
Our Eisteddfod season began with the inaugural ‘Barker Dance Dress Rehearsal’, where all our Junior and Senior Troupes showcased their new routines in front of one
another. This preparation set the stage for a successful Troupe season, instilling confidence in our Dancers to carry their ‘Red’ passion for excellence into every performance. Barker Dance made its mark at several competitions throughout the year, with all troupes achieving outstanding results. The Senior Hip Hop Troupe were awarded third place at the first Eisteddfod of the season, Extreme, which was a particular highlight. Some of the most elite dance schools were in awe of the routine inspired by the popular movie ‘Mean Girls’. Another highlight was watching every Troupe receive an award at Barker Dance Spec, where Open Lyrical earned Third Place and Hip Hop Second, evident of their ability to apply feedback and improve.
Workshops
Barker Dancers had a special visit from Sydney Dance Company, aimed at developing their performance skills. The Senior students participated in Jazz, Hip Hop and Lyrical workshops from two industry professionals which was challenging. Two of our students Ben Lee and Janelle Chai were also accepted into SDC’s Creative Youth Intensive, a huge accomplishment and opportunity to be inspired by other Dancers across the nation. Three of our ballet students including, Claudia Wang, Rebekah Barden and Sophie Robinson were also selected to perform in the
Victorian State Ballet’s production of Swan Lake, which was a huge achievement.
In an aim to extend and prepare our recreational Dancers for 2025 Troupes, new ‘Intensive Workshops’ were introduced in Term 4, collapsing the classes to integrate recreational and troupe students together to work on strengthening their skill set. The Barker Troupes supported Textiles, Drama and Music at various events across the year, sharing their brilliant routines with the wider Barker community.
Curriculum Dance
This year has been marked by the growth of the curriculum Dance stream, with our Year 11 students currently starting the HSC course. Excitingly, we have doubled the growth in our curriculum classes, with thirty-six exceptional dancers choosing Dance as their elective in Year 9, 10, 11 and 12. The curriculum students began the year with an excursion to see the HSC Callback performances, which ignited their enthusiasm for Senior Dance. Our Year 11 students participated in a day of workshops, working with teaching artists to extend their capabilities and develop their dance skills alongside many other Dancers across the state. Increasingly, our program aims to create links locally and internationally with other Dancers. Our Year 9’s worked closely with the Junior Dancers, creating choreography to prepare them for auditions and showcase.
At the Curriculum Dance showcase, the elective students presented their compositions based on a range of themes, exploring concepts such as resistance, grief, drowning, 007, claustrophobia and the life of a pointe shoe.
To adopt our ‘Round Square’ school model, we are future planning opportunities for our students to connect nationally and internationally. The first ever Barker Dance Tour to New York will take
place in April 2026, with excited students eager to gain industry experience and perform internationally. To wrap up the year, the Year 6 dancers joined the Senior Troupes for transition classes, inspiring one another in their shared love for dance and helping each other prepare for the Term 4 auditions. The Dance Teams in the Junior and Senior School continue to collaborate closely to provide a comprehensive school-wide dance experience, and these classes serve as a bridge for those who wish to continue their dance journey.
Growth in the Program
It has truly been a remarkable year for Barker Dance. Our Dance Captain, Emily Loughran-Fowlds, has been leading the dancers with passion. As we look ahead, we do so with confidence and appreciation in our program, our dancers and our teachers who have shaped Barker Dance into what it is today. In our 2024 survey it was beautiful to hear about what the students are ‘loving’…
“I love how many styles are offered and the chance to challenge every one of us.” – Year 7 Dancer
“How much assistance we have to prepare for future auditions and personal dance goals.” –Year 8 Dancer
“All the teachers hold such valuable, extensive knowledge, like I’m learning from the best.” –Year 9 Dancer
“I love the supportive community of Dance." – Year 10 Dancer
“I’m grateful for the friendships I’ve formed in Dance.” – Year 11 Dancer
“I loved interacting and dancing with a range of students across the year groups.” – Year 12 Dancer
Barker Dancers, we love and appreciate you. Happy 2024!
Middle & Senior School Awards
Hills Dance Spectacular
Open Lyrical Troupe 5th Place
Middle School Jazz Troupe 2nd Place
Open Hip Hop Troupe 5th Place
City of Sydney Eistedfodd
Middle School Jazz Highly Commended
Open Lyrical Troupe Highly Commended
Open Hip Hop Troupe Highly Commended
Dance Spec Eisteddfod
Open Hip Hop Troupe 2nd Place
Open Lyrical Troupe 3rd Place
Middle School Jazz Troupe Highly Commended
Open Jazz Troupe Highly Commended
Open Contemporary Troupe Highly Commended
Dance Life Unite Eisteddfod
Open Lyrical Troupe 1st Place
Open Contemporary Troupe 2nd Place
Curriculum Dance Year 10 4th Place
Open Hip Hop Troupe 3rd Place
Middle School Jazz Troupe 3rd Place
Open Jazz Troupe 4th Place
Extreme Eistedfodd
Open Hip Hop Troupe 3rd Place
Junior School Awards
Sydney Eisteddfod
Topaz (Year 1-2 Troupe) Highly Commended
Emerald (Year 3-4 Troupe) 3rd Place
Sapphire (Year 5-6 Troupe) Highly Commended
Ruby (Year 5-6 Troupe) Highly Commended
Onyx (Year 3-6 Boys Troupe) 3rd Place
Dance Spectacular
Jade Troupe 3rd Place
Topaz Troupe 3rd Place
Emerald Troupe 1st Place
Ruby Troupe 3rd Place
Onyx Boys Troupe 1st Place
Extreme Eisteddfod
Jade Troupe 3rd Place
Topaz Troupe 2nd Place
Ruby Troupe 3rd Place
Onyx Boys Troupe Highly Commended
Barker Institute
In its 10th year, the Barker Institute continued to celebrate learning with academic wellbeing events for students, parents, teachers and the wider community.
• A whole host of academic events were run to support students as they progressed through the School. These included the annual ‘Year 7 Study Habits’ seminar for students and parents, ‘Confidence is Key!’ A celebration of Mathematics at Barker featuring Barker teacher and researcher Ms Amy Young sharing her work promoting self-efficacy at the School; ‘An evening of Engagement in Engineering’ was run by two outstanding Year 12 students and promoted Engineering thinking and Engineering careers for all, especially young women contemplating the field. Webinars were hosted to
prepare students for their academic programs including a ‘Year 11 Jumpstart Webinar’ at the start of the year and the ‘Barker Big Start Webinar’ to start the 2025 cohort on their HSC journey.
• The Science Extension Conference continued to evolve, with an interstate guest speaker Associate Professor Tien Huynh from RMIT joining Barker Institute Director Dr Matthew Hill to deliver public lectures to students, teachers and parents from around New South Wales. Associate Professor Huynh shared how cultural observational knowledge in both Thai and Australian Indigenous populations have contributed to her work as a biotechnologist.
• An array of wellbeing events for parents and families were offered through the Barker Institute including conversationstarting seminars run by a partner organisation YourChoicez
for Year 7 and for Year 10 families; ‘Female Athlete Health & Understanding the Menstrual Cycle’; ‘Adolescent Cyber Safety in 2024’ with ySafe; ‘Adolescent Drug & Alcohol Education’ with Tanya Cavanah of Not Even Once; ‘Relationships & Consent Education’ with Elephant Ed, and especially for the Junior School, ‘The Language of Friendship’ with UR Strong.
• Other events were closely linked to strategic initiatives at Barker. In March, the event ‘Education beyond borders: What is Barker doing in Humanitarian Education?’ featured Refugee turned advocate in education, Ms Noor Azizah, sharing her experiences and a call to action. The evening concluded with the latest on Marri Mittigar, Barker’s school within a school for refugee children.
• School-developed, researchinformed professional learning for Marri Mittigar staff. The
Humanitarian Programs
Education beyond borders: what is Barker doing in humanitarian education?
Refugee turned advocate and educator
25 March | Rhodes Theatre | 6:30pm
Barker Institute developed and delivered a semester-long, fortnightly, online professional learning course for the Marri Mittigar teaching team. This was based on the model the Barker Institute conceptualised for effective refugee education. Topics covered included traumainformed education and translanguaging. The professional learning course took place throughout Semester 1.
• In September an event was held exploring how Barker has been ‘Developing Character & Enterprise at School’ which shared the rational and application of the new and innovative Character & Enterprise experiences for Year 10 students. That evening also featured the launch of Barker’s Character Education Framework Wise Heads, Loving Hearts, Useful Hands which is available on the Barker Institute website.
• Finally, as part of Barker’s initiative to support the revitalization of the Darug language, Jasmine Seymour,
linguist, educator, advocate and author visited Barker to explore the topic of ‘Revitalising Indigenous Languages’.
Promotion of close-topractice research drawn from the expertise of Barker staff for the benefit of the Barker students and community.
• Release of the updated 20242025 Barker Institute Research Agenda. This defined five research domains of Coeducation, Humanitarian Education, Character & Enterprise Education, Inclusive Education, and Robotics and AI Education, all designed to meet both Barker’s unique context and the needs of the sector.
• The Barker Institute was asked to present on approaches to research partnerships at Trinity Grammar School’s Building a School Research Culture Through Partnerships conference. Over 50 research and academic leaders from all education sectors
gathered to learn about establishing and maintaining educational research partnerships.
• Co-hosting (with Pymble Ladies’ College and Scots College) the 2024 National Gathering of the Research Invested Schools network. Over 70 research and academic leaders in Australasian schools gathered at Barker to explore the research needs in AI education and learn more of Barker’s approach to schoolbased educational research.
• Continued research and dissemination of ongoing projects. These included the ongoing, decade-long study into student experience known as ‘The Barker Journey’ (now in its sixth year), self-efficacy in Mathematics, a researchinformed approach to refugee education, and how schools can provide optimal, differentiated support to all students through gifted and talented programs, and nurturing learning interventions.
Guest Speaker Noor Azizah
Together with Barker
• Publication of the 8th Volume of the Barker Institute Journal, Learning in Practice, authored by Barker staff.
• Publication of the 2024 student journal Scientific Research in Schools, and showcasing Noteworthy, the Barker College Literary Journal.
• Support of Barker staff involved in higher degrees by research with various projects impacting Barker and beyond.
• Hosted the first Barker ResearchMeet, bringing staff from different parts of the School together to hear short presentations on ongoing research work taking place within the Barker community. The session covered topics of refugee education, the use of therapy dogs in school settings, and inquiry teaching models. The ResearchMeet was an opportunity for the first Barker Institute International Visiting Fellow to present on research
work being undertaken in the Junior School.
• Consultancy and review of Barker programs across wellbeing, academics, character & enterprise, and co-curricular spaces.
• External research collaborations.
The Barker Institute drew upon its ten-year history to continue to take a lead role in establishing a global network of research in schools, in part through organisations such as the Educational Collaborative of International Schools. It has also been increasingly upheld as a global school-based educational research centre of excellence; schools from New Zealand, UK, Europe, and Africa connected with the Barker Institute to learn how to engage in effective
close-to-practice research and about the research projects the Barker Institute is currently running.
• The Barker Institute’s work in the field of refugee education research was recognised by the Teachers’ Guild of NSW, with Dr Timothy Scott being selected as a Finalist for the Teachers’ Guild of NSW Research Award.
Footprint Social Justice and Environment
An average of 40 students and three staff attended weekly Footprint meetings.
• Students from Senior School Footprint attended Junior School Footprint on occasions throughout the year.
• An additional 120kW of solar panels were installed on Leslie Hall in April. The School now generates 25% of its power needs via solar energy making it one of the highest on-premises generating schools in Australia. The majority of the School's remaining power needs will be supplied by wind and solar generated power via a new power purchasing agreement.
• Reuseable drink bottles made from sugar cane materials were supplied to Year 7 at the start of the year as part of the Refill not Landfill campaign.
• Pop-up preloved stationery stalls were set up in Senior and Middle School in Terms 1, 2 and 3
rehoming second hand folders, flip files, dividers, plastic sleeves and sketch pads collected in last year’s Great Locker Challenge.
• Staff and students participated in Power Down Hour as part of Earth Hour Schools Day.
• BYO Bottle cordial and cold water station in Term 1 as part of the Refill Not Landfill campaign.
• Six students participated in a Round Square Zoom event for International Women’s Day to discuss the theme “ Inspire Inclusion".
• 2023 Young NSW Person of the Year, Lottie Dalziel, was guest speaker at our International Women’s Day Event attended by 150 students and staff.
• 15 student and two staff visited Banish Sustainability Hub and participated in the sorting of
hard to recycle materials to learn first-hand about the circular economy.
• $8000 raised via World Environment Mufti Day to fund water refill stations at Marks Pavillion.
• Lost property from Rosewood Centre cleaned and redistributed via pop-up stalls and Hornsby Shire’s Community Recycling Centre.
• Participation in National Reconciliation Week Yarn Circle weaving bracelets at lunchtime.
• Holiday reading packages from the Library were wrapped in fabric and butcher's paper to raise awareness about sustainable packaging.
• Athletics Carnival Recycle Roundup collected 1000 aluminium cans and beverage containers throughout the day, earning $102.20 via Return and Earn which was donated to the
Hornsby Kuring-gai Women’s Shelter.
• 750 mini toiletries donated to the Exodus Foundation.
• 21 boxes of old-style Barker uniforms forwarded to textile recycling.
• Drink containers were collected for Return and Earn at House Fair and Year 9 Commerce Market Day.
• Homegrown fruit, vegetables and herbs were swapped by staff and students at the Library’s Produce Swap Stall to celebrate World Food Day.
• Students assisted with the packing of hampers for Anglicare Toys and Tucker appeal.
• Partnered with Shoes for Planet Earth to collect 50 pairs of second hand sports shoes for local communities in need.
• Batteries, bottle tops, bread tags, mobile phones and e-waste and
soft plastics were collected and recycled via Hornsby Shire’s community recycling program and the Banish Sustainability Hub.
• The contents of High School student lockers were sorted and repurposed, reused or recycled via the Great Locker Challenge
• $1000 raised for Christmas pantry items for disadvantage families via the Barker Butter Chicken Stall at A Very Barker Christmas.
Indigenous Education
Indigenous Education has had another vibrant and dynamic year, with a strong focus on celebrating the diversity and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. These celebrations have extended beyond the classroom, influencing school-wide activities and reaching beyond the Mint Gates. We take great pride in the achievements of our outstanding First Nations students, who continue to excel across all areas of the School.
First Nations student initiatives
• At Hornsby Campus, First Nations students meet weekly for Yarn Up, where they support one another, engage in and lead cultural activities, and offer valuable feedback to help guide our school community on the path towards reconciliation. When our Year 5 and 6 Darkinjung students visit the campus, they also join these meetings, fostering a stronger connection with our Senior School students.
• Many of our students are involved with the GO Foundation, a foundation established by Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin to support First Nations students and provide mentoring and career coaching. Students attended GO Foundation Mentoring and networking days throughout the year, including meeting some incredible role models and sporting heroes!
• Our relationship with the Bandu Foundation has gone from strength-to-strength. Bandu have provided support for students in establishing their post-school pathways. Bandu partners with organisations and corporations to provide paid internship opportunities and support with university applications etc. Our first Darkinjung student to finish Year 12 at Barker has landed an internship through this program.
• Four Senior students (both First Nations and non-Indigenous students) studied Aboriginal Studies via Sydney Distance Education High School in Year 11 and Year 12. Our incredible Year 12 students created inspiring Major Projects as a part of their studies.
The Waratah Project
Barker has participated in the Association of Independent Schools’ Waratah Project which supports schools to advance their Indigenous Education programs to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Barker’s chosen focus areas for 2024 were:
• Students are confidently engaged in their learning and have improved literacy, numeracy and other academic outcomes.
• Relationships between school, family and community are strengthened and culturally informed.
• Staff have the knowledge, skills and confidence to implement culturally responsive pedagogical practices.
In working towards these outcomes, the Wingaru-wa Muruda learning support program continued, with students able to access specialised and individual support each week. This program was facilitated by our First Nations Student Mentor, Karakia Hepi – a proud Yuin woman who is in the third year of a law degree. Additionally, Year 7 completed the Darug Language and Culture unit in Term 1 as a grounding in local Aboriginal Country and Culture. This unit is enhanced by visits from Elders and educators from Dharug organisation, Muru Mittigar. The transition program for incoming First Nations students was extended, including ensuring our Year 5 and 6 Darkinjung students attend Yarn Up on their visits to
Staff were supported with information and resources via the Indigenous Education Canvas page and participated in Professional Learning throughout the year, including: :
• The Stronger Smarter Leadership Program, a program focused on developing strong, Culturally responsive relationships with First Nations students, families and Community.
• Six staff from four departments attended the University of Sydney Indigenous Education masterclass.
• Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories, Perspectives and Cultures into the curriculum.
Reconciliation Week 2024
Barker College recognised national Reconciliation Week during Term 2. National Reconciliation Week 2024’s theme, "Now More Than Ever," emphasised the continued fight for justice and rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, calling for unity and engagement even in challenging times. Supporters of reconciliation were encouraged to stand up for Indigenous rights, confront racism, and amplify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices across Australia.
We hosted two panel discussions with the theme “ALLYSHIP: Now More Than Ever” that included voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff and Community coming together to discuss the importance of Allyship and how it can work to create a more reconciled community. Students also gathered to create friendship bracelets to show their commitment to reconciliation.
The theme for NAIDOC 2024 was Keep The Fire Burning: BLAK Loud & Proud. This year's theme celebrated the unyielding spirit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities and invited all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.
NAIDOC 2024
• At our 2024 NAIDOC assembly, the School celebrated the richness and diversity of Aboriginal cultures. We were honoured to have our incredible Darkinjung and Ngarralingayil students and families join us for the event. Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students gave outstanding performances, proudly sharing cultural practices passed down from their Elders. We are incredibly proud of their courage and commitment. Dhupuma Barker even shared a fantastic video from their Hip Hop program!
• Royston Noell, winner of Australian Idol and proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man wowed the crowd with an epic performance and shared his story of cultural discovery and exploration. He inspired the whole school to consider what it meant to be proud of your Culture.
• During our NAIDOC Week celebrations, AFL legend and proud Aboriginal man Adam Goodes visited the School. He spoke to Years 7-10 and was interviewed by a panel of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous students. The discussion covered topics such as pursuing dreams, standing up against racism, what it means to be BLAK, Loud & Proud, and how he balanced a career in professional sport with personal growth and life after sport.
• Finally, in a huge week, staff and students were offered the opportunity to connect with each other and learn about Yarning as a Cultural practice. Adam Byrne from Bush to Bowl at Terry Hills joined us for these discussions.
The Garma Festival
• The word Garma is a Yolŋu term meaning "two-way learning," perfectly capturing the spirit of this annual festival held in Gulkula, North-East Arnhem Land. Known as Australia’s premier Indigenous festival, it is hosted by the Yothu Yindi Foundation, with whom we have a lasting partnership through our Dhupuma School in Gunyangara, NT. In recognition of this connection, the Yothu Yindi Foundation invited Barker students and staff to attend the festival and assist with the youth forum, a key part of the event.
• Twelve Year 11 students had the honour of participating in and helping to coordinate the Youth Forum—essentially a mini-Garma filled with activities and workshops for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students from across Australia. These activities focused on building confidence and leadership skills among young people, as future leaders. It was a profoundly impactful experience for everyone involved, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity.
Alumni, Community & Foundation
A full program of Alumni and Community events were held throughout the year to foster connections and build community.
Alumni and Old Barker Association
• Online OBA Mentoring Platform – onboarding of new mentees and mentors
• In-person OBA Networking event held in Sydney CBD
• OBA Support for Life Program continued and promoted widely
• Barker Community Events held in Lennox Head, Melbourne, Sunshine Coast, Canberra and Perth
• Baggy Blue Caps and Plume Hats distributed to Year 2 students transitioning to Year 3
• OBA Spirit Awards presented to 64 students across Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
• OBA sports training shirts presented to all Year 7 students
• Alumni mentors supported the Year 11 Career Mentoring Program
• Alumni guest speakers supported curriculum topics with student groups across the School
• OBA Seniors Events: Lunch at Hornsby RSL in May with guest speaker Dr Alexandra Spencer (Class of 1996), Back to Barker
Day in May, AGM/Lunch with guest speaker Hon. Terry Buddin SC (Class of 1965) watching the last Rugby home game of the season against Knox, preview show of Footloose School musical
• 11 Class Reunions held ranging from the Class of 1958 through to the Class of 2019
• Alumni Parent Breakfasts held for alumni from the Class of 1975 through to Class of 2006
• OBA Golf Day at Pennant Hills Golf Course in September
• OBA BBQ Lunch and Welcome Packs for Year 12 students
• OBA Agriculture Society event held in September
• Australia Day and Queens’ Birthday Honours acknowledged five alumni
• Celebrated Alumni news in The Barker magazine and across social media
• Birthday cards continued to be sent throughout the year to celebrate significant occasions including 21st, 70th, 80th and 90th milestones
BCPA & Community Events
• Parent morning teas held at Barker in February and March
• Class and Year Parent events throughout the year
• New Parent Welcome event in February
• Bike Ride for Brain Cancer in May
• Funding provided for new lighting on Bowman Field
• Trivia Nights – two events in May
• A Very Barker Christmas in November
• Gingerbread House events in November – two on the same day
Foundation
• The Moon Festival lunch was a sellout event raising money for Scholarships and Bursaries.
• A group of Garma VIPs travelled to N E Arnhem Land in August to attend the Garma Festival and enjoy on-Country experiences with the staff, children and Elders from Dhupuma Barker.
• Donor thankyou event hosted by the Head of Barker College and Chair of the Barker Foundation, was an opportunity to thank donors for their continued support and generosity of the School and its activities across the year.
• The Make Your Mark campaign to celebrate ten years of Mr Phillip Heath's leadership at Barker was launched, with members of the Barker community embracing the opportunity to purchase a plaque in the Rosewood Centre or Blackwell Stand and support initiatives such as Indigenous Education, Humanitarian program and bursaries.
