Barker College embraces coeducation and prepares students for future

In 2022, Barker College will complete its transition to full coeducation.

Barker Middle School students are encouraged to expand their minds and learn to think independently. Picture: Grant Leslie Photography

In 2022, Barker College will complete its transition to full coeducation.

We believe the transition to full coeducation is a future-minded approach that recognises the seismic social changes that have occurred since the school first began more than 130 years ago, head of Barker College, Phillip Heath explains.

After careful consideration of the success of the school’s existing coeducation model and the emerging academic research on coeducation, it was clear that the rich resources and experiences available at Barker should be open to boys and girls in all years.

The world has shifted and school education is not immune to these changes. The world of work, the world of education, the world of employment and the world of leadership has shifted considerably in the 21st century. Each school has a culture, character and offerings particular to its context.

But it is the vision of the school, the presence of a supportive community of teachers and the whole school community being committed to the principles of equity and the fulfilment of individual potential, which can take a school from good to great. This is what will ultimately determine achievement levels and a great school experience for our young people.

Barker’s coeducational plan builds on an environment that embraces diversity and equality. It offers students the opportunity to experience a broad range of personalities, activities and lessons; and provides positive peer role models who are male and female.

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OUR SCHOOL

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT BARKER COLLEGE?
There are two distinct differences at Barker College. One is that it’s a school which deliberately and intentionally allows people to thrive in a holistic sense — emotionally, physiologically, physically, academically. The second thing is that we have a firm co-educational identity and a firm expression of that. It’s a view that everybody can find a place and thrive irrespective of interests, skillset or capacity. Building on 130 years of heritage, the school has grown in two areas. First, there is our Indigenous education outreach program, which goes beyond boarding and into establishing Aboriginal schools in partnership with Aboriginal community leaders. The second is in our emphatic commitment to a full co-educational experience for our students. No two days at Barker are ever the same. Students are constantly challenging themselves — and being challenged — as they grow, expand their minds and learn to think big, practically and independently.

OUR APPROACH TO STUDENT WELLBEING
Barker is committed to creating and fostering a caring and positive Christian environment for every student, in order for our young people to be known, supported and equipped with the social and emotional tools needed to thrive. The purpose of the wellbeing program at Barker is to empower students with social and emotional skills and attributes, developed through a holistic program of care so that they can thrive throughout their lives. It is hoped that the legacy of the Barker student wellbeing program produces graduates who are resilient and equipped to make a difference in their world and have given more than they have received.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
The experience inside the classroom is only one part of a Barker education. Co-curricular activities deepen the school experience for all our students, and from the arts to the sporting field students are encouraged to challenge themselves and uncover their talents. For Pre-K to Year 6 students we offer a broad range of sporting, cultural and recreational co-curricular activities. Throughout Years 7 to 12, our students have even greater opportunities to pursue their passions. As well as drama, music, cadets, outdoor education and more than 20 different sports, Barker students can challenge themselves in the areas of robotics, debating and public speaking.

For more information, visit us at www.barkercollege

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