About the Authors Kate Caldecott-Davis is a registered psychologist who has worked in the role of School Counsellor at Barker College since 2008. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree and Postgraduate Diplomas in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Research, and a Master’s Degree in Gifted Education (With Excellence). In addition to Kate’s professional practice, and work in the area of gifted education, she conducts quantitative research investigating the motivational processes underlying optimal psycho-social functioning of students and teachers within educational settings. Kate is passionate about empowering all students to thrive at school, which is reflected in her approach to working with students, and her research into social and emotional learning which will be the focus of her doctoral studies in 2021.
Sarah Clifton is in the first year of a new role, as the Director of Professional Learning at Barker College. Prior to this appointment she led a large department as the Head of PDHPE. Sarah has many years of experience teaching the mandatory 7 – 10 PDHPE courses and developed a now thriving Stage 5 and Stage 6 elective program. Although holding a passion for all physical activity and having coached across a range of sports at Barker, basketball is her number 1. Sarah has been the co-curricular coordinator of Girls’ basketball, continues to coach the 1st team along with undertaking selector and coach roles at ISA and CIS level. She is looking forward to the challenge of delivering a program of professional learning that supports the Barker Teaching and Learning Framework.
Dr Greg Cunningham is currently the Director of Accreditation. His PhD investigated the influence of reading on student response to visual texts. He has been a visiting educator in the United States and in the United Kingdom and he has presented papers that consider approaches to teaching and learning, particularly in understanding, pedagogy and teacher professional learning. He has represented the Independent Schools of NSW on the Professional Learning Committee at the NSW Education Standards’ Authority. His interests include English teaching, teacher coaching and professional accreditation. A Fellow of Trinity College of Music London, he has also given organ recitals in London, Sydney and South Africa.
Kathryn Driver is one of the Deans of the Middle School and a History teacher. She has an MA in History and is interested in the teaching of History for the purposes of fostering critical thinking, developing empathy and exploring the formation of identity. She is passionate about Russian history and the unique development of that state. She has presented on PBL approaches at an AIS History Conference. Kathryn was also responsible for co-leading a Project Group set up to consider best practice in pastoral care as Barker moves towards comprehensive coeducation.
168 • Barker Institute Learning in Practice 2020
