Building the Next Generation of Quality Teachers

Research over a number of years has indicated that many new graduate teachers leave the profession within their first five years, either disillusioned with the profession or realising that this isn’t actually the career that they had anticipated. They have not necessarily had the experiences throughout their training that has prepared and equipped them or provided them with the insight into what life will be like once they have graduated and taken on a role within a school.

The Barker College Intern Program has a key commitment to the development of trainee teachers in context, where they are able to immerse themselves in the culture of Barker and learn from experienced educators throughout the year. The trend in education degrees at university, especially in more recent years has been for undergraduates to only enter classrooms after a couple of years of their course and then for short block experiences.

Four primary teacher trainees have been employed in the Junior School for 2023. They are at various stages of their education training and will be working with a team of teachers, supporting students and teachers across their allocated year group. We are confident that this program will provide great benefit to the trainee teachers as well as the grade groups that they work closely with throughout the year.

We began the year with two interns in the Secondary School. Our Science Department is welcoming a very accomplished student, bringing a passion for experiential learning and a commitment to promoting scientific thinking across a range of pursuits. Our Wellbeing team will also be assisted by an enthusiastic and energetic intern who brings with her a wide range of experience in independent school settings.

The six interns joined our new staff for two days of orientation in January, where the Head of Barker College and Senior Leadership team shared the Barker Mission, Vision and Values, the School’s key strategic priorities and welcomed them to the outstanding team of educators we are blessed to have working at Barker.

We are sure that as they learn more about education practices they will contribute much as they embrace the Barker community.

Alison Binet Deputy Head People & Culture

Dr Julie Wilson Reynolds Deputy Head Academic Care

Lubrano Head of Junior School