Learning to collaborate and innovate, to solve problems and to provide experiences that engage and inspire is a priority at Barker.

Service learning is an important part of school life at Barker College with every student afforded the opportunity to engage in age-appropriate service activities that look to see positive gains in students’ attitudes toward self, attitudes toward school and learning, civic engagement, social skills, and academic performance. It is the aim of Barker’s Service Learning Program to develop well rounded young people who are active citizens, serving the wider community with respect, integrity and courage and compassion. Connected to the school’s teaching and learning framework, students engage in Service Learning experiences that is based on three concepts: Respect, Relationship and Return.

Teaching and learning at Barker College is characterised by our “Thrive Framework of 4 pillars”: Inquiry, Rhetoric, Gratitude and Service.

These pillars are underpinned by our values: Commitment, Compassion, Courage, Integrity & Respect. The program of service initiatives for each year group follows these values and pillars, allowing students to develop a culture of service learning throughout their time at Barker. Each year group service program is attached to a theme, to ensure that the activities undertaken are age appropriate and contribute to the students learning. Where possible the programs are geared towards student contribution and the gift of giving oneself, to enhance experiential learning.

At Barker College we aim to ‘inspire every learner, every experience and every day’. The Service Learning model, through year groups and house groups, aims to inspire students through service. Service learning is a critical component in achieving academic success and developing well rounded young people who are active citizens, serving the wider community with respect, integrity and courage and compassion.

Read more about the philosophy of Service Learning at Barker in the Barker Journal.