Barker Preparatory School - Introduction

Kindergarten places offered by date of Application

Generally, all boys are expected to have turned age-appropriate to the Year Level by 31 March of that year.  For parents wishing to enrol their son into Kindergarten, their son is expected to be 5 by the end of March.

The Council of Barker College is now offering places by date of application to boys applying for Kindergarten.  To hold the place a Confirmation Fee is payable within 14 days of the offer being made.  The non-refundable Confirmation Fee, which at the moment is $2000, is 50% of the Admission Fee.  All Kindergarten entry boys will be assessed for 'school readiness' in Term 2 of the year prior to entry.  After that time, parents will be required to pay the balance of the Admission Fee.

For further information about Barker's Enrolment Policy, please click here.

Active Boys, Active Learning

The Prep School's emblem is the rampant lion, taken from the family coat of arms of Bishop Barker, after whom Barker College was named.

Kindergarten comprises 18 boys, with Year 1 and Year 2 each having 20 boys.

Barker's Prep program encourages boys to think independently and creatively, using a variety of gender specific teaching strategies directed at developing and expanding their focus and concentration. Boys are taught the importance of clear oral and written expression, and each day's learning includes hands-on activities and active programs to engage the energy and curiosity of little boys.

Specifically, teaching and learning for each boy in Prep at Barker will:

• Provide the strongest possible foundation in literacy and numeracy
• Develop skills and appreciation in Visual Arts, Music and Drama
• Enhance natural curiosity through a Science and Technology program
• Enhance language skills through the study of another language
• Promote physical education and support healthy life choices from an early age

Early identification of special abilities and needs will lead to specialist attention and support appropriate for boys of this age.

Parent Involvement

Parents participate in their son’s learning experience through helping with various teaching programs, as needed by the class teacher, attending assemblies and special days, and attending class excursions. Parents at Barker are also strongly encouraged to participate in the broader life of the Barker community, attending social occasions and whole-school events.

For families who require out of school hours care an OOSH centre is located next door to the Prep area. This service incurs an additional cost. For further information about the Barker College OSH Club, please phone 0402 611 559 or Head Office phone 1800 460 870.

The K-2 centre stands in its own spacious grounds, with areas for active and passive recreation. A safe and supervised off-street area for dropping off and picking up of students is accessed from Unwin Road, with ample parking for parents’ cars.

For further information regarding enrolment into the Prep School, please contact the Enrolments Office on 9847 8207.