The Great Cause

In this episode of The Great Cause, Head of Barker College, Phillip Heath AM, is joined by Dr Alex Curtis, Head of Choate Rosemary Hall in Wollingford, Connecticut. With a legacy shaped by remarkable alumni and a history intertwined with the founding of St John’s and the integration of Rosemary Hall, Choate has long been a place where character, leadership and service are deeply connected. I...

In this episode of  The Great Cause , Phillip Heath AM sits down for a recorded conversation with Sir Richard Taylor, co-founder and creative director of Wētā Workshop, for a fascinating conversation on the nature of creativity and what it takes to build a life in pursuit of excellence. Reflecting on his early years, Sir Richard shares how curiosity became his greatest superpower, an instinct...

In this episode, our host Phillip Heath AM sits down with renowned clinical psychologist and author Andrew Fuller for a rich, energising conversation about neurodiversity and the future of learning. Andrew unpacks what neurodiversity really means, why personalised education is becoming an expectation rather than an exception, and how understanding the way each young person is “smart” c...

In this energising episode of The Great Cause, host and Head of Barker College, Phillip Heath AM sits down with renowned psychologist, author, and educator Andrew Fuller for a conversation that sets the tone for a purposeful and resilient year ahead. Whether you’re a student stepping into a new chapter, a teacher preparing to inspire, or a parent or guardian supporting someone you love,...

In this episode, our host Phillip Heath AM welcomes NAIDOC Person of the Year nominee, Norman Laing along with his son Jimmy, Year 11 student, in a powerful reflection on culture, leadership, and legacy. Norman shares his journey from soldier to Dunghutti legal advisor, offering insights into the Voice to Parliament referendum, identity, and his hopes for future First Nations leaders. Jimmy speaks...

Join our host Phillip Heath AM as we chat with Dean of Careers at Barker College, Mel Bower and Careers Advisor, Sal Key about the evolving landscape of career education. Discover how education can adapt to prepare students for multiple careers, the differences between Australian and US career education, and current trends in Sydney schools. We discuss and share advice for families and students ch...

In this episode, our host Phillip Heath AM is joined by Dr Jenny Brown, who has been a leading voice in child and family mental health for the past few decades. She is the Emeritus Director of the Family Systems Institute and the social enterprise The Parent Hope Project. She is also the author of several books, including the best-selling Growing Yourself Up. Today's parents are bombarded wit...

Join our host, Phillip Heath AM, along with Lisa Maltman, a renowned sleep expert in sleep education and Lisa Chalmers from Barker College for a deep dive into the world of sleep, where we uncover the secrets to achieving better rest, optimising sleep environments, managing wakefulness.  Don't miss this episode packed with valuable information and practical tips. Tips for Supporting Better Sleep -...

In this episode, our host, Phillip Heath AM chats to renowned psychologist Andrew Fuller about the complex and painful topic of bullying. They discuss what bullying is, how to support the silent victim of bullying, how do we create positive cultures in school communities and how do we strengthen relationships? Joining the conversation is Lisa Chalmers and Dr Agnes Ko, from Barker College. Tune in...

In this episode, our host, Phillip Heath AM is joined by Barker alumnus and International Cricketer, Alyssa Healy (Class of 2008) and three Year 12 students to talk about sport, culture and equity. As we prepare to celebrate 50 years of Coeducation in 2025, Alyssa shares her experiences around breaking into the world of male-dominated sport at School whilst Meg, Ruby and Jodie discuss how Barker h...

In this episode, our host, Phillip Heath AM is joined by our 2025 student leaders, Bea, Huntley, Scarlett, and Kian who were announced in an induction ceremony earlier in the week. Listen as they introduce themselves and explore the relevance of student leadership and share their visions for their roles. The newly appointed captains answer questions about their feelings, preparation, and plans for...

Join us on The Great Cause as we explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing education. Our host, Phillip Heath AM, talks with AI experts and Barker educators including Dr Andy Mifsud and Stephen Liseo from the Digital Learning Innovation team and Dr Julie Wilson-Reynold, Deputy Head Academic Care. Listen as they share their thoughts on the benefits and challenges of integrating AI...

In our first episode of "The Great Cause", host Phillip Heath AM explores the topic of What Makes a Good School. Joining the conversation, are current Barker parents, published author and former Education Minister of NSW Adrian Piccoli and Sonia Cassanova. In this thought-provoking discussion, Adrian and Sonia share their experiences and the differences they have witnessed in education from school...