At Barker College, AI is enhancing – not replacing – human learning. From Pre-K to Year 12, students and teachers are using AI to think creatively, personally, and safely.
At Barker College, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being thoughtfully integrated into learning from Pre-K to Year 12, not as a replacement for thinking, but as a partner in sparking creativity, deepening understanding, and personalising learning.
Barker’s Digital Learning Team has worked closely with School Leaders and Teachers to develop sustainable, future-focused practices around AI. In late 2025, all teachers from PreK–12 participated in a dedicated professional learning day to clarify expectations for AI use, explore endorsed tools, and provide shared resources that support the meaningful integration of AI into classroom learning.
Barker is proud to be partnering with several experts and content providers who have developed educational tools designed for teachers and students to draw on the power of AI safely and purposefully. The following provides an example of AI use in Barker’s Junior and Secondary Schools, along with advice for parents who are wondering how they might support learners using AI at home.
Junior School: age-appropriate AI
In Barker’s Junior School, the integration of Toddle across Pre-K–6 is the new programming platform for teachers. “This platform reflects a commitment to enhancing how we connect, communicate and celebrate learning across our school community,” Head of Barker College, Mr Phillip Heath AM explained.
“Toddle is a custom-built platform for IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) schools, making it a perfect fit for our inquiry-based learning approach. It enables us to align the NSW Syllabus with the IB PYP framework in one cohesive platform. From Pre-K drawings to Year 6 Exhibition projects, Toddle captures the whole arc of learning and gives families a richer window into their child’s growth,” Mr Heath said.
One standout feature is Toddle’s optional use of AI to support planning, reflection, and curriculum mapping, helping teachers focus more on students and less on administration. These AI Tools are designed to support both teachers and students by reducing administrative load through assistance with planning, reflections, and curriculum mapping. Importantly, student data remains protected, and these tools are intended to enhance, not replace, the human heart of teaching.
In Barker’s Junior School, Toddle has become a central hub where all teachers can collaborate on their teaching and learning programs since a trial program in 2023. The platform allows for seamless integration of various educational resources, making it easier for our educators to plan, track, and communicate ideas for teaching and learning.
“As we move forward, our focus remains on enhancing the Digital Literacy of our students and ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the digital world. We are approaching the implementation thoughtfully, starting with staff training and piloting Toddle in selected year groups before expanding further,” Mr Heath stated.
Early feedback from students and teachers has been overwhelmingly positive:
“I like knowing that what I did in class I can see at home, and it was so easy to submit and share my work!” – Year 5 student.
“Toddle helps bring learning together in such a clear and purposeful way. It supports the PYP beautifully, and it makes documenting and sharing learning easier without sacrificing depth or meaning” – Junior School teacher.
Through Toddle, parents can engage with students’ work, view digital portfolios, and read teacher feedback. For students, Toddle offers an engaging platform to reflect, upload work, and set personal goals. Teachers benefit from a streamlined workflow that aligns planning, documentation, and reporting with the PYP philosophy and mission and vision of our school.
AI in action: transforming learning in Barker’s Secondary School
In the Secondary School, Barker is leveraging the power of tools like Microsoft Copilot 365 and Cogniti to enhance teaching and learning. Copilot assists staff and students with productivity, planning, and differentiation, all within the safety of our enterprise environment. Cogniti, developed in partnership with the University of Sydney, enables the creation of context-specific AI learning companions, giving students targeted support beyond the classroom.
Copilot is an integrated AI platform, protected by the School’s enterprise-level security, designed to support both students and staff across a range of tasks of varying complexity. Copilot can, for example, generate lesson outlines, suggest resources, differentiate learning, and align content with curriculum standards. Reducing these time-consuming tasks frees up teachers to focus on instruction and student engagement (a key metric to improve learning outcomes).
Cogniti enables teachers to provide specific instructions and resources, creating a steerable and accurate AI assistant that supports student learning in context-specific ways. This can create opportunities for individualised learning experiences, support outside of the classroom, and familiarity with using AI tools in a safe and secure environment. These tools aren’t replacing teachers; instead, they are freeing them to do what matters most: teach, connect, and inspire.
“While the integration of these platforms is ongoing, Copilot and Cogniti are set to enhance learning, teaching, and school operations,” Mr Heath explained. “Through thoughtful implementation and continuous evaluation, Barker is well-positioned to leverage these tools to establish a more dynamic, equitable, and effective educational environment for all.”
Supporting learning at home: a guide for parents
Digital technologies have consistently presented challenges to parents and caregivers. Finding the right balance between screen time and other pursuits has been a constant source of concern and, at times, even friction.
Seemingly overnight, AI has been added to the list of technologies that parents need to get their heads around. AI is becoming an integral part of our children’s lives, from educational tools to entertainment and social interactions. As with any digital technology, it is essential to guide and support your children in using AI responsibly and effectively.
- Learn For Yourself First: Before you can guide your children, it’s crucial to understand AI yourself. Familiarise yourself with the basics of AI, its applications, and its potential impacts on children. This knowledge will help you have informed conversations and set appropriate boundaries.
- Open Communication: Encourage open conversations about AI with your children. Ask them about their experiences, what they find interesting, and any concerns they might have. This dialogue will help you understand their perspective and provide guidance tailored to their needs.
- Set Boundaries and Guidelines: Establish clear rules for AI usage, including screen time limits and appropriate content.
- Promote Ethical Use: Teach your children about the ethical implications of AI. Discuss topics like privacy, data security, and the potential biases in AI systems. Encourage them to think critically about the information they receive and the tools they use. This is an excellent opportunity to build discernment: talk about how to tell the difference between real and artificially generated content, whether it’s text, images, or video. Encourage your child to ask questions, verify sources, and consider the purpose and trustworthiness of what they encounter online. Developing this sense of digital discernment is essential in navigating a world where AI-generated content is increasingly common.
- Encourage Creativity and Exploration: AI can be a powerful tool for learning and creativity. Encourage your children to explore AI-driven educational tools, coding platforms, and creative applications. Support their curiosity and help them find resources that align with their interests.
- Monitor and Supervise: Keep an eye on your children’s AI interactions. Use parental controls and monitoring tools to ensure they are using AI safely and appropriately. Regularly check in with them to discuss their experiences and address any issues that arise.
- Lead by Example: Model responsible AI use in your own life. Show your children how you use AI tools for productivity, learning, and entertainment. Your behaviour will set a positive example and reinforce the guidelines you establish.
“The goal is to empower your children to use AI as a tool for growth and learning while ensuring their safety and well-being,” Mr Heath concluded.
