Ms Emily Pratt is an Assistant Coordinator of Mathematics in the Senior School of Barker College in Hornsby. She has been acting Head of Department for Term 3 of 2024. In this Q&A with WhichSchool? magazine, Ms Pratt shares some of her career highlights teaching at Barker.
WhichSchool?: When did you commence in your position/role at the school?
Ms Pratt: I have had the joy of working at Barker College since 2014 and have been an Assistant Coordinator for six years.
WS: What are the top three highlights you’ve experienced as a teacher at the school?
Ms Pratt: 1. Teacher of Excellence recognition.
I am very privileged to be part of a school that awards and recognises teacher excellence. Through an application of my strengths and experience, combined with classroom observations, I was honoured to be part of a select group of teachers of excellence at Barker College. This title recognises the dedication I strive to give to each and every lesson of mathematics I teach. I thoroughly enjoy my time in the classroom and the opportunities to help students enjoy and improve their mathematics.
- The staff of the Mathematics Department at Barker College.
My department is made up of a diverse group of educators who love to bring joy and professionalism to every classroom. We are regularly supported by Barker to prioritise and continue to improve our mathematics lessons with students. Working with such a great team of experienced and wise educators is a delight I enjoy every day. One of the highlights of our department is our annual Maths Week. This week is designed to give competitions, challenges, fun and entertainment via mathematics to all students and staff.
- Challenging and enriching students.
As part of my Assistant position, I enjoy coordinating enrichment and challenge opportunities for mathematics students. It is always a highlight to see students challenged at every level of their mathematical understanding. We have many high achieving students compete in mathematics competitions every year.
WS: What makes the school different from other schools?
Ms Pratt: Barker is a fully co-educational pre-K to 12 school with students from a range of backgrounds. There are campuses beyond the Senior School where I work each day, but we are all part of a big community. I love that at Barker College, every student can find at least one area they can shine as the range of activities and subjects is so great. They are given high quality education by experienced and talented staff as well as a range of cocurricular and service learning opportunities. A Barker student leaves Year 12 with a well rounded education and appreciation for learning.
WS: Why is the school a great place to teach?
Ms Pratt: The Christian values of the school form a strong foundation which affects all decisions that are made in the school. The leadership and staff of Barker College are intentional, creative, and caring in all they do. There is great support to grow and develop as a teacher. There are ways to get involved in many areas, not just restricted to the subject area.
WS: What are some of the challenges faced by teachers in the primary/secondary sector?
Ms Pratt: Time is always a challenge! There is a lot to fit into a school day, and lots of great activities and experiences for students. A teacher’s day is a constant journey of juggling relationships with students and staff while making the most of all the moments in the classroom to help develop every child. It can be exhausting but wonderful!
WS: Tell us about your approach or philosophy to teaching?
Ms Pratt: I value the activities I bring to the classroom and work hard at using the lesson time to develop each student. This means I need to choose and design lessons that involve all learners. I like to get a lot of value out of every experience in the room, whether this is through specific questioning, or the activity I have chosen to practice or review a certain skill. My classroom is a busy place and I try to make the most of every minute. If a student has come to my class and I have an hour to work with them, I want it to be worth it! I aim to teach in a way that students appreciate why they came to school that day! Learning together and helping each other is the benefit of a classroom education. I aim to provide a calm yet enjoyable environment for students to learn.
WS: Did you have a teacher that inspired you? Tell us about them, and how they inspired you.
Ms Pratt: I think my recent inspiration comes from the educators who have written papers and books on quality teaching. Authors such as Dylan Willam, Craig Barton, Jo Boaler, Matt Parker, Dan Meyer and Peps Mccrea have all provided ideas, reflections and instructions on education that I use everyday. We are very fortunate in this time in history to have access online to the wisdom of many who generously share materials and resources to make mathematics lessons have impact.
