Each year the School invites the leaving Year 12 class to apply for an internship opportunity at Darkinjung Barker. For one semester, the interns assist teachers with the learning and development of students at Darkinjung, whilst providing them with a wonderful opportunity to experience working in a small school.
We are excited to welcome Cleo Christie-David, Jess Speed and Lucy Wall as the interns for Semester 1 2022.
What are you studying at university this year?
Lucy: Bachelor of Primary education at Notre Dame
Cleo: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (International and Global Studies) at the University of Sydney, majoring in Sociology
Jess: Bachelor of Arts and Advanced Studies (Politics and International Relations) at the University of Sydney, majoring in both History and Politics
What are you most looking forward to?
Cleo: In the few days that I've had to get to know the students at Darkinjung I have already been inspired by their rich love for life, care for one another and imagination for play. I am looking forward to creating meaningful connections with the Indigenous community and giving back to our First Nations people. This internship is an amazing opportunity for me to learn from those who know more than I do, not only the teachers but the students and enate a unique cultural understanding.
Lucy: I am excited to learn more about the students as they are bucket loads of joy and I feel so welcomed to join their school and community.
Jess: I am looking forward to not only building connections with staff and students, but also to gaining an enriched cultural understanding of Indigenous culture and ways of education - which are of course, so crucial. Already, I have absolutely loved engaging with the Darkinjung students, whether in the playground or in lessons, and seeing their personalities really shine and come to life, has been such a blessing.
How did you learn about the internship opportunity?
Jess: At the start of Year 11 whilst I was leading on Senior Weekend Away. A teacher recommended it to me as I was passionate about history and was hoping to teach it in the future, so it fit perfectly.
Cleo: I heard about this opportunity through Barker's careers department. I was interested as my Mum is a primary school teacher and I have always admired her job and her ability to make a difference. I have also always wanted to build on my Indigenous cultural knowledge as I acknowledge and truly respect the traditional owners of this land.
Lucy: I first heard about this from my Agriculture teacher, Mrs Pitkin, and then I learnt more about the role from a previous intern who recommend it to me.