What is student leadership?

Meet our new student leaders

What is your vision as leaders?

Change and Diversity

Student leadership and culture building

Christ as the archetypal servant leader

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 inclusive leadership. Natalie Potent, Deputy Head Student Experience, discusses the impact of student leadership on school culture, and Senior Chaplain Rev Pete Tong joins us to talk about Christ as the archetypal servant leader.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on the enduring significance of student leadership in shaping our educational communities.

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 inclusive leadership. Natalie Potent, Deputy Head Student Experience, discusses the impact of student leadership on school culture, and Senior Chaplain Rev Pete Tong joins us to talk about Christ as the archetypal servant leader.
Tune in for an insightful discussion on the enduring significance of student leadership in shaping our educational communities.

Welcome to “The Great Cause,” where we delve into the crucial issues shaping the landscape of school education. Join us as we navigate the intricate pathways od educational evolution, exploring topics ranging from the integration of artificial intelligence to the empowerment of student leadership and the vibrant tapestry of co-curricular life.

In each episode, with our host and Head of Barker College, Phillip Heath AM, we embark on a journey to uncover the latest trends, insights, and innovations driving educational discourse forward. From thought-provoking discussions on the future of secondary education to deep dives into the intersection of technology and learning, “The Great Cause” is a free podcast that invites you to be part of the conversation shaping the education landscape of tomorrow.

Whether you’re an educator, student, parent, or simply passionate about the future of education, tune in to “The Great Cause” and join us in championing the transformative power of learning.

Welcome to “The Great Cause,” where we delve into the crucial issues shaping the landscape of school education. Join us as we navigate the intricate pathways od educational evolution, exploring topics ranging from the integration of artificial intelligence to the empowerment of student leadership and the vibrant tapestry of co-curricular life.
In each episode, with our host and Head of Barker College, Phillip Heath AM, we embark on a journey to uncover the latest trends, insights, and innovations driving educational discourse forward. From thought-provoking discussions on the future of secondary education to deep dives into the intersection of technology and learning, “The Great Cause” is a free podcast that invites you to be part of the conversation shaping the education landscape of tomorrow.
Whether you’re an educator, student, parent, or simply passionate about the future of education, tune in to “The Great Cause” and join us in championing the transformative power of learning.

The Great Cause

Welcome to “The Great Cause,” where we delve into the crucial issues shaping the landscape of school education. Join us as we navigate the intricate pathways od educational evolution, exploring topics ranging from the integration of artificial intelligence to the empowerment of student leadership and the vibrant tapestry of co-curricular life.
In each episode, with our host and Head of Barker College, Phillip Heath AM, we embark on a journey to uncover the latest trends, insights, and innovations driving educational discourse forward. From thought-provoking discussions on the future of secondary education to deep dives into the intersection of technology and learning, “The Great Cause” is a free podcast that invites you to be part of the conversation shaping the education landscape of tomorrow.

Whether you’re an educator, student, parent, or simply passionate about the future of education, tune in to “The Great Cause” and join us in championing the transformative power of learning.

Welcome to “The Great Cause,” where we delve into the crucial issues shaping the landscape of school education. Join us as we navigate the intricate pathways od educational evolution, exploring topics ranging from the integration of artificial intelligence to the empowerment of student leadership and the vibrant tapestry of co-curricular life. In each episode, with our host and Head of Barker College, Phillip Heath AM, we embark on a journey to uncover the latest trends, insights, and innovations driving educational discourse forward. From thought-provoking discussions on the future of secondary education to deep dives into the intersection of technology and learning, “The Great Cause” is a free podcast that invites you to be part of the conversation shaping the education landscape of tomorrow.
Whether you’re an educator, student, parent, or simply passionate about the future of education, tune in to “The Great Cause” and join us in championing the transformative power of learning.

Student Leadership: What's the Point of It?

Introduction to Round Square

Unpacking the conference theme 

Hearing from the younger gerneration

Unpacking the conference activities

Identity, hospitality and legacy

In this special episode of The Great Cause, Phillip Heath AM is joined by four Barker students and Head of Character Education, Peter Gibson to explore what it means to host the 2026 Round Square International Conference.

Together, they reflect on the conference theme, Visions of the Future from an Ancient Land, and discuss how student leadership, service, global friendship and curiosity come to life through the Round Square experience. From behind-the-scenes preparations to the opportunities and responsibilities that come with welcoming delegates from around the world, the conversation offers a unique student perspective on one of the most significant events in Barker's history.

The discussion explores the power of experiences such as service projects, Baraza discussions and shared challenges to foster meaningful connection.

Above all, it is a conversation about hospitality, empathy, courage and the belief that young people can help shape a better future by learning from one another and welcoming the world with open minds and open hearts.

In this special episode of The Great Cause, Phillip Heath AM is joined by four Barker students and Head of Character Education, Peter Gibson to explore what it means to host the 2026 Round Square International Conference.
Together, they reflect on the conference theme, Visions of the Future from an Ancient Land, and discuss how student leadership, service, global friendship and curiosity come to life through the Round Square experience. From behind-the-scenes preparations to the opportunities and responsibilities that come with welcoming delegates from around the world, the conversation offers a unique student perspective on one of the most significant events in Barker's history.
The discussion explores the power of experiences such as service projects, Baraza discussions and shared challenges to foster meaningful connection.
Above all, it is a conversation about hospitality, empathy, courage and the belief that young people can help shape a better future by learning from one another and welcoming the world with open minds and open hearts.

Visions of the Future from an Ancient Land: Welcoming the World to Barker

Alex Curtis, Head of School

Choate's famous Alumni

Choate's connection to Rosemary Hall

Choate's signature programes

Over the horizon - Choate and AI

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. It is also the school where a young John F. Kennedy first delivered the words that would later inspire generations: “Ask not what your country can do for you…”

Together, Phillip and Alex explore how this enduring ethos continues to shape Choate’s approach to education today. From its signature programmes to its global outlook, the conversation reflects on how schools can cultivate purpose, leadership and a commitment to contributing beyond self.

This episode offers a compelling look at how tradition and innovation come together to form young people who are not only prepared for the future, but ready to make a meaningful difference in it.

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&rsquo;s and the integration of Rosemary Hall, Choate has long been a place where character, leadership and service are deeply connected. It is also the school where a young John F. Kennedy first delivered the words that would later inspire generations: &ldquo;Ask not what your country can do for you&hellip;&rdquo;
Together, Phillip and Alex explore how this enduring ethos continues to shape Choate&rsquo;s approach to education today. From its signature programmes to its global outlook, the conversation reflects on how schools can cultivate purpose, leadership and a commitment to contributing beyond self.
This episode offers a compelling look at how tradition and innovation come together to form young people who are not only prepared for the future, but ready to make a meaningful difference in it.

Ask Not What Your School Can Do: Legacy and Leadership at Choate Rosemary Hall.

Background and Early Years

Excellence vs Perfection

How to build a team

Attributes for success

What are you most proud of?

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 that fuelled imagination, experimentation and a lifelong passion for making. Together, Phillip and Richard explore the important distinction between excellence and perfection, and how striving for the highest standards need not come at the cost of creativity or joy.

Richard also speaks candidly about the people who shape our journeys, describing how those around us can become the true “life force” behind a meaningful and successful career. From collaboration to character, he outlines the attributes he believes underpin lasting success, and reflects on what he is most proud of across his remarkable career.

The episode concludes with a simple but powerful insight: the importance of keeping the mind creative in the way it thinks, remaining open, curious and willing to see the world differently.

A compelling conversation for anyone interested in creativity, leadership and the pursuit of meaningful work.

In this episode of&nbsp;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 that fuelled imagination, experimentation and a lifelong passion for making. Together, Phillip and Richard explore the important distinction between excellence and perfection, and how striving for the highest standards need not come at the cost of creativity or joy.
Richard also speaks candidly about the people who shape our journeys, describing how those around us can become the true &ldquo;life force&rdquo; behind a meaningful and successful career. From collaboration to character, he outlines the attributes he believes underpin lasting success, and reflects on what he is most proud of across his remarkable career.
The episode concludes with a simple but powerful insight: the importance of keeping the mind creative in the way it thinks, remaining open, curious and willing to see the world differently.
A compelling conversation for anyone interested in creativity, leadership and the pursuit of meaningful work.

Student Leadership: What's the Point of It?

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