Mathew Barling

Background

About Mathew Barling

As an educator, faculty leader, and coach, my mission is to build programs that prioritise Movement and More - programs that strengthen connection, deepen understanding, and foster lifelong engagement in learning and physical activity. In Health and Physical Education, I lead the design of a concept-based curriculum shaped by a Heads, Hearts, Hands approach- Heads – cultivating knowledge, understanding, and critical thinking- Hearts – nurturing values, attitudes, and resilience- Hands – developing skills, competence, and confidence in movement. This triad, supported by the Know, Show, Grow framework and a sports development continuum, ensures that learning is cognitive, affective, and physical, equipping students with the full spectrum of capabilities needed to thrive. My leadership centres on creating clarity for teachers through purposeful planning, structured lesson design, and progressive opportunities for students to succeed. As Head of Coaching – Volleyball, I am a coach of people first, and a coach of volleyball second. Our sessions are values and principle-driven, simplified through a constraints-led approach, and designed to build repeatable habits that hold up under pressure. What sets us apart from other programs are our Grills (game-based drills), which are intentionally designed around our program’s C.O.R.E values- Commitment – to our plans, teammates, and staff- Organisation – to arrive ready and communicate early- Respect – to the jersey and to all standards- Energy – to learn and focus on strengths. Through this approach, we ensure that every session develops not just technical and tactical ability, but also character, responsibility, and team culture. The goal is to foster decision-making, confidence, and growth in a learning environment where people, not just players, thrive. Whether in the classroom or on the court, I am committed to programs that are clear, consistent, and centred on long-term development for every student and every athlete.