Miss Kathleen Barker, Principal of St Stephen's Girls' College, received her BA (1949) and MA (1953) degrees at Cambridge University, England. She came to Hong Kong in 1958 and began her career in education as teacher at St Paul's Co-educational School.
As principal of St Stephen's Girls' College since 1961, Miss Barker has guided her school, through unswerving principles and dedication, to become one which excels in a number of areas, not least in the quality of its students. Her experience and foresight have helped in the shaping of policies beneficial to the total education of her students, something she values more than simple examination success. On her advice, many changes have been introduced in the school curriculum in Hong Kong beneficial to students both in academic terms and in attaining proficiency in languages. St Stephen's Girls' College is one of the few schools in Hong Kong that has always taught Putonghua in addition to the standard Chinese curriculum.
Her vision and wide knowledge in educational matters have long been recognised by the Government and relevant educational bodies in Hong Kong, and were put to public use when she was appointed a member to the Hong Kong Examinations Authority on its inception in 1978 and a member of the Education Commission in 1984. Recently, she was also appointed a member of the Commission's Working Party on Sixth Form Education. Her views, especially those relating to the over-specialisation of Hong Kong students and the decline in language standards are influential in the development of educational policies of these important bodies.
Miss Barker has also for many years actively promoted and supported the needs of disadvantaged children in Hong Kong. She has been Chairman of the Hong Kong School for the Deaf and Supervisor of the Victoria Park School for the Deaf since 1961. She has been prominent in forums such as the Education Commission in representing the interests of pupils who require Special Education. She was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1981 for her unceasing work in the field of education in Hong Kong.
In recognition of her contributions to the cause of education in the community, the University has resolved to confer upon her the degree of Doctor of Social Sciences honoris causa.
