Remembering Former Headmaster, Dr James Barton

The Down High School community was extremely saddened to hear of the passing of its former Headmaster, Dr James Barton. Dr Barton was appointed in 1984 after a successful teaching career in India, where he had been Principal of Woodstock, a residential Christian international school in Uttarakhand, in the foothills of the Himalayas. A visionary educationalist, Dr Barton advocated collaborative learning approaches with an emphasis on preparing young people for employment and the interdependent nature of the modern workforce. The introduction of work experience opportunities for students was part of his legacy. Dr Barton also asserted that schools needed to place an emphasis on the process of learning so that the curriculum could place equal weight on group work and individual achievement as well as syllabus coverage. In 1988 Dr Barton returned to India to resume the principalship of Woodstock School. In his four years in Downpatrick, he oversaw many changes, including the introduction of GCSE examinations, one of the most radical changes to the educational landscape for decades.

The thoughts and prayers of all associated with Down High School are extended to Dr Barton’s family and friends.