The PDHPE & CAFS Podcast with Kelly Bell

In this episode, I'm diving into teacher burnout using the analogy of cultural burning practices in Aboriginal communities. I'm sharing my personal experiences with burnout, comparing it to how prescribed burns are used to regenerate land and prevent wildfires. I also chat about the importance of protecting your well-being as a teacher, and advocating for change to support your flourishing. Episod...

I'm sharing 4 practical steps teachers can take to flourish even when feeling busy and overwhelmed: Connecting with colleagues, Collaborating on projects, Building a supportive Community, and Cultivating a positive school Culture. Get ready to learn strategies for collaboration, leadership, wellbeing and creating thriving learning environments for both students and teachers. Episode Highlights: 👉...

As a busy teacher, I know how easy it is to get caught up in all the tasks and commitments of the term and forget to take care of yourself. On this episode of Teach and Flourish, I share three simple strategies for prioritising your wellbeing as a teacher. I discuss using time as a finite resource, evaluating what drains your energy versus fuels your day, and the importance of self-care. Episode H...

To launch our new-look and new-name podcast, I'm sharing my personal story of burnout as a teacher and my journey to find strategies to protect my wellbeing. I open up about the systemic failures impacting teachers and share practical solutions you can implement in your own classroom. Episode Highlights: 👉 My experience of burnout and leaving the teaching profession to develop strategies to suppo...

I'm excited to share 100 strategies, resources and tools that you can implement in your CAFS classroom right away. From formative assessment techniques to cooperative learning strategies, this episode is packed full of practical ideas that I've gathered from my 20 years of teaching experience. I'll also discuss some common misconceptions students have and provide clarity on key terms. Additionally...

This week I'm sharing strategies for busy Community and Family Studies (CAFS) teachers to protect your time and wellbeing during challenging times in the NSW education system. I'm opening up about my own experiences as a former relieving head teacher and encourage you to advocate for yours and your students' needs. Listen in to learn action steps to communicate effectively with school leaders and...

In this episode, I share what I would do differently if teaching Community and Family Studies based on my 20+ years of experience. I discuss explicit knowledge of the syllabus, teaching the glossary of keywords, paragraph structure, developing options structure from day one, embedding wellbeing, using specific and varied examples, and planning answers using the RUNFAR method. Episode Highlights: E...

In this episode, I chat with occupational therapist Angela Lockwood about practical strategies teachers can implement to maintain focus and prevent burnout in their high-pressure jobs. Angie draws from her 20 years of experience in education and shares insights on morning routines, setting boundaries, and using self-awareness to design systems that allow teachers to stay in control of their energy...

On this week's episode I wanted to chat about the importance of finding your tribe - your community of fellow teachers who truly get you. As educators, it's so easy to feel isolated, but being part of a supportive community can make all the difference. I'll share about my own experiences feeling alone and how connecting with others has helped me so much. Episode Highlights: Feeling like you belong...

Are you facing a classroom of reluctant learners in your Community and Family Studies (CAFS) course? Discover six compelling teaching approaches designed to captivate and motivate even the most hesitant learners. We dissect the Community and Family Studies curriculum, revealing key themes and activities that resonate with students who are disengaged or apprehensive about Community and Family Studi...

Join us for an inspiring guest session with Angela Nicole, founder of Bloom Within, as she shares her journey and practical strategies for boosting self-esteem in young people. Episode Highlights: Discover Angela's personal journey from self-doubt to empowerment, and how it led her to create Bloom Within. Learn simple yet impactful activities and techniques to help students build resilience, confi...

Join us in this episode as we tackle the challenge of "How to Teach Groups in Context in Community and Family Studies More Effectively." This episode is a deep dive into strategies and techniques that help educators bring the study of diverse groups within Community and Family Studies to life. Learn how to use case studies, role-playing and multimedia resources to make complex concepts about socie...

In this episode, Kelly Bell shares six ideas for incursions and excursions that can help bring the Community and Family Studies (CAFS) course alive for students. From research days with university guests to customised theme days, these experiential learning opportunities connect classroom concepts to real world examples and services. Episode Highlights: Ideas for a dedicated research day or groups...

In this bonus episode, I'm sharing insights from my 20 years of teaching experience to support educators in the new Health and Movement Science syllabus. Learn how to use data to inform your planning and assessment, gain flexibility in your scope and sequence, and empower students through collaborative investigations. Episode Highlights: Use student strengths and interests to guide your HMS curric...

Stef Love shares her experience as the head PDHPE teacher at a small school. She discusses the challenges of being the most experienced teacher and balancing her many roles. Stef shares how joining the Health & Movement Science membership has provided invaluable resources, collaboration and community support. Episode Highlights:  Benefits of collaborating with other PE teachers facing similar...

Dive into the challenges faced by educators juggling packed schedules who haven't had time to look at the Health and Movement Science Syllabus. Explore practical strategies and innovative approaches to dust off the brand new Health and Movement Science Syllabus, infusing it with vitality and relevance in the classroom. This episode serves as a beacon for busy Health and Movement Science teachers,...

In this episode, I'm breaking down the new Health and Movement Science (HMS) syllabus and providing strategies for teachers to successfully implement it in their classrooms. I'll discuss the reorganisation of content areas and highlight key changes and additions, such as epidemiology, social justice principles, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Episode Highlights The new HMS syllabus content...

In this episode, I'm sharing practical tips and strategies for PDHPE teachers to feel confident navigating the new Health and Movement Science (HMS) syllabus in NSW. Drawing on my 20 years of experience, I'll be unpacking syllabuses to break down the key changes and provide a clear plan of attack. You'll learn how to prepare yourself for success by downloading and annotating existing resources, re...

Special guest, Graham Wright joins me to discuss how HSC scores are assessed and scaled in NSW. He explains how scores are not comparable across subjects and can vary greatly in their contribution to an ATAR below Band 6. Graham provides insights into exam marking processes and emphasises supporting student success through teamwork and understanding the HSC system. Episode Highlights: HSC scores i...

In this episode, I'm sharing tips and strategies for PDHPE and CAFS teachers to start the new school year strong. I discuss advocating for yourself, communicating what's going on at home and work, translating new syllabus changes and policies, initiating action on your goals, orchestrating support needs, and negotiating expectations with your school leadership.  Episode Highlights Advocate for you...

On this episode of the PDHPE and CAFS Podcast, I'm joined by teacher and entrepreneur Ash from Rainbow Sky Creations to share strategies for incorporating PDHPE into your busy primary classroom. Ash shares tips for timetabling health and PE lessons, using movement to start the day, and breaking down sports skills. Episode Highlights Timetable dedicated health lessons to avoid them getting swept as...

I'm sharing 5 tips for building strong relationships with students in the classroom. We'll discuss the importance of learning names quickly, finding out student interests, learning about their families and goals, and creating an inviting classroom environment. Episode Highlights: Learn student names as quickly as possible through name labels, seating charts, and calling on students by name Discove...

In this episode, I'm sharing 20 teaching tips from my 20 years of experience as a PDHPE & CAFS teacher. I'm also opening up about the importance of building relationships with students, establishing consistency, focusing on skills over content, collaborating with colleagues, and prioritsing self-care.  Bulleted Takeaways:  Build relationships with students from day one to increase engagement a...

In this episode, I'm sharing my vision for The Learning Network in 2024. I'm discussing strengthening existing memberships and launching new ones to support teachers across all PDHPE courses. I'm also giving you a sneak-peek into upcoming events, resources and reveal my commitment to consistency and community building. Episode Highlights Existing memberships like HMS and The CAFS Collective will b...

I'm sharing four effective strategies for analyzing your HSC results after they are released. I discuss breaking down results by band ranges, comparing to state averages, analyzing school vs HSC assessments, and using the WIN feedback model. Episode Highlights Break down your HSC results by the number of students in each band range to identify trends Compare your results to state averages to see h...