#115 From Challenges to Success: How Community and Family Studies Teachers Can Flourish
The PDHPE & CAFS Podcast with Kelly Bell
Release Date: 10/22/2024
The PDHPE & CAFS Podcast with Kelly Bell
In this solo episode, I take a moment to pause and reflect on what has been one of the wildest terms yet. From growing conversations around teacher burnout to media headlines painting a bleak picture of the profession... this episode is about flipping the script. As someone who spent 14 years in a Western Sydney classroom, I’ve seen first-hand the heart, hustle and impact of NSW teachers. Despite the challenges, there are thousands of teachers showing up, making a difference and quietly rewriting the narrative every single day. I share a few of their stories, along with my own reflections...
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In this episode, I sit down with legendary educator and author Jay McTighe, co-creator of Understanding by Design®, to explore how we can move beyond content coverage and standardised testing to create classrooms focused on deep understanding, authentic transfer and meaningful student learning. Jay unpacks what it really means to “plan with the end in mind,” why teaching for understanding is the ultimate test preparation and how performance-based assessment and backward design can (and should) transform our classrooms. Whether you're navigating curriculum reform, supporting...
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In this episode, I’m joined by cognitive scientist, educator and all-round powerhouse, Dr Janell Blunt, to unpack one of the most powerful learning strategies you might not be using enough: retrieval practice. We dive deep into how small changes in your PDHPE, CAFS & Health and Movement Science classroom practice can lead to massive results for your students...without adding more to your plate. From the power of mini whiteboards to demystifying flipped learning, interleaving and active recall, Janell shares practical strategies you can implement tomorrow. Whether you teach Stage 6 or are...
info_outlineThe PDHPE & CAFS Podcast with Kelly Bell
In this powerful episode of The PDHPE & CAFS Podcast, I’m joined by world-renowned assessment expert Shirley Clarke to unpack exactly why formative assessment works and how it can be a game-changer in PDHPE, CAFS and HMS classrooms. We dive into the evolution of formative assessment, explore how co-constructing success criteria boosts student self-efficacy and why in-the-moment feedback leads to deeper learning (and less stress). Shirley shares her biggest insights from working with teachers over the past 20+ years, including how formative assessment strategies are directly linked to...
info_outlineThe PDHPE & CAFS Podcast with Kelly Bell
In this special episode recorded during the 2025 PDHPE Open Week, I’m joined by Lyndelle, our K–6 PDHPE Mentor here at The Learning Network. We take you behind the scenes of the K–6 PDHPE Membership and show exactly what NSW primary school teachers get access to when they join. Lyndelle walks us through the Members Only Google Drive where she’s been building all the essential resources to help our teachers reclaim their time and wellbeing in the classroom. From assessment tasks and schedules, to programs, mapping grids, scope and sequences, and much more. If you want to see...
info_outlineThe PDHPE & CAFS Podcast with Kelly Bell
What if PDHPE didn’t feel so hard? NSW Primary teachers. NSW PDHPE teachers. NSW Schools. We’re doing things differently: no more doing it yourself or last-minute scrambling. In episode #139 of The PDHPE & CAFS Podcast, Kell Bell is taking you inside our PDHPE Memberships, where we support primary & high school teachers with syllabus-aligned resources, practical strategies and real support that reclaims your afternoons, holidays and weekends (not adds to your to-do list). If you're ready to teach PDHPE with confidence, clarity and connection you're in the right place. Come...
info_outlineThe PDHPE & CAFS Podcast with Kelly Bell
In this episode of The PDHPE & CAFS Podcast, we bring you a behind-the-scenes listen into a live MasterClass from our Health and Movement Science Membership. We’re joined by experienced Stage 6 teacher Karlee Matthews, who unpacks exactly how she’s navigated the Collaborative Investigation (CI) in Year 11 HMS. From planning and programming to classroom implementation. Karlee breaks down the process she used to scaffold student learning, manage group dynamics and guide her class through a range of research methods like experiments, interviews and observations. You’ll also hear how...
info_outlineThe PDHPE & CAFS Podcast with Kelly Bell
In this follow-up conversation on The PDHPE & CAFS Podcast, we’re once again joined by internationally recognised educator and author Holly Clark to unpack the next layer of AI in the classroom. We go beyond the basics and into the mindset shift needed for today’s educators where being AI-literate is no longer optional. Holly shares: ✅ How AI is evolving beyond “easy buttons” to support deeper thinking ✅ Why embracing AI is a duty of care to our students ✅ Tools like Notebook LM and Brisk that supercharge learning ✅ The link between AI use and teacher...
info_outlineThe PDHPE & CAFS Podcast with Kelly Bell
In Episode #136 of The PDHPE & CAFS Podcast, we're joined by global education technology expert and author Holly Clark, live from the U.S. This episode is a must-listen for every educator wondering where AI belongs in their classroom and how to use it without losing the human touch. Together, we unpack: What "student-facing" vs "teacher-facing" AI really means Why AI is the ultimate equaliser for learners with diverse needs How tools like ChatGPT and SchoolAI can save time, spark ideas and provide real-time feedback What AI literacy actually looks like...
info_outlineThe PDHPE & CAFS Podcast with Kelly Bell
In Episode #135 of The PDHPE & CAFS Podcast, Kell Bell is joined by global education leader Jarrod Robinson (The PE Geek) to explore the power of technology, human connection, and curiosity in today’s PE classrooms. Jarrod shares insights from working with schools across 35 countries, the impact of COVID on accelerating tech adoption, and how simple tools like video and instant replay can revolutionise physical education. They also discuss why real teaching success isn’t about devices, it’s about relationships, pedagogy, and purposeful innovation. Whether you’re a tech-lover...
info_outlineWith 20 years of teaching CAFS under my belt, I’ve seen it all—the challenges, the wins and everything in between.
I’m pulling back the curtain on what’s been working for teachers in our CAFS community. From creative strategies that boost student engagement to practical tips for managing assessments, I’ll share the real-life transformations that have taken place in classrooms just like yours.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your CAFS journey, this episode will give you insights, inspiration, and a glimpse into the power of collaboration within our teaching network.
Tune in to learn what’s helping our members thrive and how you can apply these strategies to your own teaching practice.
Join me to discover how teachers like you are levelling up their CAFS game—and get a sneak peek into the support and resources that are waiting for you in our community!