The Learning Network Podcast

Ever wish you had a coach and mentor with over 17 years of experience in teaching Community & Family Studies sharing secrets to success? That's exactly what you will find right here when you tune in every week to The Learning Network Podcast. I will guide you through best practice to improve knowledge, increase empowerment and alleviate stress to help you and your students to make meaningful connections in Community & Family Studies.

I will share strategic and purposeful applications that I have adopted to increase student motivation, enjoyment, engagement and results; right from the get go. Whether you are a Newbie or Experienced, I have supported CAFS teachers like you to grow and transform their CAFS journey over the last 10 years. If you are ready to take your CAFS Crew to the next level without impacting your sleep and wellbeing in the process, you’re in the right place!

Episode #48: How You can Assess Year 11 CAFS with PURPOSE

In today's Podcast episode we unpack what you can do to create purposeful and meaningful assessment tasks for your Year 11 Community & Family Studies class (year after year without tearing your hair out!) 

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/48

Episode #47: The 3 Biggest Mistakes Teachers are Still Making in CAFS

In today's Podcast episode we unpack the 3 Biggest Mistakes Teachers are Still Making in Community and Family Studies in 2023. 

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/47

Episode #46: How to Use RAP Data to Improve HSC Results

In this episode, we unpack the importance of analysing your Community and Family Studies HSC Results and practical steps you can use to review data from the 2022 HSC. 

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/46

Episode #45: It is Time to Move OFf the Dance Floor in Education

In this episode of The Learning Network's Community & Family Studies Podcast, I am joined by a very special guest, Megan Durham, who shares with us what we can do to protect our time, our energy and our wellbeing.

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/45

Episode #44: 5 Lessons for 2022

In this episode of The Learning Network Podcast, I will be chatting to you about 5 lessons I have learnt throughout 2022! Join me as I chat about wellbeing, surrounding yourself with the right people, gratitude, making your dream happen, positivity and more!

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/44

Episode #43: Having Freedom & Flexibility

In this episode of The Learning Network Podcast, we're talking about how you can have the freedom and flexibility, both in the life that you create for yourself and inside your own business! No matter where you're at in life, what your life looks like or where it's going, you have to create that magic by working out what's going to work for you, your family, your happiness and your wellbeing!

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/43

Episode #42: Burnt out but not broken

In today's podcast episode, I chat to you about a few little things I did when I first started my Educator to Entrepreneur journey. I will chat about how I started, how I dove straight in head first and what I did to make the most with what I had to offer and the skills in my back pocket!

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/42

Episode #41: My Journey from Educator to Entrepreneur

In this episode of The Learning Network Podcast, I'm sharing a little bit about my educator to entrepreneur journey!

Although lifting the lid off my business is something I'm a bit nervous about, I can't wait to show you the potential inside my business as well as what I've been able to do to support my community of beautiful CAFS teachers!

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/41

Episode #40: Focus On What Really Matters

In this episode of The Learning Network Podcast, I am chatting to you about focusing on what really matters and this time of year!

As we head into the busy end of Term 4 it's important for us to focus on the things that really matter, both as an educator, as a parent, but also as a person. Many of us may be feeling the pinch of this time of year so taking steps to minimise stress, anxiety and burnout will enable you to enjoy the holiday season...

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/40

Episode #39: Creating Energy & Flow at the End of a Busy Year

In this episode of The Learning Network Podcast, I am joined by Kell Quarell to talk about creating energy and flow into the end of the year. This conversation is all about what you can do to move into the busy end of the year with a strong mindset and positive energy! Kell is a rule follower gone rogue, a lifelong learner, adventurer and spiritual enthusiast with a passion for all things mindset....

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/39

Episode #38: CAFS Teachers Never Stop Learning

This episode of The Learning Network Podcast I'm joined by two of my beautiful CAFS Collective members, Kate Hampstead and Courtney Pershouse, to chat about why we never stopped learning as CAFS teachers...

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/38

Episode #37: Common Mistakes made in Research Methodology

In this week's jam packed episode of The Learning Network Podcast we're going to unpack some of the common mistakes that still being made in CAFS, in particular the Research Methodology module...

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/37

Episode #36: Six ways to get out of your CAFS bubble

In this week's episode of The Learning Network Podcast, I unpack 6 ways you can think differently & to go big with your CAFS crew by getting out of your CAFS bubble & surrounding yourself with like minded teachers!

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/36

Episode #35: How You Can Be a Champion

 In this week's episode of The Learning Network Podcast, I am joined by courage creator & resilience revolutionary, Nadine Champion to unpack a few things around courage and resilience and how we can be the best versions of ourselves... 

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/35

Episode #34: The Power of Community

In this episode of The Learning Network Podcast, I unpack the power of community! I've been around for a while and many of the teachers I have met, learnt from, supported or developed friendships with have made a bigger impact on me than they will ever realise! This episode is dedicated to them!

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/34

Episode #33: Getting the Right Kids into CAFS

In this week's episode of The Learning Network Podcast, I am joined by a very special guest, Sharna Dawson to talk about what you can do to get the right kids into the CAFS course and keep them there!

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/33

Episode #32: Maximising Revision Ideas in Community and Family Studies

 In this episode I dive into the reasons why students shouldn't be writing notes! Listen along as I share with you some strategies that you can use to help your students succeed in both Community and Family Studies and PDHPE!

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/32

Episode #31: Community and Family Studies isn't just a GIRLS Subject

In this episode of The Learning Network Podcast I am joined by Jess George-Loulach to chat about some of the misconceptions surrounding CAFS, especially the idea that it is a subject just for girls...

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/31

Episode #30: How You Can Share Your Love of CAFS

In this week's episode of The Learning Network Podcast I share some resources to help you share your love of CAFS...

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/30

Episode #29: What it's really like to mark HSC CAFS

In this episode of The Learning Network Podcast I dive into why it is so important to have deep understanding of how HSC marking really works...

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/29

Episode #28: Transforming Your Workspace

In this episode of The Learning Network Podcast I'm joined by Melissa Marsden to talk about how we can be more effective & more efficient by maximising our teaching and learning workspaces...

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/28

Episode #27: Swinging the Doors Wide Open to our CAFS Classrooms 

Let's swing those doors to our Community and Family Studies Classrooms WIDE open and capture what is key to have purpose and strategy with our students...

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/27

Episode #26: Digital Wellbeing withDr Kristy Goodwin 

In this episode of The Learning Network Podcast, I am joined by Dr Kristy Goodwin for a conversation about digital Wellbeing! Listen along as Kristy explains why she doesn't promote digital detox or "digital amputation" and how can we use technology in healthy and helpful ways. 

Grab the show notes at thelearnnet.com/26

Episode #25: Unlock the Secrets to the Glossary of Key Words 

In this episode of The Learning Network Podcast, I explain the importance of the Glossary of Keywords & unpack strategies that can be used to ensure your students have the best chance of success in CAFS & beyond...

Grab the show notes & free download: thelearnnet.com/25

Episode #24: Creating a Holistic Classroom

In this episode of The Learning Network Podcast, I am joined by the inspirational Angela Lockwood to chat about the importance of being aware of all the different needs of the students in your classroom & prioritising the wellbeing of both you & your students. 

Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/24

Episode #23: Become a Marking Ninja in Community and Family Studies

In this episode, I chat with Bel Harotounian about her five top tips to become a Marking Ninja in Community and Family Studies. 

Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/23

Episode #22: The superpowers of feedback in Community & Family Studies

In this episode of The Learning Network Podcast, I uncover the power of purposeful feedback in the CAFS classroom.

Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/22

Episode #21: Four Ways to Differentiate in your CAFS Classroom

In this episode of The Learning Network Podcast, I offer guidance and uncover some practical strategies around differentiating in your CAFS classroom. 

Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/21

Episode #20: The GAME CHANGER in CAFS

In this episode of The Learning Network Podcast, I reveal the biggest game-changer when it comes to CAFS!

Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/20

Episode #19: The mistakes teachers are making in exam preparation

In this episode of The Learning Network Podcast, I talk about the common mistakes teachers are making in exam preparation!

Learn what you can do instead to set your students up for success in their CAFS exams!

Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/19

Episode #18: How to improve student writing & results to fast track success in CAFS

In this episode of The Learning Network Podcast, I chat about what you can do to improve student writing & results to fast track success in CAFS!

Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/18

Episode #17: Why writing notes doesn't cut it any more (and what you can do instead)

In this episode of The Learning Network Podcast, I tell you why writing notes doesn't cut it anymore!

Learn what you can do in the CAFS classroom instead, with lessons that are purposefully designed for specific learning outcomes & to teach specific integral skills.

Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/17

Episode #16: What the syllabus doesn't teach you

In this episode of The Learning Network Podcast, I chat about what the CAFS syllabus doesn't teach you & what you can do to ensure your students learn the skills they need to achieve CAFS success!

Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/16

Episode #15: There's Always a Method to My Madness

In this episode of The Learning Network Podcast, I chat about about the methods to my madness. If you've worked with me before you'll know that there's always a reason or a purpose behind what I do and I want to unpack that with you today!

Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/15

Episode #14: How to bring positivity to your CAFS classroom

This week's episode is all about what you can do to really bring your CAFS classroom to life!

From cooperative learning groups and connecting with your students to creating a positive physical space, this episode has so many teaching gems you can implement in the new year!

Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/14

Episode #13: New Year, New You in 2022

Happy New Year CAFS Crew!

In this episode I reflect on 2021 and talk about some of my goals for 2022! 

I also chat about a few things I'll be doing differently in 2022 including new projects, offers and affirmation/organisational tools! 

Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/13

Episode #12: Q&A with our Daughters Cass & Lex

Last episode of the year!

In this podcast episode, I chat with our daughters Cass & Lex! This is a funny episode where we chat about the changes they have seen since I left the classroom, what they think I actually do for work and what they love about school. One you won't want to miss!

Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/12

Episode #11: 40 Lessons in 40 Years

This episode is a very special birthday episode of The Learning Network Podcast!

In episode 11, "Forty Lessons in 40 Years" I go through just that, 40 lessons I have learnt throughout my 40 years on the planet. 

Join me as I chat about family, self love, health, gratitude, confidence and more! 

Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/11

Episode #10: The final countdown & how to work smarter

In this episode, we chat about what you can do to get your time and wellbeing back before the holidays. By prioritising in certain areas and getting those programmes, registers and classrooms ready so you can enjoy your well deserved holidays.

I also chat about the steps you can take before next year to ensure your students get the results they should, including STRIVE, my online course which helps CAFS teachers develop a skills based approach to teaching the course which enables students to confidently and successfully tackle the HSC.

Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/10

Episode #9: Lessons from a CAFS Legend with Jennie O'Donoghue

This episode is a special one as I am joined by my beautiful teacher and friend Jennie O'Donoghue as she shares with us her lessons from the classroom from the last 45 years in teaching and what she has done over the last 30 + years to develop relationships and results in her CAFS classroom for HSC success. 

Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/9

Episode #8: Cheering You On from the CAFS Sideline

In this episode I talk about some of the amazing people who have made a huge impact on my CAFS passion and career! 

I also chat about how I can cheer you on from the CAFS sidelines through The CAFS Collective and the importance of cheering each other on and working together to be the very best educators that we can be.

Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/8

Episode #7: What Success Looks Like In CAFS

In this podcast episode we unpack what success looks like in CAFS and what you can do to up your game in this course that we all love. I share the 4 biggest challenges I believe CAFS teachers are having right now in their CAFS classroom and what you can do to achieve the goals and dreams you have set for yourself in this course.

This episode will help you work more strategically in CAFS, build your students up for success, grow & flourish as a CAFS teacher and action what success looks like.

Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/7

Episode #6: Work Less, Teach More with Dan Jackson

This week's episode brings you some amazing teacher wellbeing gems with special guest Dan Jackson!

In this chat, Dan shares his thoughts on ways to improve teacher wellbeing and teaching practices and we chat about his new book "Work Less, Teach More," which is a total wellbeing wake-up call to all teachers and leaders in education!

Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/6

Episode #5: Set your CAFS Students Up for Success with Katrine Barnes

This week's episode brings you even more CAFS related gems with special guest Katrine Barnes!

In this chat, Katrine shares how to successfully apply teaching strategies and connect with your students to improve their CAFS journey. Katrine explains when to change up your methods and how to realise when what you're doing is working!

Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/5

Episode #4: How to Bring your CAFS Classroom to Life

This episode unpacks what you can do to bring your CAFS classroom to life! From making connections with your students, to including them in examples and transforming your classroom - I share with you strategies and practices that I have adopted over the last 16 years to bring my CAFS classroom to life and have my students wanting to come back lesson after lesson.

Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/4

Episode #3: Transformational Wellbeing with Gabbie Stroud

Honestly, you are going to LOVE this Podcast episode. This conversation is real, it is raw. Gab promised me she would be my first guest on my podcast over 10 months ago... Gabbie is the best selling author of two books about the ups and downs, twists and turns of a teacher, 'Teacher' and 'Dear Parents'. If you have been looking for ways to protect yourself and your wellbeing, Gabbie shares with us what she has learnt about protecting yourself as a teacher, and what we can do to continue to advocate for ourselves as educators. This is one thought provoking episode that will get you thinking...

Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/3

Episode #2: Foundations for Building Success

In this episode, I get to share with you my foundations for building success in Community and Family Studies using all of my knowledge and experience and expertise in this course. I share my 5 strategies for success and what you can do to set your CAFS students up for success, right from the very beginning!
Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/2

Episode #1: Behind the Why

Welcome to Episode # 1 of The Learning Network. In this first episode, I chat about why I created this Podcast and share a little bit about myself. I have spent most of my career in secondary education, dabbled in tertiary education for a short three month stint and have spent the last ten years supporting the professional learning of teachers across NSW and Australia. The majority of my teaching journey has been as a secondary high school teacher in both Catholic and public schools sharing my love of health, physical education and wellbeing in all courses in Years 7-12 under the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Key Learning Area with a special passion for a Year 11 and 12 course called Community and Family Studies (CAFS). My hope for The Learning Network is to support teachers in education by connecting, learning and growing together to be the best educators we can be and to make a difference with the students and learners with whom we work.
Grab the show notes: thelearnnet.com/1