In this episode, Casey, Head Teacher - Teaching and Learning in a NSW public school, joins us on the couch to talk about differentiated teaching strategies.

This episode tackles some important questions. As teachers, how do we account for the various learning styles and preferences of students? And what can we do to build motivation and engagement in the classroom?

Working in a comprehensive high school, Casey shares his views on how teaching requires flexibility and creativity in adapting the curriculum to match the needs of diverse learners. We delve into the various types of differentiation strategies that can be used to engage and support students, from those requiring additional support to high potential and gifted students who may benefit from being extended and challenged.

From rap and hip hop to Shakespeare hooks, and genius Lord of the Flies and Minecraft examples, get ready to be inspired with ideas that you can take back into your own classroom.

Other topics not to be missed: the value of explicit teaching, what a Head Teacher - Teaching and Learning role involves and a sneak peek into what it’s like to work at a creative and performing arts school (spoiler alert: expect acrobatics).

We hope you enjoy this episode.

We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. 

Connect with us

If you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) and YouTube to be the first to know when new episodes are released.

Resources and useful links

• Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.


• Differentiation learning for beginning teachers - download this resource for an introduction to effective differentiation in the classroom.


• Differentiated learning - learn about effective differentiation including how to establish a differentiated classroom and effective strategies that can be implemented.


• High potential and gifted education - access resources to support school leaders and teachers to ensure that learning experiences meet the needs of these students.


• Explicit teaching - learn more about the powerful, evidence-based practice of explicit teaching.