Lit_Happens Podcast

How to Maximise Staff Development Days in 2026 (New Syllabus Tips) Lit Happens S2E2

Listen Later

In this episode we’re diving into how NSW senior English teachers can make the most of staff development days in 2026. As we navigate the implementation of the new English Stage 6 syllabuses (with the first HSC exams in 2027), these SDDs are a golden opportunity to refine our teaching approaches, address past HSC challenges, and strengthen our collaborative teams.

We explore practical ways to turn PD sessions into high-impact professional learning – whether your school opts for mixed cross-KLA groups or faculty-specific workshops. From mindset preparation and tackling recurring HSC pain points, to workshop ideas that spark real collaboration and ensure takeaways actually reach your classroom, this episode delivers clear, actionable strategies to simplify syllabus complexities and empower your teaching from the very start of Term 1.

Lit or Quit

Being in a mixed cross-KLA group for PD versus faculty-only groups – Lit or Quit? We debate the value of broad whole-school perspectives against deep, syllabus-focused faculty discussions. Share your experience in the comments – which format has given you the best outcomes so far in 2026?

Key Questions Explored

  • Q1. What frame of mind do you go into the new year’s SDD with and how does that influence your teaching?
    • Q2. How can we plan to address past HSC challenges for the new year’s cohort?
      • Q3. What are some effective cross-KLA workshops that you have been a part of and why?
        • Q4. What types of faculty PD do you find effective?
          • Q5. How do you reflect on PD and make it actionable for the new year?

            • Highlights from the Episode

            • Approaching SDDs with purpose, openness, and syllabus alignment to shape confident, high-impact teaching across the year.
              • Designing targeted agendas that directly respond to recurring HSC issues – integrating new prescriptions, sharpening rubric application, and improving question responses.
                • Cross-KLA workshop ideas including peer-led sessions on the Common Module (Texts and Human Experiences), inclusive text selection strategies, and cross-curricular literacy approaches.
                  • Faculty-specific PD that builds strong English networks – sharing NESA updates, co-planning modules, and developing shared resource banks.
                    • Turning PD into real classroom change through structured reflection, follow-up surveys, and concrete implementation plans.

                      • Connect with Us:

                      • Instagram: https://instagram.com/lit.happensseniorenglish
                      • TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lit.happensse
                      • Email: [email protected] 
                      • RtW 2026 Program - TPT 

                        •  

                        We would love to feature a NESA representative or an experienced senior English PD facilitator to provide expert guidance on implementing the 2024 Stage 6 syllabuses.

                        Reflect on your most recent staff development day: what was one standout success and one thing you would change? Drop your thoughts in the comments, tag us on social media, or email [email protected]. Your insights could shape future episodes and support the wider HSC English teaching community.

                        Music produced by: 

                        Instagram - @tmob2k

                        Youtube - @tmob2000

                        #HSCEnglish #HSC2026 #StaffDevelopment #EnglishTeacherNSW #PDTips #NewSyllabus #HSCPrep #TeacherResources #LitHappensPodcast #NSWteachers

                        ...more
                        View all episodesView all episodes
                        Download on the App Store
                        Lit_Happens PodcastBy Lit Happens