2024 PDHPE Award winners
ACHPER NSW is pleased to announce winners and highly commended for our 2024 PDHPE Teaching Awards. As always, it’s fantastic to receive a range of nominations highlighting the outstanding work of PDHPE educators. Our winners receive ACHPER NSW membership and professional learning vouchers and packs from our sponsor RHSports.
Early career PDHPE teacher
- Joint winners:
- Dana Behan, Kanahooka High School
- Benedict Coyle, Neutral Bay Public School
- Highly commended:
- Joshua Barden, Emmaville Central School
Secondary PDHPE teacher
- Winner: Rachael Holland, Newtown High School of the Performing Arts
- Highly commended:
- Blake Cunningham, Wagga Wagga Christian College
- Kathy Freestone, Covenant Christian School
PDHPE faculty/school
- Winner: PDHPE faculty, Rutherford Technology High School
- Highly commended: PDHPE department, Masada College
Below are the winner profiles and highly commended nominations.
Early career teacher award (joint winners)
Dana Behan, Kanahooka High School
Dana is an exceptional PDHPE teacher, with expertise and insight far surpassing her teaching years, and a unique ability to connect with students and energise colleagues.
Committed to curriculum development, Dana has undertaken the ambitious task of redesigning the scope and sequence, units of work and assessment tasks for PDHPE 7 -10, SLR and PASS. She has also been instrumental in cocreating the new HMS syllabus and the revised 7-10 PDHPE curriculum implementation.
One of Dana’s significant achievements has been revitalising the Creating Chances program, transforming it into a highly successful initiative that provides diverse opportunities for students. She has a key role in sports organisation, leading school teams to various events, strengthening the school’s presence at competitions and providing students with valuable opportunities.
Dana in passionate about a positive and motivated staffroom and ensures that the PDHPE department remains at the forefront of educational best practices. She has initiated comprehensive faculty programs and has a great ability to translate educational concepts into practical teaching strategies.
Dana creates a challenging learning environment that captivates students. Her teaching philosophy empowers students to find their voice, develop confidence and approach challenges as opportunities for learning and extending themselves.
Benedict Coyle, Neutral Bay Public School
Benedict is an enthusiastic and passionate early career PE teacher, committed to creative lessons, talent development and advocating for the learning area.
Benedict’s greatest impact has been in the younger years through the redevelopment of the school’s PE and sport programs. He has overseen high-quality and engaging Stage 1 and Stage 3 program development.
Benedict’s PE lessons are energetic, creative, and inclusive. He engages students of all skill levels, fostering a love for physical activity and healthy living. Through innovative teaching methods, Benedict ensures every student, regardless of ability, feels motivated and included.
Benedict is committed to nurturing students with sporting potential. As the organiser of the K-2 Sports Day, which involved modified athletic events, he identifies students to participate in the 3-6 Athletics carnival. The targeted approach helps students develop skills, confidence and aspirations in physical activity.
Benedict’s enthusiasm has elevated the profile of PE in the school which has led to increased participation, higher student engagement and enjoyment in PE lessons.
Early career teacher award – Highly commended:
- Joshua Barden, Emmaville Central School
Secondary teacher award
Rachael Holland, Newtown High School of the Performing Arts
Rachael is an outstanding educator, collaborator and motivator of students and staff. She prioritises PDHPE faculty excellence and quality learning experiences for students, consistently exceeding expectations.
Rachael has led the development and implementation of the school’s gifted and high potential athlete program, coordinating resources, space and students. She has key involvement in the Newtown High School of the Performing Arts (NHSPA) Year 12 holiday homework and study camp, which provide students a greater opportunity to harness their talents and produce outstanding results.
Working with the local council, Rachael is leading the Share Our Space initiative with the aim to significantly improve the NHSPA practical education spaces. New court spaces in the consultation phase, will provide greater opportunities for students and staff year-round, as well as availability to the wider community promoting physical activity for all.
Rachael is a great supporter of staff, researching and consistently updating staff on new evidence for each unit of work. She also started a staff running club to support mental, social health and physical health, providing a safe space for staff to express their stressors of the day.
Secondary teacher award: Highly commended
- Blake Cunningham, Wagga Wagga Christian College
- Kathy Freestone, Covenant Christian School
School/faculty award
PDHPE Faculty, Rutherford Technology High School
The Rutherford Technology High School (RTHS) PDHPE Faculty is dedicated to excellence in all areas of PDHPE, and consistently goes above and beyond to enhance student experiences and engage the wider community.
The 14-member faculty is committed to supporting a rich learning environment. Through updated teaching strategies and well-structured practical lessons, the faculty has increased student participation and engagement in all PDHPE classes.
The faculty manages three major Targeted Sports Programs (TSP) which cater for over 400 year 7-10 students, offering specialised training and development. The TSP improves student skill development and confidence, along with school attendance and uniform policy compliance. It creates a supportive environment and sense of belonging for students, as well as strengthening relationships with partner primary schools.
The team actively engages in professional development to update programs and strategies. They regularly collaborate to secure funding for equipment, uniforms, and TSP programs, allowing students to compete in various sporting events.
Beyond their teaching roles, staff members take on additional responsibilities such as Year Advisors, Sport Coordinators, Conveners/Managers for the Hunter and Coalfields regions, Hunter Region Vice President and a NSWCHS Convener, Starstruck Choreography, LifeReady Coordinators, and roles in Aboriginal education. Faculty members regularly organise excursions for year groups and smaller groups to deepen students’ understanding.
The faculty’s dedication and extra responsibilities make them positive role models, inspiring students to excel in their pursuits.
School/faculty award – Highly commended
- PDHPE Department, Masada College
