In November 2013, The Community and Family Studies (CAFS) Network was developed as a platform for the sharing, collaboration and networking of CAFS teachers in NSW using Facebook as a way to connect with each other. 

The CAFS Network Facebook page (as well as a wiki and Twitter account) is more than just an online platform for the socialising of like-minded colleagues. It has become a supported community for the exploration and reflection of resources, strategies and ideas. The network reflects not only the individual teachers’ professional learning, but of professional learning within a community context: a community of learners with the notion of collective learning.

The passion and dedication towards CAFS is vastly evident among the network with three teachers joining together to facilitate the learning, sharing, networking and collaborating. Kate Rayner co-facilitates the Facebook page which has an overwhelming 1700 plus followers. Passionate CAFS educator, Kim Rodenburg facilitates the wiki page (and Twitter account) that was set up in 2009 to create a space to encourage a sense of sharing of both resources and ideas among teachers, both PDHPE and TAS.

The changes that are occurring within The CAFS Network have been overwhelmingly positive, as designing an online environment requires a pedagogical framework that nurtures the establishment of relationships, intimacy, and trust. People engage in shared learning experiences, mediated through technology, that fosters the development of a learning community. This platform has connected, energised, motivated and supported many new and experienced CAFS teachers across NSW.

It is an extremely exciting time for CAFS. As a community we are thrilled about what the future will hold for our subject. We are hoping for our subject to continue to gain in popularity across the state and for there to be a growth in student learning, teacher reflection and collaboration which can only be of benefit to the community as a whole.

Kelly Bell and Kate Rayner are authors of the Checkpoints HSC Community and Family Studies study guide.

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Discover the Community and Family Studies Network Facebook page >>

Learn why Community and Family Studies is important to today's secondary school students in Part 2 of our Community and Family Studies Spotlight series >>

View more information about the Checkpoints HSC Community and Family Studies study guide >>

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