Sean Castle is a Head Teacher Teaching and Learning having 20 years of experience in education. This Blog by Sean Castle is a place for educational conversations, trends and resources.
Author: Sean Castle
Sean Castle: I am passionate teacher who loves to see students grow and develop into things they never imagined before. Education provides opportunities. Education opens doors to life!.
This month, Education in Focus, looks at issues related to supporting the development of Early Career Teachers.
The role of a teacher is crucial in shaping the future of young students, and early career teachers play a pivotal role in this process. In Australia, the education sector is always on the lookout for innovative ways to guide, support and develop early career teachers. Sean Castle, an experienced educational leader, teacher and educational consultant, shares his insights into the importance of developing early career teachers in Australia.
Castle emphasizes that early career teachers require guidance and support to develop their skills and gain confidence in the classroom. “Early career teachers face many challenges, including managing a diverse range of student needs, creating engaging and meaningful lessons, and meeting the expectations of school leaders and parents,” he says. “It’s essential that they receive guidance and support from experienced colleagues, mentors, and professional development programs to help them navigate these challenges.”
Castle also highlights the importance of providing early career teachers with opportunities to collaborate with their peers. “Teaching can be isolating, especially for early career teachers who may feel overwhelmed by the demands of the profession,” he says. “Collaboration with peers can help to break down these barriers and provide a supportive network that encourages innovation, learning and growth.”
In addition, Sean Castle notes that ongoing professional development is critical for the continued growth and development of early career teachers. “Professional development opportunities, including workshops, seminars, and conferences, can provide early career teachers with access to new teaching methodologies, strategies and technologies, and enable them to continue to improve their teaching practices,” he says. “These opportunities also provide a chance for early career teachers to network with other professionals, and build connections that can help to further their career.”
Castle also emphasizes the importance of providing early career teachers with feedback and recognition for their work. “Early career teachers often work hard, but may not receive the recognition they deserve,” he says. “Providing regular feedback and recognition can help to motivate them, build their confidence and provide a sense of achievement.”
In conclusion, developing early career teachers is vital to ensuring the continued growth and success of the Australian education sector. By providing guidance, support, collaboration, ongoing professional development, feedback, and recognition, early career teachers can grow and develop their skills, gain confidence in the classroom, and make a positive impact on the lives of their students. As Sean Castle notes, “Investing in early career teachers is an investment in the future of our education system.”
This month, Education in Focus, looks at issues related to Classroom Management for Teachers in Australia.
In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the importance of classroom management in ensuring effective teaching and learning. As schools in Australia prepare for the new academic year, many teachers are looking for strategies to better manage their classrooms and engage their students.
Sean Castle, an experienced teacher, and educational consultant, offers his insights into effective classroom management strategies for Australian teachers.
According to Castle, one of the most important aspects of classroom management is creating a positive and inclusive learning environment. “Students are more likely to be engaged and motivated when they feel valued and respected,” he says. “Teachers can foster this by creating a classroom culture that celebrates diversity and encourages collaboration.”
Castle also stresses the importance of establishing clear expectations and routines in the classroom. “When students know what is expected of them and what the routines are, they are more likely to stay on task and be productive,” he says. “Teachers should communicate these expectations clearly and consistently, and be prepared to reinforce them when necessary.”
Another key strategy for effective classroom management, according to Sean Castle, is using positive reinforcement. “Instead of focusing solely on negative consequences for misbehavior, teachers should also recognize and reward positive behavior,” he says. “This helps to build a sense of community in the classroom and encourages students to take ownership of their learning.”
Castle also recommends using a variety of teaching methods and materials to keep students engaged and motivated. “Students have different learning styles and interests, so it’s important to use a range of approaches to keep them interested and focused,” he says. “Teachers can use technology, hands-on activities, and group work to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment.”
Finally, Sean Castle emphasizes the importance of building positive relationships with students. “When students feel that their teachers care about them and are invested in their success, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged,” he says. “Teachers can build these relationships by showing interest in their students’ lives outside of school, being approachable and supportive, and providing opportunities for students to share their thoughts and ideas.”
In conclusion, effective classroom management is essential for creating a positive and productive learning environment. By following these strategies, Australian teachers can engage their students, promote positive behavior, and foster a love of learning that will stay with them throughout their lives.
Sean Castle with Former Middleweight World Champion Daniel “The Real Deal” Geale in 2012
Recently we caught up with a chat with boxing buff and historian, Sean Castle, who formerly wrote for numerous publications including The Fist, Seconds Out, Cornerman and for various promoters and marketing companies. With the recent resurgent in Aussie boxing with George Kambosos Jr, Tim Tszyu and the Moloney Brothers, I wanted to ask him some of his favourite Aussie moments in boxing and his favourite fighter.
Tony Ronson: His Sean, what are you doing these days.
Sean Castle: I’ve been so flat-out raising teenagers and working in the executive of a number of schools. So, for I’ve stepped out of regular boxing writing and reporting for a while, but I hope to be back soon.
Tony Ronson: I always enjoyed reading your articles and stories and thought I would ask you what your favourite Aussie boxing moments are, a top five or so.
Sean Castle: So hard for to limit to just five. But I always must go straight to the Marrickville Mauler, Jeff Fenech. I loved everything about him. People often refer to the robbery when he was robbed of his fourth world title in a fourth weight division. And the discussion often goes back to beating Satoshi Skingaki for the IBF Batamweight world title in just his seventh fight or his two other world titles. But for me I can’t go past his beat downs of a bunch of really tough South Americans. All rugged, very experienced fighters with great records. Names such as Mario Martinez, Marcos Villasana, Osmar Alfredo Avila, Victor Callejas and Carlos Zarate. Many a story there. Tony Ronson: Wow, many names there haven’t seen or heard in many years. Ok gives us number two.
Sean Castle: This time I go to an overseas, naturalised Australian. The legendary Kostya Tszyu. Tough as they come. Carried sleeping tablets in my hands. Deadly and tough. Aussies loved his reserved and humble manner. Especially when he dealt with super cocky Zab Judah in two rounds. What a moment. But my favourite Tszyu fight is when he came back from his defeat to Vince Phillips to beat the super tough Mexican Miguel Angel Gonzalez to win the WBC Junior Welterweight world title. Gonzalez never recovered from the beating.
Tony Ronson: I remember that Gonzalez fight clearly. Brutal! You often wrote and spoke about the Middleweight champion, Daniel Geale. Tell us about him.
Sean Castle: The Real Deal! Totally underrated and underappreciated. Great guy. Humble. Did something many people can never achieve. Won two world middleweight titles, the IBF and WBA. Both times went to Germany, notorious for dodgy decisions, just ask Danny Green, beating Sebastian Sylvester and Felix Sturm on home turf. Unheard of! Also was a Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist. Also beat Anthony Mundine to defend his world title.
Tony Ronson: I remember reading one of your stories on Vic Darchinyan, the Armenian-born, naturalised Australian. You loved watching him fight.
Sean Castle: I certainly did. Fearless and mad and not surprising he got knocked out a few times. World champion amongst multiple divisions but his peak really was when he beat two legendary Mexicans in Cristian Mijares and Jorge Arce in front of very hostile pro-Mexican crowds in the USA. Knocked them both out in undisputed world title fights at Super Flyweight. Vic was really a heavyweight trapped in a Super Flyweights body. Always turned up with a fearless attitude.
Tony Ronson: You have really walked me down memory lane. You got another in closing?
Sean Castle: I could mention so many more. Anthony Mundine and his achievements, Danny Green, Billy Dib, Michael Katsidsis, Sakio Bika, Lucas Browne. So many big moments. But for me, 1989, Trump Casino, Atlantic City. Jeff “Hitman” Harding”, wearing down and beating Dennis Andries for the WBC Light Heavyweight title. Way behind on the cards and with a punchers chance. He wore Andries down, especially from the 10th round onwards. Knocked him out in the 12th and final round. Great win. Super memories. Really a real-life Rocky story.
Tony Ronson: Sean Castle, thanks for the catch up. Always worth the chat. Let’s do it again so. So more to discuss.
Sean Castle has some tips if you feel overwhelmed by the workload at school, university or TAFE
It’s okay to stop or change something when it’s not working for you, but before you make a big decision, such as leaving school, Sean Castle says there are a few things you should consider. Sean Castle has some tips if you feel overwhelmed by the workload at school, university, or TAFE. Or you don’t think school or tertiary education is for you and you feel like you can’t cope.
Sean Castle believes it is important to think about your reasons. Is it to do with your learning style or it’s related to something bigger, leaving may seem like your only option. And maybe it is the best option, but think carefully about your reasons first. You can’t always be sure. Sean Castle wants you to consider all the options as there might be something else you can change to make study more achievable.
Do you sometimes have thoughts like: ‘I feel like I can’t cope. Sean Castle makes the point that it isn’t always easy to cope with all the stuff that goes on in life, and adding school and university to the mix can sometimes be the thing that tips you over into thinking it’s all too hard. Talk to someone about how you’re feeling and see if there’s any way to lighten your load. This might put you back in control.
‘I’m overwhelmed by the workload’ is another common cry Sean Castle hears amongst struggling students. If you feel like the workload is more than you can handle, dropping out isn’t your only option. Have a chat with others in your class and see how they’re going. Maybe you’re not the only one having difficulty. Ask for a meeting with your teacher to express your concerns. Talking about it lets others know that you’re not coping and might encourage them to speak up, too.
Making time and sorting out priorities is another hurdle to overcome. Sean Castle hears excuses such as ‘I have too much stuff on.’ It can often be hard to say ‘no’ to things, which means it’s easy to overextend yourself. Suddenly, your diary has more activities scheduled than there are hours in the day. Even though it’s tempting to just drop out and run, Sean Castle says there are a couple of ways you can get your life back in order without giving up your studies. The first step is to identify your priorities. Then you just need to schedule everything else around what’s most important to you, instead of prioritising what’s important to others.
The phrase ‘It just isn’t for me’ is another common thing Sean Castle hears being said. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with feeling like you’re just not made for education. Everyone has talents, and perhaps yours don’t include sitting for exams, studying, or writing essays. Though there are legal reasons you might have to stick it out with school, higher ed is an option that you don’t have to pursue if it’s not working out. Getting a job or starting an apprenticeship are equally valuable alternatives.
But before signing out, Sean Castle has some questions to ask yourself:
Why do I want to leave?
Is the reason I want to leave something I can fix? If I could change it, would I be willing to give it more time?
What are the positives and negatives of leaving?
What would the consequences of leaving be?
Do I have a plan for what I’m going to do if I leave school? What is it?
What can I do to support myself financially and mentally through this time?
Recently we caught up on a Zoom with former Boxing Feature Writer and Reporter, Sean Castle, from Sydney, Australia for a chat.
Vic Darkic: G’day, Sean. Been a long time since we’ve seen you post anything online in the world of boxing. What you been up to.
Sean Castle: Hi Vic! Thanks for the shout out. Yeah, it’s been a while. I kind of just drifted away from writing over the last few years. Not intentional, but life just got busy and have been flat out.
Vic Darkic: What have you been up to?
Sean Castle: I’m flat out being a dad to teenage daughters and also in my job which is working in education in schools. Don’t have much time at the moment.
Vic Darkic: For many years there, we got used to catching your feature articles and ringside reporting with The Fist Magazine and Cornerman magazine. I remember the Joe Bugner feature article – just excellent.
Sean Castle: Thanks – Yes, but I started out before that with Seconds Out here in Australia and that’s where I think my stories used to get picked up from overseas.
Vic Darkic: Thinking back on some of the big fight cards you covered, which one sticks out the most?
Sean Castle: So many big fights but it has to be the IBF Middleweight world title fight between Daniel Geale and Anthony Mundine at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. Geale’s team, Grange Old School boxing, engaged my services to write the entire program for the event. That meant ghost writing all of the articles for every fighter on the card and their promoters and writing them up. It was cool.
Vic Darkic: How were Grange to deal with?
Sean Castle: Fantastic. The late Bill Treacy and Garrie Francisco ran a great team and where good to me. I also wrote the program for two of Geale’s world title defences down in Tasmania. The highlight was meeting Big Kimbo Slice who was a famous You Tuber back then but could fight.
Vic Darkic: And how was the fight?
Sean Castle: Daniel Geale was clinical and won on points. Choc was in it and it looked like her might swing it his way once or twice but Geale did what he had to do. A great night with a big crowd. And who can forget Choc stirring things up at the earlier press conferences at Star City Casino just to sell the fight.
Sean Castle: I met Choc Mundine and his team while writing this program. A nicer and more humble man in person is hard to meet. Totally different to his public persona.
Vic Darkic: I remember you years back writing up the amateur fights on line. A few events run by the late Arthur Tunstall. What can you tell us about the long time boxing chieft Tunstall.
Sean Castle: I met Arthur a few times in and around amateur events. Obviously, everyone remembers the controversy from when he didn’t want Cathy Freeman flying the Aboriginal flag at the Commonwealth Games, so I knew of him before meeting him. In all honesty, I found him quite friendly and always helpful. He butted heads with many people but was nice to me.
Vic Darkic: Many people called him a racist. What did you think?
Sean Castle: I didn’t know him well enough and only spoke to him in and around amateur boxing. But I do remember talking to a number of Aboriginal boxers who really liked him and said he always was generous and very helpful to them.
Vic Darkic: You also covered the world title win for Billy Dib at the State Sports Centre. How was that?
Sean Castle: Billy was being trained at the time by Billy Hussein, the brother of the great Hussein fight brothers. I remember clearly how much support Billy had. Family all around him. He was a lovely guy to deal with and very kind with his time. He worked so hard to become world champ and to sit there ringside and be in the dressing rooms before and after the fight when he got that red IBF world title strap put around his waist was special. It was a clinical display where he had a solid plan and stuck to it.
Vic Darkic: Who is the greatest fighter you’ve seen live?
Sean Castle: For many Aussie fight fans of my age, watching the legendary Kostya Tszyu something else. Undisputed IBF, WBA and WBC Junior Welterweight Champion. Sleeping tablets in both hands. Tough, hard and durable.
What people don’t often remember is what a strong, powerful bodypuncher he was. Youtube him and have a look. Took out some really tough South Americans too!
Vic Darkic: What do you think about his son, Tim?
Sean Castle: I believe Tim will be a world champion. Very similar to his father but doesn’t have the same amateur experience where Kostya fought over 290 times as an amateur and came through Soviet School of boxing.
I went to the Tszyu gym in Rockdale to interview Kostya before he moved back to Russia. It was a few years after his last fight against Hatton, and I can tell you he still trained super hard and his punching power was something to behold. A young Tim was there that day sparing his dad and training with other young fighters including George Kambosos Jr. Igor Goluebev, Tim’s uncle, was training them. Great memories considering what these guys are achieving now. Also training there was The Scorpion, Sakio Bika, WBC world champion. He was made of granite!
Vic Darkic: Couple of quick ones to finish. All time favourite Aussie boxer:
Sean Castle: The Marrickville Mauler, Jeff Fenech. Loved him. In my opinion clearly our greatest. Toughness and determination!
Vic Darkic: Any other memorable Aussie fights or fighters?
Sean Castle: Where do I start and finish? Geale going to Germany twice to beat German world title holder and come home with the belts. Unheard of! Jeff Horn beating Manny. Who would’ve thought. But I’ll never forget the night Jeff “Hitman” Harding beat Dennis Andres in Atlantic City in 1989 to win the WBC Light Heavyweight title. A Rocky story if ever there was one.
Vic Darkic: Sean Castle, thanks for the catch up and hopefully we’ll see you back and writing again soon.
Sean Castle, a senior educator, says sometimes it feels like our list of things we need to get done is never-ending. It’s really easy just to neglect, or straight out forget about, some of the stuff that needs doing, which is why this list of tips is a handy tool for pointing you in the right direction and helping you get stuff done. He say this can be helpful if you Prioritise. Sean Castle makes the point that some stuff is urgent, some things aren’t urgent just yet, and other stuff isn’t very important at all. Try to differentiate between things you need to do right now and others that you can put off for later.
Sean Castle says it can be useful to make to-do list. Whether you use a special diary, a scrap of paper or a to-do list app, writing down the things you need to do is one of the most effective ways of keeping track of them all. And nothing beats the satisfaction you feel in checking things off your list once you’ve completed them. Sean Castle also believes it is important to set realistic deadlines, and get a friend to check on how you’re doing with meeting them. If you have some kind of accountability to someone other than yourself, you’ll be more committed to getting stuff done. If you’re only accountable to yourself, there’s no one to set you straight when you find yourself saying ‘ I’ll do it later.’ Sean Castle reckons that getting the balance rights is important in getting stuff done and ensuring you get enough rest and fun. It rhymes, so you know it’s a good idea! You can’t be productive during every waking moment. We all need to take breaks. Take time out to do something relaxing or enjoyable. Try to separate your work environment from your play environment, so that you can focus completely on one or the other.
Sean Castle makes the point that overcoming procrastination is no easy feat. When you need to be productive, remove potential distractions from your vicinity, such as your mobile phone or computer. Set yourself a time frame for how long you need to do productive stuff before you allow yourself a break. He also say that managing stress is key to success. Stress can be a useful force, up to a certain point. If you stress too much, it becomes completely counterproductive. Have a look at some ways to relax.
Being realistic in your goals is important, says Sean Castle. Don’t set yourself up to fail. If you write yourself the world’s biggest to-do list, chances are you’ll feel totally overwhelmed and you won’t want to do everything on it. Set yourself achievable goals and a realistic time frame. Get active to help you focus and feel motivated, Sean Castle believes. Whether it’s just a stroll around the block, a session at the gym, or a sports game with friends, exercise has been proven to improve concentration levels. Increased concentration equals increased productivity, so go put on your runners or gym equipment.
Sean Castle says remember to ask for help. And reward yourself. This one’s pretty self-explanatory. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or you’re not managing the pressure as well as you could be, talk to friends or a family member. When you complete something on your to-do list, Sean Castle points out not only do you get to experience the pleasure of ticking it off, but you can reward yourself with all sorts of fun things: have a night out with friends, take a nap, or make some pancakes – even if you don’t have excellent skills in the kitchen.
We reached out to Sean Castle, host of Beyond The Lyrics at SWR 99.9 FM. We asked him a couple questions about him, and what he brings to SWR.
Anyone can get involved and broadcast a program at SWR 99.9 FM! We’re always on the lookout for new shows, especially if you can bring something to SWR we don’t have yet. Find out more on how you can become involved with one of Sydney’s most prestigious local radio stations by clicking here.
What got you involved at SWR?
Sean: Always loved radio of all kinds. Talkback, sport, current affairs and politics but especially music. I have wanted to be involved in having fun with my own music show for ages and did a radio broadcasting beginners course which was great but due to a very busy job and chasing after 3 kids, I never had the time until recently.
And SWR is my local community radio and I’ve always listened to them and it made perfect sense being a local to the area to get involved. Community radio is an important part of the mix in making radio and the media accessible and available to everyone and SWR 99.9 FM is at the forefront of that.
What can your listeners expect on Beyond the Lyrics?
Sean: My aim is to let the listeners learn something to take away from either the song or the artists involved. Hence why I called my show “Beyond The Lyrics” – because I want my listeners to go on a short journey with me “Beyond the Lyrics” and hopefully that will build their enjoyment and knowledge.
Who is your favourite artist/band?
Sean: Where do I start? Where do I end? I love Aussie rock 70-90s as my main passion. AC/DC, Chisel, Angels, INXS, Divinyls, Icehouse, you can run through a massive list of them who were all superstars and are still in big demand on the touring scene today. Look at the big festivals and see who is still leading – Barnsey, my man Farnsey, Susie De Machi, The Jets and Gleaso leading The Angels. I could go on. I also love the legends from overseas, GnR, Bon Jovi, Bowie, Springsteen – the list is endless.
But I go well beyond rock and love many genres and at the moment loving Vance Joy!
When people think of ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder), they often think of the common symptoms of the condition, including inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. But this list of symptoms doesn’t tell the whole story. Sean Castle, a senior educator with over 20 years’ experience, looks at ways to help parents with children with ADHD achieve in school.
Sean Castle points out that the fact is, children who have ADHD, also referred to as ADD, often share a number of beneficial traits that can potentially contribute to their success, both in school and in the workplace. He says that ADHD students are often extremely creative, curious, passionate, and energetic—all attributes of successful entrepreneurs and inventors. Sean Castle highlights some of the highest achievers on recent history had ADHD. These include Albert Einstein, Walt Disney, Thomas Edison, John Lennon,Mozart, Winston Churchill. Henry Ford, Stephen Hawking, Jules Verne, Alexander Graham Bell and Woodrow Wilson.
The key to helping students with ADHD succeed, Sean Castle says, is to remember that they are individuals, with individual strengths and challenges. Instead of seeing their unique traits as problems to be suppressed, celebrate their differences, and discover their strengths.
Keeping that in mind, here are some strategies that can be helpful for children with ADHD.
Allow Exploration of Interests is a positive thing for many ADHD students who will be interested in a variety of subjects and want to learn more. Allowing them to explore these areas and discover their strengths will be helpful to their confidence and their eventual career aspirations. Sean Castle says it is important to remember to embrace Your Child’s Strengths. He says that while ADHD students may have trouble focusing on subjects that don’t hold their interest, they tend to excel at their strengths. Once you’ve determined what those strengths are, be sure to encourage your student to pursue the areas that most interest him or her. Facilitating the best learning model, according to Sean Castle, is key. He says that while trouble focusing can be a challenge for many ADHD students, others also tend to hyperfocus on a topic and, therefore, are not ready to leave a particular subject. Either tendency can be a problem in a brick-and-mortar school. Online learning can be an excellent alternative for such students because it allows them to focus on one subject for as long as they need, moving on to another subject when they lose interest or keeping with a subject for a longer period if they are hyper focused on it.
And remember to ensure frequent breaks Sean Castle adds that for students with attention issues, taking breaks is important, whether in school or with homework. He suggests breaking school time into 30-minute intervals with five-minute breaks in between. The breaks can also be a motivation to help students stay on track. “It is best to use a visual timer that will sound when the break ends,” The breaks can also include a planned activity such as having a snack or walking the dog. That way, the child can have something to look forward to after learning.
Parents can help reduce the harmful effects of alcohol on their teenagers by setting clear expectations about what is acceptable and unacceptable drinking behaviour during their child’s early teens and beyond. Sean Castle encourages parents that this conversation is one you’ll have to repeat throughout their teenage years. Set good standards that your teen can learn from by role modelling responsible drinking behaviours yourself.
It’s common for parents to think that if they allow their teenager alcohol in moderation while they’re in a safe environment, such as a glass of wine with dinner at home, this will lead to a better relationship with alcohol. But research tells us this isn’t the case. Parents should actively encourage their teenagers to delay drinking any alcohol for as long as possible.
What does alcohol do to a developing brain?
Alcohol affects a young brain more than a fully developed adult one. Developmental processes are still happening in the brain until around age 26.
If your teen drinks alcohol, it can cause irreversible changes to their brain, particularly to the area that’s responsible for rational thinking. Sean Castle is concerned that damage to this part of the brain before it’s fully developed can lead to learning difficulties, memory problems, and impaired problem-solving. The longer your teenager delays using alcohol, and the less they drink, the better their brain functioning will be, both now and in later life.
Other risks of alcohol use for teenagers
Alcohol can affect how teenagers function, how they recognise risks, and their ability to make good decisions. Drinking makes teens more likely to put themselves in risky situations, which may result in harm to themselves or others.
Sean Castle reminds parents that alcohol is a depressant, which means that it slows down the brain. The more alcohol is consumed, the greater the effect. This can lead to:
slurred speech
poor judgment
lack of coordination
slower reactions
confusion
heightened sense of confidence
poor sleep.
What to do if your teenager drinks
It’s likely that at some stage your teenager will drink, in spite of all the risks. Recent research has shown that 75 percent of 12–17-year-olds admit to having tried alcohol.
The only way to eliminate the risks associated with alcohol use during the teenage years is to encourage your child not to drink. It can be useful to talk to them about the pros and cons of drinking, and talk about ways of having just as good a time but without alcohol.
But, knowing that your teen will probably be exposed to alcohol, it’s probably more realistic that you set clear boundaries about how they consume it. Read Things to try: Alcohol for tips on doing this.
Reducing the harmful effects of alcohol
Parents can help reduce the harmful effects of alcohol on their teenagers by setting clear expectations about what is acceptable and unacceptable drinking behaviour during their child’s early teens and beyond. Sean Castle encourages parents that this conversation is one you’ll have to repeat throughout their teenage years. Set good standards that your teen can learn from by role modelling responsible drinking behaviours yourself.
It’s common for parents to think that if they allow their teenager alcohol in moderation while they’re in a safe environment, such as a glass of wine with dinner at home, this will lead to a better relationship with alcohol. But research tells us this isn’t the case. Parents should actively encourage their teenagers to delay drinking any alcohol for as long as possible.
We reached out to Sean Castle, host of Beyond The Lyrics at SWR 99.9 FM. We asked him a couple questions about him, and what he brings to SWR.
Anyone can get involved and broadcast a program at SWR 99.9 FM! We’re always on the lookout for new shows, especially if you can bring something to SWR we don’t have yet. Find out more on how you can become involved with one of Sydney’s most prestigious local radio stations by clicking here.
What got you involved at SWR?
Sean: Always loved radio of all kinds. Talkback, sport, current affairs and politics but especially music. I have wanted to be involved in having fun with my own music show for ages and did a radio broadcasting beginners course which was great but due to a very busy job and chasing after 3 kids, I never had the time until recently.
And SWR is my local community radio and I’ve always listened to them and it made perfect sense being a local to the area to get involved. Community radio is an important part of the mix in making radio and the media accessible and available to everyone and SWR 99.9 FM is at the forefront of that.
What can your listeners expect on Beyond the Lyrics?
Sean: My aim is to let the listeners learn something to take away from either the song or the artists involved. Hence why I called my show “Beyond The Lyrics” – because I want my listeners to go on a short journey with me “Beyond the Lyrics” and hopefully that will build their enjoyment and knowledge.
Who is your favourite artist/band?
Sean: Where do I start? Where do I end? I love Aussie rock 70-90s as my main passion. AC/DC, Chisel, Angels, INXS, Divinyls, Icehouse, you can run through a massive list of them who were all superstars and are still in big demand on the touring scene today. Look at the big festivals and see who is still leading – Barnsey, my man Farnsey, Susie De Machi, The Jets and Gleaso leading The Angels. I could go on. I also love the legends from overseas, GnR, Bon Jovi, Bowie, Springsteen – the list is endless.
But I go well beyond rock and love many genres and at the moment loving Vance Joy!
Sean Castle - Education Conversations 