The Pain Smart Study

Pain Smart is a three-lesson PDHPE program that helps adolescents build practical, age-appropriate skills to better understand and manage pain.

We know teachers are busy, so we’ve designed Pain Smart to be simple, curriculum-aligned, and low-burden.

Why Pain Smart

• Around 1 in 6 adolescents experience ongoing musculoskeletal pain
• Pain can reduce attendance, concentration, sport participation, mental health and overall wellbeing
• Early, evidence-based education can reduce the risk of pain becoming long-term

What schools receive

• Three ready-to-teach PDHPE lessons for Years 7 to 10
• Fully aligned with stages 4 and 5 of the current and new NSW PDHPE curriculum
• Complete resource pack (slides, student activities, teacher lesson plans)
• Teacher training and support provided
• $1,000 reimbursement to the school for teacher training time
• Students reporting problems with pain can be offered Pain SmartER an optional addition providing individual support from a health professional and extra resources to manage their pain
• Participating students go into a draw to win one gift card per class

What’s involved

• PDHPE teachers deliver the lessons in class
• Classes and timeframe nominated by each school
• No additional assessment or marking
• No cost to the school

Who can express interest

• Anyone who would like to champion Pain Smart, including principals, curriculum or wellbeing leaders, PDHPE staff, school counsellors, coaches, parents, etc.
• Our team can assist with information or materials to support internal discussions and approvals.
• NSW independent or catholic high school

Getting involved is easy

• Click here to register interest
• We’ll be in touch for a no obligation conversation

We’ve started delivering Pain Smart in NSW high schools. Schools are being confirmed on a rolling basis until places are filled. We encourage early expressions of interest.