RIPPLES
Primary Schools Program 2025
Thursday 29 May, 2025
Venue: University of Newcastle, Ourimbah Campus
Bookings Now Open.
Book Before May 2
The 2025 Ripples Schools Program is back for its fifth year of inspiring the next generation of readers, creative artists and storytellers of the Central Coast.
Offering engaging, educational and interactive sessions, primary students will explore the world of literature with award-winning children’s authors and illustrators.
For visiting primary school groups, we offer three fun-filled sessions comprising author talks and author or illustrator workshops.
Talks offer our curated set of authors and illustrators a space to discuss their craft and engage with the students. These sessions cater to large groups, from 60 to 300.
Workshops allow our presenters to demonstrate their knowledge and stimulate creativity in a more intensive, hands-on context. These sessions cater to both smaller class-sized groups (approximately 30) and larger groups up to 200.*
Our workshops will encourage young people to open their imaginations and be bold in their creative writing and art.
All sessions are developed with connections to the NSW Curriculum. All sessions are best aimed at grades 5 – 6 but are suitable for grades 3 – 6
In 2025, the Ripples Primary Schools Program is being offered as a DAY PASS. Entry is $25 for each student and entitles entry to two (2) author talks, plus one (1) creative writing or illustration workshop.
All students will be allocated to a creative writing or illustration workshop with one of our listed presenters. Allocations are made based on date of booking, requested preference and with the best needs of your students in mind.
Pre-order your books HERE
Dates & Venues
Thursday May 29, 2025
Primary Program
Suitable for students grades 3-6
Venue
University of Newcastle, Ourimbah Campus
10 Chittaway Rd, Ourimbah 2258
Entry
$25 per student
All students will be allocated to a creative writing or illustration workshop with one of our listed presenters. Allocations are made based on date of booking, requested preference and with the best needs of your students in mind.
How to Book
Book here or by email or phone on 0412985909
Bookings close 5 April 2024
Bookings can only be made by schools or homeschool organisations
Timetable
Doors
9:30am
Author Talk
9:45am – 10:30am
Creative Writing and Illustration Workshops
11:00am – 12:00pm
Book Signings & Lunch Break
12:05pm – 12:35pm
Author Talk
12:45pm – 1:30pm
Book Signings
1:35pm – 2:00pm
Thursday 29 May, 2025
University of Newcastle, Ourimbah Campus
10 Chittaway Rd, Ourimbah 2258
9:30am – 9:45am
Doors and Acknowledgement of Country
9:45am – 10:30am
Talk | Included in Day Pass
Author Talk: Unexpected Things
With Magic, mayhem and talking cats – join Jessica Townsend to discover her unexpected journey from daydreamer to becoming one of Australia’s biggest-selling Australian children’s debut authors in history!
Learning Areas: English, Personal and Social Capability
General Capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking, Literacy
11:00am – 12:00am
Workshop | Included in Day Pass
Creative Writing & Illustration Workshops
With Jacqueline Harvey, Joel McKerrow, Tania Ingram, Danielle Binks, Jade Goodwin, Dan Marshall and Mandy Foot
Students split into groups for a session with our resident
authors or illustrators. Whether it’s character creation, wonderful
words or powerful pencils, your students will love exploring ideas in these hands-on workshops.
Learning areas
Illustration: Visual Arts, English.
General Capabilities: Personal and Social Capability Critical and Creative Thinking, Literacy
Creative Writing: English.
General Capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking, Ethical Understanding, Literacy.
12:05pm – 12:35pm
Book Signings & Lunch Break
12:45pm – 1:30pm
Talk | Included in Day Pass
Author Talk: Did I really write that?
With Christopher Cheng
Discover the life of an author with award-winning author Christopher Cheng as he takes us through creating heart-warming picture books, historical novels and incredible information books.
Learning Areas: English, Personal and Social Capability
General Capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking, Literacy
1:35pm – 2:00pm
Book Signings
Books are available for purchase via pre-order or at the venue from our book shop partner The Book Nook, Umina. PLEASE NOTE: Due to the limited time available, signing priority will be given to purchases and pre-orders collected on the day. Students with own books & school library copies, book plates and autograph books/sheets may be signed if time permits.
How to Book
The Ripples: Primary School Program can only be booked directly between Words on the Waves and the participating school or homeschool. All sessions are best aimed at grades 5 – 6 but are suitable for grades 3 – 6
- Teachers/Guardians: For every 25 student tickets purchased, you are entitled to one (1) complimentary teacher ticket.
- For schools with an ICSEA value under 1,000 all teacher tickets are complimentary. Teacher/Guardian supervision is required at all sessions.
- Parents accompanying less than 5 students and wishing to stay in session, must be ticketed.
To make a booking:
- Complete our booking form
- Contact: Fiona Lloyd 0412 985 909
- Email: schools@wordsonthewaves.com.au
Bookings close Friday 2nd May 2025
We look forward to welcoming your students to our fifth year of engaging literary programs!
How to Purchase Books
Books for these events can only be purchased at the venue or by preorder. Cash or card is accepted. Due to the limited time available, signing priority will be given to purchases and pre-orders collected on the day. Students with own books & school library copies, book plates and autograph books/sheets may be signed if time permits.
Short Story Competition
Details for the second Ripples short story competition will be made available during Term One 2025.
Partners
T&Cs
Refund requests will be carefully considered in light of individual and school circumstances. All requests must be made in writing to schools@wordsonthewaves.com.au
