RIPPLES
Secondary Schools Program 2026
Wednesday 27 May, 2026
Venue: Newcastle University, Gosford Central Campus
Bookings Now Open.
Book Before 27 April
In 2026, we are thrilled to once again offer our Secondary School Program, the first since 2023.
Taking place in the brand new University of Newcastle Gosford Campus, on Wednesday 27th May 2026 we are once again bringing engaging, educational and interactive sessions for secondary students to connect with award-winning children’s authors and illustrators.
This year brings a poetry focus to our afternoon, giving students the opportunity to work with our authors – culminating in a fun-filled live mic event!
2026 entry to the Ripples Secondary Schools Program is being offered as a DAY PASS of $25 per student. Sessions accommodate up to 90 students.
All sessions are developed with connections to the NSW Curriculum. They are best aimed at grades 7 – 8 but suitable for all secondary grades.
Visiting school groups receive two authors talk, one illustrator talk and a working session where they can engage with presenters.
Students will also have the opportunity to tour the new Newcastle of University Gosford Campus.
All sessions in this program relate to the following:
Learning areas: English.
General Capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking, Literacy, Personal and Social Capability.
Dates & Venue
Wednesday 27 May, 2025
Secondary Program
Best for students in grades 7-8 , but suitable for all high school grades.
Venue
Newcastle University Gosford Central Campus, 299 Mann St, Gosford
Entry
$25 per student
Book here or by email or phone on 0412 985 909
Bookings close Monday 27 April
Bookings can only be made by schools or homeschool organisations unless otherwise agreed.
Timetable
Doors
9:10am
Acknowledgement of Country
9:20am
Session One
9:30am – 10:15am
Session Two
10:20am – 11:00am
Lunch Break, Book Purchase and Signings
11:05am – 11:50am
Session Three
11:55am – 2:00pm
(This session includes a short break).
Note: Additional book sales and signings may be available during and after session four at the book sellers and authors discretion.
Wednesday 27 May, 2026
University of Newcastle Gosford Campus
299 Mann St, Gosford
9:10am
Doors Open
9:20am
Acknowledgement of Country
9:30am – 10:15am
Illustrator Talk | Included in Day Pass
Conor McCammon
As the rise of the graphic novel grows stronger, Conor McCammon explores the process of making a book and creating the art that brings it to life.
10:20am – 11:00am
Author Talk | Included in Day Pass
Clayton Zane Comber
Join Clayton as he inspires us with tales of life as an author, the journey of crafting both an acclaimed YA novel and his foray into novels for a younger audience.
11:05am – 11:55am
Lunch Break & Campus Tour
Bring your own lunch. An optional short tour is available to all students to discover the beautiful new university campus and what it can offer.
11:55pm – 12:40pm
Author Talk & Group Work | Included in Day Pass
Will Small
How does poetry and spoken word create space for empathy and authenticity? Can it help students have a voice in a world that can often shut them down? Start our poetry afternoon with an engaging talk by author and Australian Poetry Slam finalist, Will Small.
12:45pm – 2:00pm
Will Small, Pip Harry & Zoe Gaetjens
Students split into groups to work alongside Will and renowned authors Pip Harry and Zoe Gaetjens, to create some wonderful words of their own. The day culminates in an open mic session where authors and willing participants have the opportunity to perform their work.
How to Book
The Ripples Secondary School Program can only be booked directly between Words on the Waves and the participating school or homeschool group.
All sessions are best aimed at grades 7 – 8 but are suitable for all grades.
- Teachers/Guardians: You are entitled to one (1) complimentary teacher ticket for bookings up to and including 25 student tickets purchased.
- For schools with an ICSEA value under 1,000 all teacher tickets are complimentary.
- Teacher/Guardian supervision is required at all sessions.
- Homeschool parents accompanying less than 5 students must be ticketed.
To make a booking:
- Complete our booking form
- Contact: Fiona Lloyd 0412 985 909
- Email: schools@wordsonthewaves.com.au
Bookings close Monday 27 April 2026
We look forward to welcoming your students to our sixth year of engaging literary programs!
How to Purchase Books
Books for these events can only be purchased by pre-order. Books will be delivered to the venue on the day and will be signed by the author or illustrator where possible. As part of the Ripples booking process, you consent to being contacted by us/our Festival Bookshop in relation to book orders for your students.
Short Story Competition
Details for the third Ripples short story competition will be made available during Term One. The story competition will open for entries in June 2026. First prize includes an author or illustrator visit to your school.
Partners
T&Cs
Bookings made prior to Monday 30th March are required to pay a 50% non-refundable holding deposit and should consult their invoice for when final payment is due.
All deposits become non-refundable as of Monday 30th March 2026. Bookings made after this date must be paid in full within 48 hours of invoice issue.
Bookings close Monday 27 April 2026
Final invoices will be issued on Tuesday 28 April 2026.
All invoices must be paid in full by Monday 11 May 2026.
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
Credits for future events may be offered in place of refunds.
Words on the Waves Writers’ Festival records photos for archival and marketing purposes. For all Festival events, we employ a professional photographer and videographer. The booking of a ticket grants implied permission for these photographs/footage to be used for the intended purposes. Our volunteers may also take photos on the day. These are provided to the Festival Team for the above us and are required to be deleted from any personal devices before leaving the premises.
If you, or any students in your care, do not wish to be photographed/filmed, please contact a Festival representative on the day or inform the photographer/videographer at the venue.
