Student imaginations run wild when they learn that there is a hungry monster living under their couch. Armed with the poetic devices of simile and repetition, they will create a narrative poem describing their first encounter with the fearsome creature.

It’s not often you get full permission to lie, but in this playful workshop fibbing is encouraged! Students are introduced to the humorous poem Fried Lies by Harry Laing, an acclaimed children’s writer, poet and comedic performer based in the Southern Tablelands of NSW. After a hilariously dishonest ideation session, students use rhyme, humour and critical, creative decision-making to cook up their own poetic porkies.

Planetologists, prepare for lift-off into the outer reaches of the solar system to discover and name a new world! In this program students engage in deep worldbuilding to invent their planet's environment, focusing on hyper-detailed descriptions and poetic techniques. They'll practice character development by creating an alien species, crafting reports and survival-critical care guides. Students will blend informative and imaginative speculative writing to document their exhilarating cosmic encounters.

Stirring a base of inspiration, with a cup of opinions and a pinch of giggles, students explore poems that are both hilarious and informative in this program based on food, glorious food. During these workshops students will practice playful activities using alliteration, similes, rhyming and verb choices as they add their own flavour and spices to food-themed poetry. Students will plan, create and share three poems celebrating their fantastic imaginative food orders.

Students document their experiences befriending their very own robot as they engage with the playful world of renowned paper cut artist and picture book author, Chihiro Takeuchi. They will develop skills in poetry writing and worldbuilding as they concoct a whimsical recipe where tipping a basket of strawberries into a cup of imagination might just create a new robotic bestie.

Be bright, be bold, be brave with your word choices! Students explore the artworks of contemporary culturally diverse Australian artists including Kaylene Whiskey and Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran, penning poetry inspired by their quirky and colourful pieces. They will learn to unpack visual art and expand their vocabulary, bringing art to life by reimagining the stories and characters behind the works.

In this program students will delve into letters inspired by the picture book The Day the Crayons Quit. Students will bring objects from their daily lives to life by creating unique characters, imagining daily activities, and drafting dialogue. As students work through the writing process they will role play interviews and create the content for various written texts including letters. Secret Life of Stuff is a fun and engaging way to explore character creation!

Calling all young ghost hunters and master storytellers! Students unleash their imagination as they create spooky stories and characters that will give you goosebumps! Students will learn how to build suspense, conjure eerie settings, and bring their characters to life.