School and Community Workshops with Dr Sarah Pye

Dr Sarah is an experienced speaker and workshop facilitator who is just as comfortable in front of preschoolers as seniors, and just as accomplished presenting via Zoom as face-to-face! Watch the video below to learn more.

Download her flyer to see information about all her workshops at a glance:

Presentations and Hands-on Workshops

Sarah’s presentations align with the Australian curriculum from Prep to Year 7. She tailors her visits for maximum engagement. Don’t see what you need? Just ask!

Primary School

Introduction To Rainforest Animals Schools

WHO'S WHO IN THE RAINFOREST (30 MINS)

In this engaging session, Sarah Pye and her puppet sidekicks, Pongo, Patrick and Luna, introduce some of the amazing inhabitants of the rainforest, with a multimodal presentation, and read stories from her acclaimed Wildlife Wong book series. (Suitable for Years Prep-5).

What Sort of Animal am I

WHAT SORT OF ANIMAL AM I? (1 HR)

Students learn about rainforest animals through storytelling, puppetry and a multimedia presentation. They then embrace their ‘inner animal’ and paint or colour an animal mask to take home. (Suitable for Years Prep-4).

THE COOLEST ANIMALS YOU NEVER KNEW EXISTED (1 HR)

This workshop starts with a multimedia presentation introducing some of the coolest rainforest animals. Then students become part of the action: using puppets to act out a story from Wildlife Wong and the Fig Wasp. (Suitable for Years 3-6).

The Coolest Animals You Never Knew Existed
Am I Like a Sun Bear or an Orangutan Schools

AM I LIKE A SUNBEAR OR AN ORANGUTAN? (1 HR)

First, students learn cool facts about sun bears and orangutans. Then, they use a measurement chart from either an orangutan or a sun bear, measuring tape, scales and thermometers to compare themselves to their chosen species. This workshop ends with a discussion about the results.
(Suitable for Years 4-6).

Teacher Testimonials

Sarah’s presentations were very informative for our students. They really enjoyed the topic, which aligned beautifully with the current units they were studying in both English and HASS. Sarah linked her writing experience to many useful techniques and language features that authors use, which will enhance the student’s writing. The students especially enjoyed the live hook up with Dr. Wong in Borneo. We got to see an actual rescued bear and Dr. Wong answered all the student’s questions with great enthusiasm and humour.

Mooloolaba State School

Dr Sarah Pye captivated the students with her knowledge and expertise on endangered animals. Her sessions were fun and engaging and the students loved making orangutan nests for Pongo to try out in our nature play space.

Glasshouse Christian College

Sarah’s school visit was very informative and engaging. She has some awesome teaching methods and ideas… I wish there was more time!

Montessori International College

Primary and High School

How Do Rainforests Work

HOW DO RAINFORESTS WORK? (1 HR)

Sarah reads story from Wildlife Wong and the Fig Wasp which explores rainforest ecology and biodiversity and introduces some of the coolest rainforest animals. They learn about the mighty fig wasp before making their own mini rainforest terrarium to take home. (Suitable for Years 3-7).

AM I AS CLEVER AS AN ORANGUTAN? (1 HR)

Students listen to a story from Wildlife Wong and the Orangutan about the naughty orangutan who stole Wong’s keys. They discuss opposable thumbs (an orangutan and human superpower), then go outside and raid the gardener’s green waste pile to try and build orangutan nests! Pongo the orangutan puppet tries them out for comfort… (Suitable for Years 4-7).

Am I As Clever As An Orangutan Schools
Narrative Non Fiction Vs Information Text Schools

NARRATIVE NON-FICTION VS INFORMATION TEXT - WHICH ONE WINS? (1-2 HRS)

Aligning directly with the Year 6 curriculum, this workshop uses Wildlife Wong and the Sun Bear to explore literary text and informational text. Students learn the importance of research, planning and editing, and explore literary techniques. They even get to help Sarah research her next book! 

In the extended 2 hour workshop, they practise writing in both styles, and learn there’s more to books than just writing by exploring the publishing industry. (Suitable for Years 4-7).

MEET A REAL WILDLIFE HERO! (30 MINS)

Meet the real-life hero of the Wildlife Wong series on the big screen, all the way from Borneo!  This exciting event is designed to extend learning after students have  participated in other workshops and if classes have brainstormed questions about sun bears beforehand. (Suitable for Years 4-12).

Writers and Scientists Create Magic Together
Sweat The Small Stuff Schools

WHO'S IN MY GARDEN/PLAYGROUND? (1 HR)

Wildlife Wong and the Fig Wasp introduces some of the smallest creatures in the rainforest. This workshop begins with a multimedia presentation and story about some of them. In teams, children then make a quadrat (a grid which scientists use to count flora and fauna). With their quadrat in hand, they go outside and see what they can find. The workshop ends with a comparison of their findings. (Suitable for Years 4-9).

Teacher Testimonials

Pitched really well to the age of the cohort. Great information that tied in so well to our Unit of Inquiry on Sharing the Planet. The making of the terrarium allowed the children to understand the layers of the rainforest and of course they got to take them home.

St Peters Lutheran College

Sarah’s school visit was very informative and engaging. She has some awesome teaching methods and ideas… I wish there was more time!

Montessori International College

Dr Sarah Pye captivated the students with her knowledge and expertise on endangered animals. Her sessions were fun and engaging and the students loved making orangutan nests for Pongo to try out in our nature play space.

Glasshouse Christian College

High School

AROUND THE BEND (45 MINS - 1 HR)

The results of one exam can plague young people with self-doubt and anxiety and the leap from school to life can be a daunting one. In this honest keynote address, Dr Sarah Pye shares the highs and lows of her adventurous life: from a ‘boat-schooled teenager’ sailing the world, to a restaurant manager in Hawaii, a boat captain in the Whitsundays and a single mum on the Sunshine Coast. Through anecdotes of life-threatening storms, momentous rejection letters and podium finishes, participants learn there is more than one path to your goals. By leaning into the challenges, Sarah has gone from a girl who didn't go to high school, to a university lecturer with seven published books to her name! (Suitable for Years 11 to emerging adults)

Sunset while sailing

WRITING THE ENVIRONMENT (1 HR)

Science needs writers! Students learn to harness their observation skills and use literary techniques to improve narrative and informational writing about the environment. With their tools sharpened, they put them to the test. This workshop can be conducted in the classroom, or in the great outdoors. (Suitable for Years 7-12).

Writing The Environment Schools Page

PARLIAMENT OF ANIMALS (4-5 HRS)

This workshop explores concepts of civic engagement, the challenges of governance, and conservation with groups of 10-20 student leaders or extension students.

Students are introduced to the hypothetical Hutan village deep within the rainforest. Authorities have proposed a bridge across the river and the mayor has called a town meeting to determine whether there is support for this development. She has invited not only the human residents, but the non-humans too.

Through five ‘acts’, students are allocated a human or non-human character, research their character’s needs and explore their character through drama workshops. They then present their perspective at the town gathering before voting takes place. The day ends with a discussion of civics, parliament and voting through an Australian and global lens. (Suitable for Years 6-9).

Looking for Non-School Related Workshops?

Click the button below to learn about workshops and events for adults

School Workshops Pricing Plan

Contact Sarah directly for more information, or book Sarah for school workshops and speaking engagements easily, promptly and with confidence through Speakers Ink.

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What they say




Our Year 1 teachers were absolutely raving about your presentation and having Pongo the puppet: all age appropriate and the kids were on the edges of their seats! So well done!

Kelly Durham Voices on the Coast Literary Festival 2023

Our students were very impressed in the way you were positively impacting the environment through your writing. Getting into how you go about writing your book and planning was fantastic. After you left, many students went back to evaluate their own planning for their stories, which was GREAT! We often talk about the importance of planning and to see an author talk about it was invaluable.

Emily Smith Year 5/6 Classroom Teacher

Both our prep and Year 1 class loved your visit yesterday. Your session was engaging, and the kids felt comfortable to ask questions and share their ideas. We loved the mask making — quick and age appropriate.

Sheree Baguley Year 1 and Prep Classroom Teacher

Sarah’s presentations were very informative for our students. They really enjoyed the topic, which aligned beautifully with the current units they were studying in both English and HASS. Sarah linked her writing experience to many useful techniques and language features that authors use, which will enhance the student’s writing. A really enjoyable incursion for both students and staff.

Linda Baggs Mooloolaba State School

Sarah’s school visit was very informative and engaging. She has some awesome teaching methods and ideas… I wish there was more time!

Teachers Montessori International College

Our students loved Sarah’s books and really enjoyed her workshops.  They loved learning more about writing and publishing, and were also fascinated by the environmental issues and the endangered animals Sarah has based her books on.  Her workshops align closely to many English, Science, HASS and Maths curriculum priorities across all Year levels.  Highly recommended!

Deanne Jeffers Buderim Mountain State School

Book Sarah for Your School Today!

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