‘There are few things better than inspiring students to live a life that matters.’
SOME OF DARREN’S TOPICS
SURVIVING AUSTRALIA’S WORST DISASTER - CYCLONE TRACY (50th ANNIVERSARY -2024)
PRIMARY AND HIGH SCHOOL
In this one-hour presentation, Darren relives his experience of going through Cyclone Tracy and how his family survived one of Australia's worst natural disasters. It is designed for students in Years 3-4 or 5-6 in primary school and Years 7-10 in high school (modified accordingly).
The presentation will include short original video clips, book readings from his new books on Cyclone Tracy, a soundscape, storytelling, tips for aspiring writers, and an opportunity for students to ask questions.
Along with each presentation, there will be a complimentary contribution to the school library of six Possum The Cyclone Cat books or 25.12.74 (depending on the year level and requirement).
Key topics: Darwin in 1974, cyclones, survival, overcoming traumatic events, and teamwork.
The presentation will focus on the following elements of the Australian Curriculum:
Science – Earth and space sciences, Geography-Weather patterns, English – Literature and Context & Responding to Literature.
Questions at the back of the book are included to generate further discussion and learning opportunities.
Joanne Baines, Head of Year 5 & 6 at Alawa Primary School: Darren (and his wife Dorothy) were engaging, interesting, energetic and enjoyable to listen to. They spoke to a group of 60 year 5/6 students for an hour. Students were engaged for the entire session, asked lots of questions, wanted to know more, asked for autographs and were keen to now buy Darren’s books. The session was delivered via (animated) stories, reading of books, watching film clips and even a soundscape.
Thanks, guys; it was thoroughly enjoyed by all!
INSPIRE
HIGH SCHOOL
One life - make it count.
Fire up and live a life of purpose in this one-hour keynote or one-day seminar.
Designed for high students. Years 10 - 12
This seminar inspires students to live exceptional lives. By exploring strategies of self-development and character growth, students are empowered to live with purpose and fulfilment.
Through understanding their value, students learn how to break free from limiting beliefs, pursue their goals, and make the most of their time and talents to live their best lives now and into the future.
YOUR BEST YEAR EVER - 2025
HIGH SCHOOL
This one-hour to half-day workshop propels students to experience their best year ever.
Designed for high school students. Years 8 -12
What does a best year ever look like at school, home and in the future? In this seminar, students will find the keys to experiencing their best year ever.
They will learn the tools of purpose-driven goal setting, time management, accelerated learning, and stress-management strategies and discover how to create a balanced lifestyle.
LESSONS FROM WRITING MY FIRST NOVEL & CHILDREN’S BOOK
PRIMARY AND HIGH SCHOOL
This one-hour presentation and workshop will inspire young writers to grow in their desire to write. It is designed for school students in Years 5-6 or 7-10. After years of hard work, Darren's dream has finally come true as he launched his first novel and children’s book in 2024. Throughout his journey of writing and producing his books, he has learned some essential lessons that can be helpful for any aspiring primary or high school writer.
The presentation will include short original video clips, book readings from his new books on Cyclone Tracy, a soundscape, tips for aspiring writers, and an opportunity for students to ask questions.
Along with each presentation, there will be a complimentary contribution to the school library of six Possum The Cyclone Cat books or 25.12.74 (depending on the year level and requirement).
Key topics included Darwin in 1974, cyclones, why writing is important, developing writing skills, and straightforward ideas to help students improve their writing skills.
The presentation will focus on the following elements of the Australian Curriculum:
English – Literature and Context & Responding to Literature.
THE CLASSROOM CALLED LIFE
HIGH SCHOOL
This one-hour will help students to learn more effectively and to make wise choices as they navigate the future.
Designed for high school students. Years 10 -12
How do we learn best from teachers, experiences, mistakes and other events in our lives? In this keynote, Darren delivers insights learned from twenty-five years in the classroom that will enable students to learn quickly, move forward and be successful at school.