Talented students from across Botany Bay were given a royal treat when Her Majesty Queen Camilla dropped into a writing workshop at Green Square Library last week.

The writing workshop, which brought together aspiring young writers in years 5 to 8 from across the Botany Bay Principals Network, featured a diverse line-up of renowned authors who served as facilitators and mentors for the participating students.

Her Majesty the Queen dropped into the workshop as part of the Royal visit – the first since King Charles was crowned - and chatted with students, teachers and the authors about the craft of writing.

The visit provided a rare opportunity for students to engage with the monarch as she observed the innovative approaches being taken in NSW public schools in high potential and gifted education.

The Green Square Library writing workshop highlights the work NSW public schools are doing to nurture talented young learners across the four areas of potential: intellectual, creative, social-emotional and physical.

Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said it was part of a broader commitment by the NSW Government to increase educational opportunities for high potential and gifted students (HPGE) and have HPGE offerings for students in all schools by 2026.

“This workshop was a wonderful demonstration of the steps our schools are taking to ensure gifted and talented students have the resources, teacher expertise and support they need to thrive,” he said.

Students from primary and high schools worked with four published authors throughout the day: Will Kostakis, Kylie Captain, Sue Murray and Yvette Poshoglian.

The authors helped students to explore the concept of ‘community’ through writing.

The four authors were then joined by other published authors, including Matt Cosgrove, Roslyn McFarland, Apsara Baldovino and the Australian Children’s Laureate Sally Rippin, for a question and answer panel.

Her Majesty also presented certificates to students who participated in The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition.

Flash mob performance for King and Queen

The King and Queen were greeted by a surprise performance by students on the steps of the Sydney Opera House during their visit.

A flash mob made up of NSW public school students and teachers involved in the 2024 Schools Spectacular, danced for the royal couple to the original song ‘Follow Your Dreams’ by 2023 and 2024 featured artist Ocean Lim from Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School.

Schools Spectacular Creative Director, Sonja Sjolander, said it was an incredible experience.

“We were so honoured to perform for their majesties,” she said.

“It was such an auspicious occasion and a once in a lifetime opportunity for the students, who all represented NSW public schools and the Schools Spectacular brilliantly.”