Highly motivated students going into Years 10, 11 and 12 in 2026 from across Australia are encouraged to apply.
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Study key texts from the Western tradition while making lifelong friends who share your passion for reading and the humanities.
The Western Civilisation Program Summer School is a free two-day academic event for high school students going into Years 10, 11 and 12 who have an interest in the liberal arts and humanities.
Led by ACU's Western civilisation program academics, students will engage in critical discussions about great books of the Western tradition, gaining invaluable critical thinking, communication and reading skills - all while having fun and meeting like-minded students.
The summer school will include:
This program is excellent preparation for your Year 12 exams and university study.
Come along and get an insight into what it's like to study ACU's Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation) and hear from current students about their experience of the program.
Our summer school will be held Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 January 2027. The program is fully funded and open to students in Years 10, 11 and 12 from across Australia. Places are limited with registration closing on Sunday, 1 November 2026.
The summer school is run by ACU's Western civilisation program academics. Staff will be present during the entire program of events and will be stationed at the accommodation to provide supervision and support to students.
When: Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 January 2027
Who: High school students in Years 10, 11 and 12
Where: ACU North Sydney Campus plus dinner locations.
Cost: There is no cost to attend. Travel and accommodation bursaries are available for students who live outside Sydney.
What's included? Workshops, sessions, meals and more. View our draft program below.
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Day 1: Monday 18 January 2027 |
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9.30am |
Arrival and welcome at ACU North Sydney Introductory lecture |
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Afternoon |
Seminars and afternoon tea including a tour of ACU Western civilisation program facilities |
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Evening |
Dinner and free time |
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Day 2: Tuesday 19 January 2027 |
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Morning |
Talk and lecture Morning tea Interactive session and seminars |
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Afternoon |
Lunch Talk and discussion session Afternoon tea End of event |
Parents and guardians are welcome to attend the morning session on Monday 18th January from 10 to 12pm at ACU North Sydney.
Highly motivated students going into Years 10, 11 and 12 in 2026 from across Australia are encouraged to apply.
Registration closes on 1 November 2026. ACU will contact applicants by end of November to advise the outcome of their application.
If you would like to attend the summer school, please complete the registration form. We will review your application and contact you to let you know if you are successful or not. All successful applicants will receive further information. As part of the application process, we will also contact a referee or teacher who can confirm your school participation and interest in reading and humanities.
Summer school will commence on Monday 18 January 2027, at 9.30am at ACU's North Sydney Campus. At the conclusion of the first day, students will have dinner at a local venue. On Day 2, Tuesday 19 January, all activities will take place on the North Sydney Campus, concluding at approximately 4pm.
Students are required to arrange their own transportation to and from the ACU North Sydney Campus at their own expense. Travel and accommodation bursaries are available for students who live outside of Sydney.
We will be in touch with all successful applicants prior to the event to arrange any dietary, medical or other requirements.
We're available 9am–5pm AEST,
Monday to Friday
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