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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 3-day academic retreat for high school students going into Years 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 inaugural Summer School will be held from Wednesday, 18 – Friday, 20 January 2023. The program is fully funded and open to students in Years 11 and 12 from across Australia. Places are limited with registration closing on Thursday, 1 December 2022.
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: Wednesday, 18 – Friday, 20 January 2023
Who: High school students in Years 11 and 12
Where: ACU North Sydney Campus and Benedict XVI Retreat Centre (Grose Vale, NSW, 2753)
Cost: Fully funded by ACU. There is no cost to attend. All costs, including meals and accommodation, are covered.
What’s included? Workshops, sessions, meals, accommodation and more. View our draft program below.
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Day 1: Wednesday, 18 January 2023 |
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12:30pm |
Arrival and welcome at ACU North Sydney Introductory lecture |
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Afternoon |
Games and afternoon tea including a tour of ACU Western Civilisation Program facilities Travel via coach to the Benedict XVI Retreat Centre |
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Evening |
Dinner and free time Evening discussion of texts |
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Day 2: Thursday, 19 January 2023 |
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Morning |
Breakfast Talk and discussion session Morning tea Interactive activity |
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Afternoon |
Lunch Talk and discussion session Afternoon tea Activities and free time |
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Evening |
Dinner and film night |
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Day 3: Thursday, 20 January 2023 |
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Morning |
Breakfast Talk and discussion session Morning tea Year 12 study skills workshop |
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Afternoon |
Lunch Text discussion activity Travel by coach to ACU North Sydney Conclusion of Summer School |
Parents and guardians are welcome to attend the opening session on Wednesday, 18 January, from 12:30pm to 2:45pm, at ACU North Sydney.
If you would like to attend the Summer School, please complete the Register your Interest 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.
The Summer School will commence on Wednesday, 18 January 2023 at 12:30pm at ACU’s North Sydney campus. After the first session on campus, leaders and participants will travel by coach to the Benedict XVI Retreat Centre (Grose Vale, NSW) for the remainder of the event, before returning by coach to ACU North Sydney for pick up on Friday, 20 January at approximately 4.30pm.
You will stay at the Benedict XVI Retreat Centre (Grose Vale, NSW). Each student will be allocated a shared room with 2 – 3 other participants (separate male and female) with attached bathroom. Private rooms are available in special circumstances. (Contact program coordinator for further information).
We're available 9am–5pm AEDT,
Monday to Friday
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