Course Description: Exceptional Pre-College Creative Writing January Program for High Schoolers at University of Sydney Campus in Australia

Sydney Academic Insights – Creative Writing Programme ✍️📖

Location: University of Sydney, St Paul’s College

Ages: 13–18

This is the best January academic camp for teenagers, based at the University of Sydney campus. Our January winter–summer camp in Sydney is a unique opportunity to live and study at the highest-ranked university in Australia for graduate employability.

Our flagship Academic Insights Programme provides ambitious high school students from around the world with an unrivalled experience studying undergraduate-level subjects. In enrolling, you’ll benefit from expert teaching, admissions guidance, and essential skill development. Each subject follows a specifically designed syllabus that blends theoretical knowledge with practical application.

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Key Facts 📌

• Ages 13–18

• Flagship programme also taught in Oxford & Cambridge

• University of Sydney campus, St Paul’s College accommodation

• 13 nights residential stay

• 30 hours of tuition across 13 days

• Average class size: 8

• 1:1 tutorials with expert tutors

• Interactive workshops

• Social & cultural programme to explore Sydney

• Individual end-of-course feedback

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Sample Classes ✍️

The Blank Page

Learn practical strategies to overcome the challenge of beginning a new piece. Explore warm-up exercises, short assignments, and inspiration from other writers. Cover creative writing fundamentals such as show, don’t tell, avoiding cliché, and writing with authentic details.

The Flat Tyre Story

Experiment with one of the most famous creative writing exercises: using a single plot device to spark creativity. Develop stories under constraints and experience collaborative workshops to refine your writing.

First and Third

Discover how narrative point of view transforms a story. Compare first- and third-person perspectives by reworking plots, then dive into character development and complexity.

Dialogue

Explore how characters speak and sound authentic on the page. Learn conventions of dialogue from contemporary fiction, then practice through short exercises—including a reverse adaptation from film script to story.

Creating a Character

Examine techniques for building unforgettable characters that live beyond the page. Map relationships, create CVs, and identify sources of conflict to enrich your storytelling.

Character Development

Deepen your skills by writing characters in varied scenarios—letters, phone calls, police reports. Practice making characters emotionally layered and realistic, developing your own strengths as a writer.

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Example Tutor 🎓

George Manning

Lecturer in Medieval English at Pembroke College, Oxford. He also teaches at Worcester College and University College, Oxford. George holds a BA in English Literature (Durham University), an MSt in English (Oxford, Mansfield College), and a DPhil in English (Oxford, St Anne’s College).

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Academic Highlights 🌟

• Small class sizes: 7–12 students for an intimate learning environment.

• Rigorous academic sessions: Go beyond school curricula with advanced creative writing study.

• Personal research project: Develop an original piece of writing, guided by your tutor, to showcase to university admissions teams.

• 1:1 tutorials: Receive tailored feedback to refine your skills and explore new writing techniques.

• Certificate of Achievement: Recognising academic growth and commitment to advanced study.

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Living on Campus 🏛️

All participants live, study, dine, and relax within St Paul’s College, a residential community founded in 1846 at the University of Sydney. Accommodation includes comfortable single bedrooms, separate male/female housing, Wi-Fi throughout, and access to communal social spaces.

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Social, Cultural & Leisure 🌏🎭

• Sports, games, crafts, film nights, and debates.

• A Sydney Harbour cruise, Manly Beach sports tournament, and a murder mystery night at the college.

• Excursions to the Sydney Opera House, Australian Museum, and Royal Botanic Gardens.

• Elegant graduation ceremony and dinner, with speeches, awards, and a celebratory meal.

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Guest Speakers 🎤

• Suzanne Williams QPM – Former senior detective and international hostage negotiator.

• Jody Bragger – Ex-military officer, CEO of Midnight Runners, and founder of the Mogadishu Marathon.

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What’s Included ✅

• 30 hours of creative writing academic sessions

• 13 nights accommodation

• Breakfast & dinner in historic University of Sydney college halls

• 1 full-day Sydney excursion

• Fun cultural & social activities

• Personalised tutor feedback

• Certificate & graduation photos

• Alumni community with lifelong access to opportunities & resources

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Arrival Information ✈️

• Recommended arrival: 14:00–16:00 on the first day

• Location: Main Reception, St Paul’s College (staff available for registration & welcome)

• Airport Transfer (optional):

• Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)

• Shared, chaperoned service departing from Terminal 1

• Times: 11:00, 14:00, 17:00

• Cost: £75 per journey