Ten days of ideas, ambition and original work.
Explore ten days of leadership, persuasive speaking, original writing and university preparation. Each track combines practical workshops, collaborative exercises and time to develop and refine individual work. Editors and journalists from The Harvard Crimson support the learning through mentoring, feedback and perspectives on university life.
Your Sydney Academy base
The Princeton Review Sydney CBD Campus
Levels 5 and 6, 191 Clarence Street, Sydney
11–22 January 2027
Weekdays, 10:00 am–4:00 pm
Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea included.
Foundations · Years 7–9
Foundations · Years 7–9
Develop confident communication, original writing and thoughtful leadership through practical workshops, collaborative activities and constructive feedback.
Day 1 · 11 January 2027
Leadership, identity and ambition
Explore what leadership means, recognise different styles and set a personal direction through mentor storytelling and goal-setting.
10:00–10:50 am
Welcome, Icebreakers & Program Overview
11:00–11:50 am
What Makes a Leader?
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Harvard Crimson Mentor Storytelling I
2:00–2:50 pm
Leadership Styles Activity
3:00–3:50 pm
Goal-Setting Workshop: My Leadership Vision
Day 1 · 11 January 2027
Leadership, identity and ambition
Explore what leadership means, recognise different styles and set a personal direction through mentor storytelling and goal-setting.
10:00–10:50 am
Welcome, Icebreakers & Program Overview
11:00–11:50 am
What Makes a Leader?
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Harvard Crimson Mentor Storytelling I
2:00–2:50 pm
Leadership Styles Activity
3:00–3:50 pm
Goal-Setting Workshop: My Leadership Vision
Day 2 · 12 January 2027
Communication and persuasive speaking
Practise prepared speaking, exchange feedback and hear Harvard student perspectives on university life.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap & Warm-Up
11:00–11:50 am
Public Speaking Fundamentals
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Mentor Panel: University Life Q&A
2:00–2:50 pm
Practice Speeches
3:00–3:50 pm
Peer Feedback Circle
Day 2 · 12 January 2027
Communication and persuasive speaking
Practise prepared speaking, exchange feedback and hear Harvard student perspectives on university life.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap & Warm-Up
11:00–11:50 am
Public Speaking Fundamentals
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Mentor Panel: University Life Q&A
2:00–2:50 pm
Practice Speeches
3:00–3:50 pm
Peer Feedback Circle
Day 3 · 13 January 2027
University insights and student profiles
Understand university applications, explore extracurricular interests and discuss essays and experiences with mentors.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap & Warm-Up
11:00–11:50 am
College Admissions Overview
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Mentor Discussion: Applications & Essays
2:00–2:50 pm
Building Your Extracurricular Profile
3:00–3:50 pm
Open Q&A with Mentors
Day 3 · 13 January 2027
University insights and student profiles
Understand university applications, explore extracurricular interests and discuss essays and experiences with mentors.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap & Warm-Up
11:00–11:50 am
College Admissions Overview
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Mentor Discussion: Applications & Essays
2:00–2:50 pm
Building Your Extracurricular Profile
3:00–3:50 pm
Open Q&A with Mentors
Day 4 · 14 January 2027
Leadership in action
Practise collaboration, examine leadership cases and reflect on lessons from Harvard student mentors.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap & Warm-Up
11:00–11:50 am
Teamwork & Collaboration Activity
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Harvard Crimson Mentor Storytelling II
2:00–2:50 pm
Leadership Case Study Group Work
3:00–3:50 pm
Reflection Journaling
Day 4 · 14 January 2027
Leadership in action
Practise collaboration, examine leadership cases and reflect on lessons from Harvard student mentors.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap & Warm-Up
11:00–11:50 am
Teamwork & Collaboration Activity
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Harvard Crimson Mentor Storytelling II
2:00–2:50 pm
Leadership Case Study Group Work
3:00–3:50 pm
Reflection Journaling
Day 5 · 15 January 2027
Personal narrative and original voice
Develop a personal narrative from initial ideas through outlining, peer review and mentor feedback.
10:00–10:50 am
Introduction to Personal Narrative Writing
11:00–11:50 am
Personal Narrative Brainstorm & Outline
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Peer Review and Continued Worksession
2:00–2:50 pm
Mentor Review
3:00–3:50 pm
Final Sharing and Wrap-Up
Day 5 · 15 January 2027
Personal narrative and original voice
Develop a personal narrative from initial ideas through outlining, peer review and mentor feedback.
10:00–10:50 am
Introduction to Personal Narrative Writing
11:00–11:50 am
Personal Narrative Brainstorm & Outline
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Peer Review and Continued Worksession
2:00–2:50 pm
Mentor Review
3:00–3:50 pm
Final Sharing and Wrap-Up
Day 6 · 18 January 2027
Journalism, evidence and judgement
Distinguish news, opinion and features, apply journalism fundamentals and begin considering the essay competition prompt.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap Week 1 & Warm-Up
11:00–11:50 am
Journalism Fundamentals Workshop (Part 1)
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Journalism Fundamentals Workshop (Part 2): News vs. Opinion vs. Feature
2:00–2:50 pm
Interactive Fundamentals Activity
3:00–3:50 pm
Essay Competition: Prompt Reveal
Day 6 · 18 January 2027
Journalism, evidence and judgement
Distinguish news, opinion and features, apply journalism fundamentals and begin considering the essay competition prompt.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap Week 1 & Warm-Up
11:00–11:50 am
Journalism Fundamentals Workshop (Part 1)
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Journalism Fundamentals Workshop (Part 2): News vs. Opinion vs. Feature
2:00–2:50 pm
Interactive Fundamentals Activity
3:00–3:50 pm
Essay Competition: Prompt Reveal
Day 7 · 19 January 2027
Reporting, interviewing and analysis
Practise interviewing, analyse published stories and develop competition writing with a more informed approach.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap & Headline Activity
11:00–11:50 am
Interviewing Pro-Tips & Practice
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Interview Deep Dive
2:00–2:50 pm
Article & News Story Analysis
3:00–3:50 pm
Competition Drafting Time
Day 7 · 19 January 2027
Reporting, interviewing and analysis
Practise interviewing, analyse published stories and develop competition writing with a more informed approach.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap & Headline Activity
11:00–11:50 am
Interviewing Pro-Tips & Practice
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Interview Deep Dive
2:00–2:50 pm
Article & News Story Analysis
3:00–3:50 pm
Competition Drafting Time
Day 8 · 20 January 2027
Opinion and digital journalism
Develop an op-ed perspective, explore social media's role in journalism and revise work with mentor feedback.
10:00–10:50 am
Introduction to Opinion Writing: The Op-Ed
11:00–11:50 am
Opinion Writing Practice
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Social Media in Journalism
2:00–2:50 pm
Competition Writing & Editing Time
3:00–3:50 pm
Mentor Feedback
Day 8 · 20 January 2027
Opinion and digital journalism
Develop an op-ed perspective, explore social media's role in journalism and revise work with mentor feedback.
10:00–10:50 am
Introduction to Opinion Writing: The Op-Ed
11:00–11:50 am
Opinion Writing Practice
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Social Media in Journalism
2:00–2:50 pm
Competition Writing & Editing Time
3:00–3:50 pm
Mentor Feedback
Day 9 · 21 January 2027
Careers, independent writing and mentorship
Explore journalism careers, hear Harvard student experiences and develop independent writing with mentor support.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap & Warm-Up
11:00–11:50 am
Exploring Careers in Journalism
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Harvard Crimson Mentor Sharing + Q&A
2:00–2:50 pm
Independent Choice Writing
3:00–3:50 pm
Worksession with Mentorship
Day 9 · 21 January 2027
Careers, independent writing and mentorship
Explore journalism careers, hear Harvard student experiences and develop independent writing with mentor support.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap & Warm-Up
11:00–11:50 am
Exploring Careers in Journalism
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Harvard Crimson Mentor Sharing + Q&A
2:00–2:50 pm
Independent Choice Writing
3:00–3:50 pm
Worksession with Mentorship
Day 10 · 22 January 2027
Revision, reflection and Showcase preparation
Revise and submit competition work, share writing, meet mentors and prepare to bring the Festival experience to the Showcase.
10:00–10:50 am
Writing Revising Advice
11:00–11:50 am
Final Worksession and Competition Turn-in
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Pair Sharing
2:00–2:50 pm
Mentor Meetings
3:00–3:50 pm
Wrap-Up & Showcase Preparation
Day 10 · 22 January 2027
Revision, reflection and Showcase preparation
Revise and submit competition work, share writing, meet mentors and prepare to bring the Festival experience to the Showcase.
10:00–10:50 am
Writing Revising Advice
11:00–11:50 am
Final Worksession and Competition Turn-in
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Pair Sharing
2:00–2:50 pm
Mentor Meetings
3:00–3:50 pm
Wrap-Up & Showcase Preparation
Advanced · Years 10–12
Advanced · Years 10–12
Refine persuasive arguments, editorial judgement and purposeful university ambitions through debate, case studies, writing workshops and individual feedback.
Day 1 · 11 January 2027
Leadership, identity and ambition
Analyse real-world leadership, debate different styles and translate a personal vision into structured goals.
10:00–10:50 am
Welcome, Icebreakers & Program Overview
11:00–11:50 am
What Makes a Leader? Real-World Case Studies
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Harvard Crimson Mentor Storytelling I
2:00–2:50 pm
Leadership Styles Debate
3:00–3:50 pm
Personal Vision & SMART Goals Workshop
Day 1 · 11 January 2027
Leadership, identity and ambition
Analyse real-world leadership, debate different styles and translate a personal vision into structured goals.
10:00–10:50 am
Welcome, Icebreakers & Program Overview
11:00–11:50 am
What Makes a Leader? Real-World Case Studies
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Harvard Crimson Mentor Storytelling I
2:00–2:50 pm
Leadership Styles Debate
3:00–3:50 pm
Personal Vision & SMART Goals Workshop
Day 2 · 12 January 2027
Communication and persuasive speaking
Refine persuasive rhetoric and impromptu speaking, using peer feedback to strengthen delivery and argument.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap & Warm-Up
11:00–11:50 am
Advanced Public Speaking & Persuasive Rhetoric
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Mentor Panel: University Life Q&A
2:00–2:50 pm
Impromptu Speech Challenge
3:00–3:50 pm
Peer Feedback Circle & Speech Refinement
Day 2 · 12 January 2027
Communication and persuasive speaking
Refine persuasive rhetoric and impromptu speaking, using peer feedback to strengthen delivery and argument.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap & Warm-Up
11:00–11:50 am
Advanced Public Speaking & Persuasive Rhetoric
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Mentor Panel: University Life Q&A
2:00–2:50 pm
Impromptu Speech Challenge
3:00–3:50 pm
Peer Feedback Circle & Speech Refinement
Day 3 · 13 January 2027
University insights and student profiles
Examine admissions strategy, develop a résumé and activities list, and explore application essays through mentor discussion.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap & Warm-Up
11:00–11:50 am
College Admissions Overview & Strategy
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Mentor Discussion: Applications & Essays
2:00–2:50 pm
Resume & Activities List Workshop
3:00–3:50 pm
Open Q&A with Mentors & Resume Work Session
Day 3 · 13 January 2027
University insights and student profiles
Examine admissions strategy, develop a résumé and activities list, and explore application essays through mentor discussion.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap & Warm-Up
11:00–11:50 am
College Admissions Overview & Strategy
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Mentor Discussion: Applications & Essays
2:00–2:50 pm
Resume & Activities List Workshop
3:00–3:50 pm
Open Q&A with Mentors & Resume Work Session
Day 4 · 14 January 2027
Leadership in action
Work through conflict resolution and leadership cases, strengthening analysis, presentation preparation and reflection.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap & Warm-Up
11:00–11:50 am
Conflict Resolution Simulation
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Harvard Crimson Mentor Storytelling II
2:00–2:50 pm
Leadership Case Study Analysis & Presentation Prep
3:00–3:50 pm
Reflection Journaling
Day 4 · 14 January 2027
Leadership in action
Work through conflict resolution and leadership cases, strengthening analysis, presentation preparation and reflection.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap & Warm-Up
11:00–11:50 am
Conflict Resolution Simulation
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Harvard Crimson Mentor Storytelling II
2:00–2:50 pm
Leadership Case Study Analysis & Presentation Prep
3:00–3:50 pm
Reflection Journaling
Day 5 · 15 January 2027
Personal narrative and original voice
Apply personal narrative and college essay techniques to drafting, then refine work through peer and mentor review.
10:00–10:50 am
Advanced Personal Narrative & College Essay Techniques
11:00–11:50 am
Personal Narrative Brainstorm and Drafting Workshop
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Peer Review and Continued Worksession
2:00–2:50 pm
Mentor Review
3:00–3:50 pm
Final Sharing and Wrap-Up
Day 5 · 15 January 2027
Personal narrative and original voice
Apply personal narrative and college essay techniques to drafting, then refine work through peer and mentor review.
10:00–10:50 am
Advanced Personal Narrative & College Essay Techniques
11:00–11:50 am
Personal Narrative Brainstorm and Drafting Workshop
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Peer Review and Continued Worksession
2:00–2:50 pm
Mentor Review
3:00–3:50 pm
Final Sharing and Wrap-Up
Day 6 · 18 January 2027
Journalism, evidence and judgement
Examine ethics, objectivity and sourcing, practise news structure and headline writing, and consider the competition prompt.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap Week 1 & Warm-Up
11:00–11:50 am
Advanced Journalism Fundamentals: Ethics, Objectivity & Sourcing
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
News Writing Structure & Headline Writing
2:00–2:50 pm
Interactive News Structure Activity
3:00–3:50 pm
Essay Competition: Prompt Reveal
Day 6 · 18 January 2027
Journalism, evidence and judgement
Examine ethics, objectivity and sourcing, practise news structure and headline writing, and consider the competition prompt.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap Week 1 & Warm-Up
11:00–11:50 am
Advanced Journalism Fundamentals: Ethics, Objectivity & Sourcing
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
News Writing Structure & Headline Writing
2:00–2:50 pm
Interactive News Structure Activity
3:00–3:50 pm
Essay Competition: Prompt Reveal
Day 7 · 19 January 2027
Reporting, interviewing and analysis
Explore investigative interviewing and ethics in practice, analyse reporting and progress competition drafts.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap & Headline Activity
11:00–11:50 am
Interviewing Techniques & Investigative Basics
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Interview Deep Dive: Ethics in Practice
2:00–2:50 pm
Article & News Story Analysis
3:00–3:50 pm
Competition Drafting Time
Day 7 · 19 January 2027
Reporting, interviewing and analysis
Explore investigative interviewing and ethics in practice, analyse reporting and progress competition drafts.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap & Headline Activity
11:00–11:50 am
Interviewing Techniques & Investigative Basics
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Interview Deep Dive: Ethics in Practice
2:00–2:50 pm
Article & News Story Analysis
3:00–3:50 pm
Competition Drafting Time
Day 8 · 20 January 2027
Opinion and digital journalism
Deepen opinion writing and digital journalism strategy, then refine competition work through editing and mentor feedback.
10:00–10:50 am
Deep Dive into Opinion Writing
11:00–11:50 am
Opinion Writing Practice
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Social Media & Digital Journalism Strategy
2:00–2:50 pm
Competition Writing & Editing Time
3:00–3:50 pm
Mentor Feedback
Day 8 · 20 January 2027
Opinion and digital journalism
Deepen opinion writing and digital journalism strategy, then refine competition work through editing and mentor feedback.
10:00–10:50 am
Deep Dive into Opinion Writing
11:00–11:50 am
Opinion Writing Practice
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Social Media & Digital Journalism Strategy
2:00–2:50 pm
Competition Writing & Editing Time
3:00–3:50 pm
Mentor Feedback
Day 9 · 21 January 2027
Careers, independent writing and mentorship
Explore journalism careers, hear Harvard student experiences and develop independent writing with mentor support.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap & Warm-Up
11:00–11:50 am
Exploring Careers in Journalism
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Harvard Crimson Mentor Sharing + Q&A
2:00–2:50 pm
Independent Choice Writing
3:00–3:50 pm
Worksession with Mentorship
Day 9 · 21 January 2027
Careers, independent writing and mentorship
Explore journalism careers, hear Harvard student experiences and develop independent writing with mentor support.
10:00–10:50 am
Recap & Warm-Up
11:00–11:50 am
Exploring Careers in Journalism
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Harvard Crimson Mentor Sharing + Q&A
2:00–2:50 pm
Independent Choice Writing
3:00–3:50 pm
Worksession with Mentorship
Day 10 · 22 January 2027
Revision, reflection and Showcase preparation
Revise and submit competition work, share writing, meet mentors and prepare to bring the Festival experience to the Showcase.
10:00–10:50 am
Writing Revising Advice
11:00–11:50 am
Final Worksession and Competition Turn-in
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Pair Sharing
2:00–2:50 pm
Mentor Meetings
3:00–3:50 pm
Wrap-Up & Showcase Preparation
Day 10 · 22 January 2027
Revision, reflection and Showcase preparation
Revise and submit competition work, share writing, meet mentors and prepare to bring the Festival experience to the Showcase.
10:00–10:50 am
Writing Revising Advice
11:00–11:50 am
Final Worksession and Competition Turn-in
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00–1:50 pm
Pair Sharing
2:00–2:50 pm
Mentor Meetings
3:00–3:50 pm
Wrap-Up & Showcase Preparation