As Social Sciences Week continues to gain momentum across Australia, innovative new approaches are emerging to celebrate and showcase the importance of this dynamic and highly relevant discipline. One exciting example is Western Sydney University’s inaugural Social Sciences Amazing Race, an immersive campus adventure designed to inspire the next generation of social scientists.
Hosted by the School of Social Sciences in partnership with the Office of Future Students, the event will welcome up to 100 Year 10 to 12 students from high schools across the region. Combining the excitement of a race with real-world problem solving, students will work in teams to “save” the fictional city of Westville.
The challenge begins with Westville facing a series of important decisions that will shape its future. Just as the mayor was about to reveal a new city plan, they mysteriously disappear, leaving the plan locked inside a secure vault. To unlock the vault and access to plan, teams must navigate a series of interactive missions across the university campus as social science investigators, exploring several social forces shaping contemporary communities including immigration, housing, crime prevention, and emerging technologies.
Inspired by the television series ‘The Amazing Race’, the event transforms social sciences learning into a practical, engaging, and hands-on adventure. At each mission station, academics will guide students through applied learning activities and case studies that encourage critical thinking, collaboration, decision-making, and problem solving. Through a range of interactive tasks, students will experience how social sciences knowledge is used to investigate real-world issues and contribute to stronger and more inclusive communities.
Beyond the race itself, participants will enjoy a campus welcome, lunch and informal networking with social sciences academics, providing valuable insights into university life, future study options, and career pathways.
The Social Sciences Amazing Race demonstrates how innovative educational experiences can bring the discipline to life, showing students that social sciences are not only relevant to understanding society, but are also central to shaping a better future for communities everywhere.
If you would like to learn more about this Amazing Race, please contact Julia Kantek at j.kantek@westernsydney.edu.au
Find other Social Sciences Week events hosted by Western Sydney University here.
Western Sydney University is a Bronze Sponsor of 2026 Social Sciences Week.