Philosophy in Practice: Notre Dame Engages WA High Schools through Music and Meaning

The event, titled The Objectivity of Beauty, brought together philosophical reflection and live violin performances by Alexandra and Steven Daly to explore how objective structures in music can give rise to aesthetic experience. It formed the capstone of an extended engagement campaign aimed at strengthening the presence of philosophy in secondary education and promoting critical thinking and interest in tertiary philosophy studies.

Throughout 2025, academics from the School of Philosophy & Theology conducted site visits to high schools across Western Australia to deliver interactive lectures and spark student interest in critical thinking and the liberal arts.

Students from schools including Methodist Ladies’ College, Mercedes College, Albany Senior High School, Geraldton Grammar School, Perth Modern School, Willetton Senior High School, John Curtin College of the Arts, Wesley College and Aquinas College were then invited to participate in half-day workshops on campus, held on 19 and 27 September. The workshops included two philosophy seminars, a campus tour, and a presentation from the Prospective Students Office on university pathways.

The final evening event was developed in response to interest from regional schools such as Geraldton Grammar, whose students welcomed the opportunity to deepen their experience with a cultural offering after their workshop.

“Notre Dame is proud to host this immersive experience for high school students interested in philosophy,” lecturer and undergraduate philosophy program coordinator Dr Heath Williams said.

“Through discussion, music and reflection, we hope to show that philosophy is not just an abstract discipline but an experience that can change how we see the world.”

Student Recruitment Officer Caroline The from Notre Dame’s Prospective Students Office said “This program allows students to experience the intellectual and community culture of Notre Dame first-hand, while also learning about the diverse pathways available to them after high school.”

The outreach initiative reflects Notre Dame’s commitment to forming critical thinkers and engaged citizens, offering school-aged learners a window into the depth and relevance of a Catholic liberal arts education.