Academic success

The breadth of the IB Diploma simulated real-world challenges which required critical thinking and teamwork, fostering lifelong personal and collaborative skills. My teachers were enthusiastic to support me at all stages and the ongoing support of the Wesley community helped me to develop the resilience necessary to improve in all aspects of my academic studies. In future, I hope to study medicine or engineering.

I chose the IB DP for its holistic approach, learning a wide variety of subjects, in-depth. I knew it would be a challenge, but that it would help me progress in my learning, self-management and resilience. Learning at Wesley with a diverse range of people mirrored the real world. It showed me that there are differing views and taught me the invaluable skill of understanding other people’s perspectives. Next year, I hope to study History at a university in the UK.

Boarding is a special experience regardless of who, where or when you do it; Learning in Residence at Wesley truly gave me the opportunity to grow in all aspects, not only academically but also on the sporting field and in day to day life. While Wesley itself has left a profound mark on my life, it is the people I have met that make Wesley what it is and that have undoubtedly contributed to who I am today. Thank you to all those people.

Year 12 was a rollercoaster but my friends, teachers and my Head of House were always there for me. Knowing there were people willing to help made the challenges of Year 12 feel more manageable. I loved being involved in music at Wesley, making friends from different year levels, and doing something I love. Performing a piano concerto at the Winter Concert this year was a dream come true. I hope to study Medicine at Monash University, turning my research interests into a career where I can make real, human impact.

Being able to consult with teachers and reflect on feedback was vital to trying to improve my performance. I made a habit of meeting with my teachers before or after difficult assessments and their feedback was invaluable. I really appreciated the amazing opportunities and the community that student theatre at Wesley provided. To future Year 12 students, I would say keep doing what you love even if it adds to your workload as it will improve your wellbeing and time management. I want to study Arts at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Philosophy.

The IB Diploma Program aligned with my values and the broad nature of my academic and extracurricular interests. The multidisciplinary approach of the IB encouraged me to pursue breadth, as well as depth, of excellence. I feel better prepared to face the world, particularly the workforce, as a result. My teachers were incredible pillars of support, and I am extremely grateful for their work. They offered so much of their time and facilitated revision groups that enabled me to consolidate my knowledge. Looking back, my trip to Yiramalay in Year 10 shaped me into the person I am today. I learnt many lessons about humility and the importance of open mindedness, and I now have a greater understanding of my place in the world.

The balanced nature of the IB DP appealed greatly to me, and I’ve developed critical thinking skills and habits that will last a lifetime. I am interested in taking an interdisciplinary approach to future study, through a double degree in Biomedicine and Law. My time at Wesley was very special and the Year 9 residential program at Clunes was a highlight. It taught me not only independence, but also the value of supporting others in different environments. Swimming was one of my most rewarding cocurricular activities. I loved watching both the boys' and girls' teams come together for the first joint APS Finals competition, contesting strongly against the other schools.

I know that I work well when I have a busy schedule and an established routine. This year, I was the Senior House Prefect and continued to remain involved in netball and musicals. The cocurricular programs have given me so many opportunities to connect with amazing people and taught me how to manage my time well. I loved attending a coeducational school, as it gave me the opportunity to get to know and work with a variety of students. I am well equipped for life beyond school! I am still deciding what I want to do next year but am considering a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Business (Sports Management).

The careers program at Wesley was the most useful course for me; I felt very supported knowing that my Careers Counsellor was there to help with my applications and aspirations. I’m interested in the sciences and am planning to apply to study Medicine. Debating and badminton provided a refreshing break from academic pressure. I earned a place in the Girls’ First Badminton team in Year 8 and played right through to Year 12. I loved the hardworking, friendly atmosphere and it will remain one of my fondest memories of my time at Wesley.

I made the most of my time in Year 12 by maximising the study periods during the school day to complete my homework and assignments. That allowed me to focus on other areas of learning that needed my attention when I got home. I also found the after-school study sessions at Wesley helpful as the teachers check in with every student and are available to answer your questions. I plan to study Medicine or Forensic Science in the future.

The coeducational environment at Wesley closely reflects the wider world and my future workplaces. My interest in STEM subjects has made me comfortable and confident in environments traditionally dominated by men, and Wesley has taught me to collaborate productively with others. I hope by continuing to study maths and the sciences I can help to solve real-world problems. I really appreciated my teachers always being available. They helped me understand every subject I undertook and feel confident in each of them. To the Class of 2026, I would say find a way to work hard, sustainably. Find a way to study that keeps you happy, healthy and willing to do more.

Boarding has given me lifelong friendships and a strong support network. Living with people from diverse backgrounds has broadened my world view and strengthened my emotional intelligence. Sport was a vital part of my Wesley experience. Swimming and playing netball took my mind off the stress of assessments and the welcoming culture made it even more enjoyable. I also had the opportunity to try water polo which challenged me and pushed me out of my comfort zone. I hope to study Law at the University of Melbourne next year, though I’m keeping an open mind about the future!

My advice for the Class of 2026 is to pace yourself – establish a consistent routine early on and put in steady effort throughout the year. I also encourage you not to give up on social or extracurricular activities as they make Year 12 more enjoyable and balanced. Participating in the school musicals was one of the highlights of my time at Wesley. It helped my wellbeing and motivated me to use my study hours more efficiently. I hope to do a double degree at Monash University in Law and Psychology next year.

My advice for managing the challenges of Year 12 is to build close relationships with your teachers and peers. You will need help during your final year and being comfortable asking for guidance and confiding in my teachers helped me through the year. Sport was a wonderful escape and provided an opportunity to meet like-minded, passionate people who pushed each other to do our best. High school is a crucial time for developing social skills and learning in a coeducational environment was beneficial for me. In both sport and in the classroom, it provided me with healthy competition, motivation, and a supportive environment. I intend to study Biomedicine and pursue science. Ultimately, I want a future dedicated towards helping others and leaving places better than I found them.