Limited places for Years 5 & 7 in 2027
Wesley College Elsternwick Campus is a close-knit community, home to more than 400 students from ECLC to Year 9.
Middle School begins in Year 5, where students build strong academic foundations and develop leadership, critical thinking, and independence. Through our sequential approach to learning and wellbeing, students grow in confidence and resilience, form lasting friendships, and prepare for a successful transition to Year 7.
After Year 9, students transition to Senior School at their choice of Wesley's St Kilda Road or Glen Waverley campuses.
Years 5 and 7 are key entry points at Wesley, with more than 250 new students joining these year levels across the College each year. We encourage families to apply early to secure a place on the waitlist.
Our student-centred learning framework
Wesley College is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, with the Middle Years curriculum delivered through the IB framework. The IB approach is centred on student inquiry. It fosters both personal growth and academic achievement by encouraging exploration across a range of disciplines, helping our young learners make meaningful connections between subject areas and the world around them. Inspiring curiosity through inquiry means our student learning is relevant, challenging, engaging and significant.
The Australian Curriculum content is taught through the IB framework, so while the approach may be different from non-IB schools, the learning outcomes across the subject areas are consistent.
A rich and engaging Middle Years experience
The diverse academic learning experiences of the Middle Years are delivered by highly qualified teachers who are not only subject experts, but also skilled at inspiring and supporting young people to achieve their personal best. With smaller class sizes, students receive tailored instruction, allowing for a more personalised approach that responds to individual strengths and interests. Through collaborative projects, extracurricular activities and shared experiences, our students develop invaluable interpersonal skills, confidence and a strong sense of community spirit. Extension programs are also available to ensure gifted students continue to be challenged in Maths, English and the Sciences.
The best way to experience Wesley's Middle Years program is to visit us in person. Book a school tour to see our vibrant learning environment, meet our teachers and discover the breadth of opportunities available to your child.
Cocurricular opportunities
Whether on stage or the sports field, there are many opportunities for students to discover their passions and grow in confidence and independence.
Performing Arts
Through drama classes and performing arts opportunities, Wesley students develop their confidence and presentation skills and gain a deeper understanding of character development and theatre as literary art. Under the guidance of our specialist teaching staff – directors, choreographers and musicians – students present a whole-campus production each year at the National Theatre in St Kilda. Everyone can be involved, whether on-stage, backstage or performing beside professional musicians in the band. These high-quality productions enable students to explore future pathways in the performing arts.
Music
In Year 5, students embark on a new journey of musical discovery through learning an instrument. The Instrumental Music Program enables them to explore a range of instruments before selecting one to study in greater depth. Classroom music complements this exploration through exposure to diverse genres and styles.
Our extensive cocurricular offerings, including choirs, bands and ensembles, provide opportunities to refine technique and perform before an audience. Music camps at Rutherford Park, along with participation in community events, competitions and public showcases, enrich these experiences while fostering determination, discipline and an appreciation of excellence.
Sport
Sport at Wesley is fun, challenging and spirited. Our students can choose from an extensive range of sports, with programs catering for all levels of skill and experience.
Wesley College is a member of the Associated Public Schools (APS) sports competition. Sport is compulsory for all Year 5 students and includes a weekly structured training session with a team coach and competition each Wednesday afternoon during the school day, against other independent schools.
APS Primary Sport is conducted over four terms. We encourage students to try a new sport and Year 5 sport selections do not impact upon Year 6 sport selections. There are 17 Sports played throughout the sporting year including:
- Term 1 – Cricket, Table Tennis, Tennis, Softball and Swimming
- Term 2 – AFL Football, AFLW Football, Cross Country, Netball and Volleyball
- Term 3 – Basketball, European Handball, Hockey and Soccer
- Term 4 – Athletics, Badminton, Touch Football and Water Polo
From Year 7, Sport expands to 22 options across three seasons, with competition sport taking place on Saturday mornings.
Student Wellbeing
Student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at Wesley. We encourage behaviours that positively influence the learning and wellbeing of self and others to promote a safe, inclusive, supportive and cohesive learning community. Wesley’s approach to learning and wellbeing is captured in the acronym ROAR (Respect, Opportunity, Achievement and Resilience). The ROAR approach complements the IB philosophy, recognising that learning and wellbeing work together to nurture confident, capable young people.
Throughout their time at Wesley, students are supported by a wide network of staff, including individual needs teachers, school psychologists, a Chaplain, year level coordinators, homeroom teachers and coaches who together ensure students remain connected and support their wellbeing in all areas - academic, social, emotional, physical and spiritual.
