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Year 5 at Elsternwick Campus

Places available in 2025 and 2026 to commence in Year 5 at our Elsternwick Campus.

Wesley's Middle School starts in Year 5, the ideal point for students to build a strong academic foundation, take advantage of our integrated, sequential approach to learning and wellbeing and to forge lifelong friendships ahead of the transition to Year 7.

Throughout your child's time in the Middle School (Years 5 to 9), they will experience four outdoor education camps, an 8-week Year 9 residential program at Clunes, leadership programs, community service initiatives and cocurricular opportunities in music, theatre and sport. These unparalleled opportunities are complemented by the small school feel at Wesley's Elsternwick Campus where every student feels known, and all the benefits of the world-class resources and facilities of the whole College.

We encourage you to visit our campus on a school tour, ask questions and, when you're ready to apply, secure your place in Year 5 as soon as possible. Invest in a quality holistic education and your child's future by securing a place in Year 5 at Wesley’s Elsternwick Campus now.

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Teaching excellence

Our highly qualified teachers are not just subject experts. They are also experienced in connecting, engaging with and motivating young adolescent learners to reach their personal best. From Year 5, teachers encourage students to expand their outlooks through exposure to new experiences that encourage reflection, critical thinking and independence. Our evidence-based approach to teaching and learning establishes a solid academic foundation for your child ahead of their transition into Senior School.

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Learning and wellbeing

The middle years curriculum provides opportunities for adolescents to learn and grow in ways that acknowledge and respect that this is a special phase in their development. In addition to fostering conventional disciplinary knowledge and intellectual growth, the curriculum places great emphasis on students’ engagement, and their spiritual, emotional and social growth. The curriculum includes academic and pastoral programs, Wesley at Clunes, Outdoor Education, a community service 'Service As Action' component and extensive cocurricular opportunities, including music, theatre and sport.

A college-wide approach to wellbeing permeates everything we do. Our Learning and Wellbeing program, captured by the acronym ROAR (Respect, Opportunity, Achievement and Resilience) is designed to foster connections and build relationships that support new students and parents, creating a strong sense of belonging amongst students, staff and families both within and beyond our College. In the middle years, the evidence-based, sequential program focuses on areas such as self-regulation, body image and healthy habits, communication and conflict resolution, staying safe online and celebrating diversity.

Students at Elsternwick are supported by a cohesive learning environment that encourages deep connection between peers and our dedicated educators. With smaller class sizes, students receive tailored instruction, allowing for individualised learning experiences that cater to their unique 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.

The IB advantage

Wesley College is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School and learning in the middle years is delivered through the IB framework. Students choose between the IB or VCE as they progress into the Senior School depending on their interests, strengths and aspirations.

We approach learning through student-centred inquiry, inspiring curiosity as students explore ideas, questions and concepts that span multiple disciplines including:

the arts
languages (French or Chinese)
mathematics
physical and health education
science
social studies
technology.

Extension programs are also available to ensure gifted students continue to be challenged in Maths, English and the Sciences.

Our campus community

Our tight-knit community is home to more than 400 students from ECLC to Year 9.

Year 9 is an exciting time for Elsternwick students. Campus leadership positions are available to students in Year 9, and students spend part of one term (8 weeks) living, learning and getting to know their peers from the St Kilda Road and Glen Waverley Campuses at our renowned Clunes residential program.

After Year 9, Elsternwick students continue to Year 10 at their choice of Wesley’s St Kilda Road or Glen Waverley campuses, where they are guaranteed a place. A comprehensive transition program supports Year 9 students in a confident start to Senior School.

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. The skills learned in these high quality productions allow students to explore career opportunities in the performing arts.

Music

In Year 5, students embark on a new journey of musical discovery: learning an instrument. The Instrumental Music Program enables students to explore a range of instruments before choosing to specialise in one for the year. The Music curriculum complements this instrumental exploration with the study of a broad range of musical genres, engaging students in a wide tapestry of musical styles.

Our extensive range of cocurricular opportunities such as choirs, bands and music ensembles provides every student with unparalleled opportunities to hone their skills, refine their techniques, and showcase their musical prowess through performances. Music camps at Rutherford Park, and participation in community events, competitions and public showcases enrich students' musical experiences and a sense of determination, routine and an understanding of musical excellence.

Sport

Sport at Wesley is fun, challenging and spirited. Our students have an incredible range of sports to choose from and we cater for all levels of skill and ability.

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: