1. Core Philosophy and Educational Features of Wesley College

School Motto: Audendo Atque Agendo – “By Daring and By Doing”
Founded in 1923, Wesley College’s motto, Audendo Atque Agendo (Latin for “By daring and by doing”), encapsulates the school’s guiding philosophy. It encourages students to turn knowledge into action and courage into innovation. This principle is not merely a slogan but is embedded across the school’s practices — from innovative curriculum design to signature programs such as Katitjin — consistently emphasizing exploration, initiative, and hands-on learning.

Educational Philosophy: Striving for “Personal Best,” Not “One Size Fits All”
Wesley College is committed to helping every student achieve their “personal best,” which varies according to individual goals and potential. The school maintains a non-selective, egalitarian admissions policy, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and with different abilities. Entry is not determined solely by academic scores, yet Wesley consistently ranks among the top-performing schools in Western Australia.

This is the essence of Wesley’s value-added education model: the school raises the overall academic level of a broad student population through high-quality teaching, extensive resources, and personalized support. For parents, this translates into a strong commitment: regardless of a child’s starting point, Wesley provides a structured pathway to exceed expectations academically and personally.

Three-in-One Structure: Transition from Co-education to Boys’ Schooling
A hallmark of Wesley is its unique three-tier structure, carefully designed to meet the developmental needs of different age groups:

Junior School (Pre-K – Year 4): Co-educational, focusing on inquiry-based learning that nurtures creativity, emotional intelligence, and early social foundations.

Middle School (Years 5–8): Co-educational for Years 5–6, transitioning to boys-only in Years 7–8. This phase builds confidence, responsibility, and smooth preparation for senior schooling.

Senior School (Years 9–12): Boys-only, emphasizing the theme of “Empowering Young Men.” A broad range of WACE and VET pathways are delivered by specialist teachers.

This phased transition reflects Wesley’s deep understanding of child and adolescent development. Mixed-gender learning in early years fosters emotional growth, while boys-only environments during adolescence allow students to focus more fully on academics and personal development, minimizing distractions.

2. Academic Achievement and Curriculum Excellence

Outstanding ATAR Results

Class of 2024: Median ATAR 89.30 (second-highest in school history), with 21.5% scoring 95+, 46.2% at 90+, and 95.4% at 70+.

Class of 2023 (Centenary Year): Median ATAR 87.15, including six students above 99 and over 92% above 70.

Class of 2022: Median ATAR 90.1, well above the state median of 83.45.

These consistently strong results place Wesley College in the top tier of WA schools (currently ranked 11th in the state), with remarkable stability across cohorts and high proportions in the top performance bands.

3. The Katitjin Program: Wesley’s Landmark in Holistic Education

The Katitjin Program, with a 20-year history, is a distinctive feature of Wesley’s Middle School. During one semester in Year 8, students leave traditional classrooms to engage in experiential learning within the broader community and natural environments.

While covering core subjects such as English and Mathematics, teaching methods are flexible and immersive, linking academic knowledge to real-world challenges. Students participate in activities such as:

Self-awareness workshops: Reflection and peer discussion to help students critically evaluate strengths and weaknesses.

Team challenges: Developing collaboration skills and learning how to channel personal strengths for collective goals.

Community service: Volunteering at centers such as Uniting West’s Tranby Day Centre to understand social responsibility and empathy.

Wilderness camp: A week-long Morapoi camp serves as the program’s pinnacle, symbolizing the transition from boyhood to responsible young manhood.

As one student, Fynn Harrison, shared, Katitjin played a transformative role in shaping his self-awareness, resilience, and compassion.

4. Enriched Co-curricular and Campus Life

Sporting Excellence
Sport is a compulsory part of life at Wesley. As a member of the Public Schools’ Association (PSA) since 1952, Wesley has a long sporting tradition. Seasonal sports range from cricket, rowing, basketball, and swimming in summer to Australian Rules football, rugby, soccer, and hockey in winter. Notable alumni include cricket stars Shaun and Mitchell Marsh, and AFL greats Ben Cousins and Lance “Buddy” Franklin.

Arts and Innovation
The arts program is equally strong. All Year 5 students are required to learn an orchestral instrument, while creative opportunities extend across music, drama, dance, visual arts, and photography. Platforms such as the Arts Lab and Co-Lab connect students with industry professionals. Wesley’s theatre department is known for bold productions, including acclaimed performances of Little Shop of Horrors and Rent.

Conclusion & Expert Advice: Who Thrives at Wesley College?

Wesley College offers not just academic excellence but a multidimensional pathway to future success. From a consultant’s perspective, Wesley is especially suited to:

Students: Those seeking well-rounded development across academics, sports, arts, leadership, and personal growth.

Families: Those who value an education philosophy centered on “personal best” rather than test scores, and who wish for their children to experience transformative programs such as Katitjin.

Key aspects to highlight in applications include the unique three-tier structure, tailored boys’ education in the Senior School, and innovative programs like Katitjin and Wesley NEXT.

Ultimately, Wesley nurtures not only high-achieving graduates but also socially responsible, adaptable, and lifelong learners who truly embody the school motto: By daring and by doing.