Our journey from 1923 to 2023.
1923 - 1932

Ward Building, 1923.

Ward Building, 1923.

Ward Building after extension, 1928.

Original dormitories, 1924.

Foundation Stone laid on 11 September 1922.

Wake up call in the Boarding House, 1927.
College Buildings
Wesley College was founded in 1923 as a boarding school for boys. It was named after John Wesley, co-founder of the Methodist Church.
Reverend John Wesley, recognised as the founder of Methodism, which in Australia became one of the three Christian communities that formed the Uniting Church in Australia in 1977, was committed to engaging the people of his day in theological and religious endeavour, capable of changing the lives of people and the nature of the society in which they lived.
At the time of Wesley’s death in 1791 it is estimated that more than one third of the entire population of England and Wales were known as “Methodists”, the followers of Wesley’s “method” of commitment to faith, education and the betterment of the human condition.
On 13 February 1923, the College, then Wesley Boys’ College, opens its doors. The original building, now known as the J.F. Ward Building, was not quite finished, with boarders arriving to realise they must put together their beds. Classes for the 38 foundation students commenced, many of them boarders and sons of settlers from the agricultural districts East of Perth.
The College planning committee showed great foresight in choosing the inner-city site bounded by Angelo Street, Coode Street and the sand ridge above Swan Street, now incorporated within the present site.
College Buildings


!st XI Cricket Team, 1929.

1st XVIII Football Team, 1929.

Running Team, 1929.

1st XVIII Football Team, 1924.

Relay Team , 1932.
Sporting teams
From our inception, Wesley has boasted a strong sporting history and found immense pride in its sporting teams.
In 1926, the first Old Boys vs School football game was held, followed by dinner and a meeting. It was decided then to form an association, known as the Old Wesley Collegian’s Association.
Sporting teams

13 February 1923
The College opens
On 13 February 1923, the College, then Wesley Boys’ College, opens its doors. The original building, now known as the J.F. Ward Building, was not quite finished, with boarders arriving to realise they must put together their beds. Classes for the 38 foundation students commenced, many of them boarders and sons of settlers from the agricultural districts East of Perth.

Two of our first boarders in 1923, A Johnson and J Searle..

The first College Captain, George Prowse, in 1924.

Students waiting for the ferry at the bottom of Coode St, 1924.

The first student enrolled at Wesley Boys' School, Carl Klem.

Students in 1924.

Wesley Dramatic Society performing the Merchant of Venice in 1932.

Students having fun, 1928.

Middle School, 1930.
College collage
The journey through our first decade.
College collage


Hardey House, 1926.

JP Walton

HE Mofflin
The founding Houses
The first houses are established, Hardey, Mofflin and Walton, named after prominent West Australian Methodists.
The founding Houses

Student numbers
Wesley Boys’ Schools opened its doors on 13 February 1923, commencing with 38 inaugural scholars, 18 boarders and 20 day students.
By 1926, that number had jumped to 60 day students and 42 boarders

Mr John Fredrick Ward
Headmaster, Mr JF Ward (1923-1929)
The inaugural Headmaster was Mr John Fredrick Ward OBE, who remained until his resignation in 1929.
“We are making traditions… One what we build in these first few years will depend the character of the school that is to be” – J.F. Ward, speech day, 13 December 1923
Headmaster, Mr JF Ward (1923-1929)

1933 - 1942

Wesley Dramatic Society in The West Australian, Friday 21 August 1936.

The Merchant of Venice, 1932.

Goodbye, Mr Chips, 1939, foreword by Dr Rossiter.

Newspaper excerpt, 1940.
Wesley College Dramatic Society
School theatrical productions scaled new heights of professionalism in the late 1930s, owing to an unusually large concentration of talent in the upper secondary school.
Productions of plays such as The Merchant of Venice in 1932, The Mikado in 1936, Helen in 1937, HMS Pinafore in 1938 and Goodbye, Mr Chips in 1939 were first presented at the school, and then at the city’s Assembly Hall.
Wesley College Dramatic Society


Fire Brigade, 1939.

Ambulance Corps, 1939.

Cadets, 1939.

Scouts, 1940.

The Wesley Hundred, 1941.
1939
Co-curricular activities
There was no immediate impact on the routine and regime of school life in Australia, however co-curricular activities quickly developed from sport and drama to more relevant pursuits, such as Cadets and Ambulance Corps.
Old Collegian, Ric Throssell, remembers the news breaking at Wesley “in a flurry of distant excitement”, with boarders jostling around the singular copy of the newspaper for the latest military reports, instead of rural or sports news.
By the end of 1940, several staff and 90 students had enlisted, and during that year the first Old Collegian casualty was reported.
1939
Co-curricular activities

College War Cry, Ika Baka
Leader: Zeemalah!
School: Haaa!
Ika baka, ika baka, wogga daka da
Wesley, Wesley, rah, rah, rah!
Ricka dakka, ricka dakka, ricka dakka dow;
Wesley, Wesley, all together now
W-E-S-L-E-Y
WESLEY!


Inside a classroom, 1937.

Dining Room, 1937.

Reverend Green addressing students at the Wesley Church in Perth City, 1936.

Tennis Team, 1936..

Picnic to Bicton, 1940.
College collage
The second decade of Wesley College.
College collage


1934
Wesley College Staff
G Ferguson, R Collins, V Cooper, E Nottage, H Williams, D Dunbar, H Trenaman, R Gamble, T Cohen, B Hanton, M Le Souef, J Rossiter in 1934.
1934
Wesley College Staff

1935
Student numbers
1935 saw a significant upswing in enrolments, to 140, “the largest new enrolments in our history” with 66 new students, Headmaster Rossiter proudly reported.

Rev Green, Dr Rossiter and Sir James Mitchell, 1948.

Dr Rossiter farewelled by Prefects, 1952.

Christening of the JL Rossiter rowing boat, 1951.

Roger Rossiter

Nancy Rossiter
Headmaster, Dr JL Rossiter (1930 - 1952)
Dr James Leonard Rossiter was Headmaster of Wesley College from 1930 to 1952. Rossiter’s daughter, Nancy, was the first girl to attend Wesley, from 1940 – 1945. His son, Roger Rossiter, was Wesley’s first Rhodes Scholar in 1935.
He drove a period of immense growth at the College, coined ‘The Rush to Distinction’ with one Old Collegian, Strelley Hardey, depicting it justly; “It was just push, push, push!”
In his Speech Day address on 12 December 1934, Rossiter spoke to the leaving collegians:
To those leaving, my earnest desire is that you may prove your good citizenship both in the process of earning a livingand in the art of living itself -in work and in leisure- in the bigger world you are to enter, but remember that good citizenship begins at home:
“Self Reverence, Self Knowledge, Self Control, these three alone lead life to sovereign power.”
Your duty to God and your duty to your neighbour depend upon the ” you ” in ” your.”
Do you know the lines written on ” Myself ”?
I have to live with myself, and so I want to be fit for myself to know.
I want to be able as days go by, always to look myself in the eye.
1 don’t want to look at myself and know that I’m bluster and bluff and empty show.
Whatever happens, I should want to be aelf-respecting and conscience free.
Let each then remember his old motto -and be not dreamers only but doers also, daring noble deeds.
Headmaster, Dr JL Rossiter (1930 - 1952)

1943 - 1952

1943

1944

1945

1946

1947

1948

1949

1950

1951

1952
1943 - 1952
Prefects
A generation of College leaders, our Prefects, from 1943 to 1952.
1943 - 1952
Prefects

Farewell to Dr Rossiter

1952
Speech Night
Speech Night on 10 December 1952 was the scene of Wesley’s goodbye to it’s Headmaster of 22 years, Dr James Leonard Rossiter.
Dr Rossiter led a period of great growth and progression, culminating in admittance into the PSA in 1952, a feat he had worked tirelessly towards.
The 1946 College Captain, Peter Turpin, recalled more than half a century later that “Dr Rossiter was my image of all that was good in a man and a teachre and a father… Young men left school and died for their country and their beliefs. Dr Rossiter gave them most of their beliefs.”
Waiting for the ferry, 1940s.


Athletics Team, 1943.

Football Team, 1943.

Swimming Team, 1944.

Tennis Team, 1944.

Cricket Team, 1945.

Hockey Team, 1945.

Tennis Team, 1945.

Football Team, 1947.

Hockey Team, 1947.

Swimming Team, 1948.

Football Team, 1949.

Rugby Team, 1950.

Cricket Team, 1950.
Membership in the Public Schools' Association.
Sporting Teams
Despite not achieving admittance into the Public Schools’ Association (PSA) until 1952, Wesley has a long and successful sporting history, playing off for various Cups against a range of schools, including Christ Church Grammar School and Perth Modern School.
Membership in the Public Schools' Association.
Sporting Teams

Wesley's flock of sheep
In the late 1940s, Dr Rossiter hired retired Scottish policeman, JG Fraser, to fulfil a motley range of responsibilities, including curating the College grounds and teaching PE.
In the early 1950s, he managed Rossiter Oval with the help of a flock of up to 20 sheep, which grazed and fertilised simultaneously.

Malcom Nairn, 1951.

OWCA Dinner, 1949.

Rev Green, Dr Rossiter, Sir Mitchell, 1948.

Dr and Mrs Rossiter, Lady Mitchell, Grant Caldwell, 1948.

Wesley students, 1951.

Campbell & Rainbird, 1951.

Perth from Mill Point Rd, 1952.
College Collage
The third decade of Wesley College.
College Collage

1953 - 1962

Graeme John Lange (53-55-57).




Year 10 class photo, 1959.

Headmaster's Residence, now Maloney House.


Inside the dormitories, 1961.

Headmaster's Residence, 1955.

Science Centre, 1960.
College Collage
From 1953 to 1962, our fourth decade.
College Collage


Norman Roy Collins.

Mr Collins and Prefects, 1953.
1953
Headmaster, Mr NR Collins (1953-1962)
1953
Headmaster, Mr NR Collins (1953-1962)

1954
Student numbers
Mr Collins inherited the College with enrolments totalling 450 students (130 boarders) and the command of 20 Teaching Staff.
Interestingly, Collins wished for the College to remain at this number, despite the demand for school places, as it permitted him to recognise each boy by name.

Athletics Team, 1953.

Football Team, 1953.

Cricket Team and Darlot Cup winners, 1953.

1st VIII Rowing crew, 1953.

Tennis Team, 1954.

1st XVIII Football Team, 1954.

1st VIII Rowing crew, 1954.

1st XI Cricket Team, 1954.

1st XI Cricket Team, 1955.

Relay Team, 1955.

Alcock Shield presentation by Kim Hawkins to Headmaster Collins, 1955.

2nd XI Hockey Team, 1957.

1st VIII Rowing Team, 1957.

1st XVIII Football Team, 1958.

Tennis Team, 1959.

1st XVIII Football Team, 1959.
Sporting Teams
Since membership into the Public Schools’ Association was granted in 1952, Wesley launched onto the scene.
We had multiple victories, including the Darlot Cup in 1953, 1955 and 1957, the Alcock Shield in 1953, 1955 and 1956, The Ray House Cup (Hockey) in 1959, 1960 and 1962, and the Dr KG Tregonning Cup (Swimming) in 1958.
Sporting Teams


Hurdles, PSA Athletics 1956.

PSA Athletics history, 1956.

PSA Athletics, 1956.
1956
PSA Athletics
1956
PSA Athletics

1961
Academic achivement
A high level of academic achievement in the public examinations arena was seen in the early 1960s, with 49 students obtaining their Leaving certificates in 1961, and four earning university exhibitions.
Upon his leaving in 1964, Collins left behind a school whose academic standing was very high. Vice-Captain from 1963, Graham Hardie, remembers him demanding “the highest level of achievement from students.” It is said that no-one in Wesley’s first forty years contributed more to the making of Wesley’s academic reputation than him.

Chapel exterior, 1962.

Chapel interior, 1962.

Chapel stage, 1962.
1961
Old Wesley Collegians' Memorial Chapel
When the College Council approved the concept of an old boy’s memorial chapel in July 1946, the old boy fraternity set about raising the money for its completion.
It was a hard slog in difficult times, but by 1960 the Old Wesley Collegians’ Association had raised sufficient funds to start construction. With the official opening on 19 February 1961, the College finally had its Chapel. The 28,000 pounds raised by past students was seen to fully discharge their “debt of honour” to families of Old Collegians who had fallen in the World War.
1961
Old Wesley Collegians' Memorial Chapel

1963 - 1972

Headmaster's study, 1968.

Science Centre, 1956.

Ward Building, 1968.

Allingham Pavillion, 1964.

Allingham Pavillion, 1965.

Building Appeal dinner, 1968.

Classroom block (Kefford Wing), 1965.

College reception, 1968.

Headmaster's office, 1968.

Headmaster's residence, 1968.

Science Centre, 1958.

Dining room, 1958.
Buildings and restorations
By the late 1970s, the landscape of the College had changed following the completion of a minor building spree.
In 1956 the Science Centre was completed, followed by the Boat Shed at the bottom of Coode Street, additional three classrooms were built (later named Kefford Wing), and the College Council had acquired enough land along Swan Street to commence plans for a separate preparatory school building.
The College’s Olympic sized pool was opened by Old Collegian Hon. CD Nalder on 27 April 1963.
In 1964, additions to Kefford Wing were made, building six new classrooms over two levels.
Allingham Pavillion, overlooking Rossiter Oval, was completed in late 1964. Assemblies were held in this pavilion until the completion of the Joseph Green Centre in 1974.
Buildings and restorations


Staff, 1965.

Excursion, 1969.

Hockey, 1972.

Prep School Cricket Team, 1970.

Guess who, Class of 1964.

Law Shield presentation, 1968.

Prep School Peg Malcolm Playground, 1971.
College collage
Our fifth decade, from 1963 to 1972.
College collage

1972
Continued academic excellence
The public examination results for 1972 were outstanding, with a record five university exhibitions (a quarter of the State’s total). An average of 2.5 exhibitions would be won each year during Hamer’s headmastership.

Portrait, 1938.

Biology class, 1965.

Mildred Manning in a Biology Lab, 1967.
Mildred Manning
MILDRED MANNING BSc, MBE (nee LE SOUEF)
A woman in a male world, a staff member at Wesley for more than 53 years
Mildred Le Souef grew up in the environs of Perth Zoo, her father Colonel E A Le Souef having been the first Director. She gained her BSc from UWA at a time when few women attended university and soon embarked on an illustrious career teaching biology and physiology, initially at PLC and then joining Wesley, an all-boys school, in May 1923. She went on to complete nearly 54 years teaching biology and related subjects to several generations of Wesley boys. “Millie” as she became known won the hearts of the boys and of the predominantly male staff with whom she worked. With her cars, Ernestine the Buick and later Dudley the Plymouth Chrysler, she was always ready to help staff and students in any way possible at any time.
In addressing the school community at Speech Night 1972 she attributed her long tenure at Wesley to “marvellous colleagues and the boys themselves who tend to keep one young”. She acknowledged that the early years, especially, were not easy; funding the new school was difficult, the Great Depression coming within its first decade and WWII soon after. Mildred, along with her male colleagues, felt the strain of being short staffed and maintaining a boarding school while under fear of invasion and while coping with the anguish of the rising death toll.
Mildred remained active in professional circles throughout her teaching career and the awarding of the MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours in 1964 is testimony to her contribution to the teaching of biological subjects in Western Australia.
The College has recognised Mildred Manning’s contribution in a number of ways but possibly none brought her greater pleasure than the naming of the new biology laboratory in her honour in 1963 and more recently the Mildred Manning Science Centre in 2018.
Mildred Manning


Cygnet dormitory, 1970.

Tranby and Cygnet boarders, 1970.

Tranby dormitory, 1970.

Cygnet House,

Cygnet dormitory, 1975.
1966
Boarding House development
1968 marked the completion of two new Boarding House dormitories, Cygnet and Tranby.
1966
Boarding House development

1967
Cygnet House and Tranby House
Alongside major building developments, two named boarding houses for intra-boarding competitions were developed, Cygnet House and Tranby House. These would later go on to become the names of the two new buildings in 1968.
1965
Headmaster, Mr CA Hamer (1965 - 1983)

1973 - 1982

Joseph Green Centre under construction, 1973.

Joseph Green Centre Foundation Assembly, 1973.

Reverend Green with the Joseph Green Centre stone, 1973.

Joseph Green Centre Foundation Assembly, 1973.

Joseph Green Centre Foundation Assembly, 1973.

Joseph Green Centre Foundation Assembly, 1973.

Joseph Green Centre Foundation Assembly, 1973.

Joseph Green Centre Foundation Assembly, 1973.

Joseph Green Centre Foundation Assembly, 1973.

Joseph Green Centre Opening Assembly, 1974.

Joseph Green Centre Opening Assembly, 1974.

Joseph Green Centre, 1974.

Joseph Green Centre entrance, 1974.

Joseph Green Centre undercroft, 1975.
1973
Joseph Green Centre
1973
Joseph Green Centre

1980
Prep School Hockey Team

1973
Jubilee Dinner
Wesley marked its Jubilee anniversary with a dinner under a marquee in Jenkins Quadrangle.
Amongst the dignitaries was Reverend Joseph Green, who would have been quite possibly the only person present able to recall the laying of the Foundation Stone of the College on 11 November 1922.

Year 6, 1974.

Library, 1976.

Classwork, 1977.

Year 1, 1977.

Classroom, 1977.

New building opening, 1978.

Play time, 1978.

Buildings, 1978.

Classroom, 1978.
Prep School
Students as young as Year 1 we welcomed to Wesley with the opening of the Prep School.
Prep School


Children's crusade drama production, 1978.

Trenaman Library, 1979.

Headmaster Hamer at the Swimming Carnival, 1973.

Tennis Courts and Maloney House, 1973.

1st VIII Tennis, winners of the Corr Cup, 1979.

Tennis Team, winners of the Herbert Edwards No.1 Trophy, 1979.

Trenaman Library, 1973.

Ward Building and rotunda, 1973.

Wesleyana Club, 1981.

Athletics Team, 1979.

Class of 1979 reunion.

Kefford and Hamer buildings, 1979.

Band, 1980.

Jenkins Quadrangle, 1980.

Christening of the Barbara Grosvenor, 1982.

Cadets mess time, 1970.

Cadets pitching tents, 1970.

Duke of Edinburgh Award winners, 1977.

Jenkins Quadrangle, 1973.

Junior School students, 1980.

Prefect induction, 1973.

1st VIII Rowing Team, 1975.

Science building, 1974.
College collage
Our journey from 1973 to 1982.
College collage

1973
Student numbers
In the late 1970s, the College Council began to make plans for the future, with the College aiming to host 750 Senior School students and 250 Prepatory School students

Woodwork, 1976.

Art, 1976.

Woodwork, 1976.

Art, 1976.

Manual Arts, 1976.

Media Studies, 1976.

Media Studies, 1976.

Media Studies, 1976.

Media Studies, 1976.

Technical Drawing, 1976.
1976
Co-curricular subjects
Media Studies, Woodwork, Art, Manual Art and more became subject options for students.
1976
Co-curricular subjects

1983 - 1992

Blanckensee Centre building site, 1986.

Blanckensee Centre entry, 1986.

Blanckensee Centre, 1987.

Blanckensee Centre opening, 1987.

Blanckensee Centre opening, 1987.

Blanckensee Centre opening, 1987.

Blanckensee Centre opening, 1987.
1986
Blanckensee Centre
Building began in 1985 of the long-awaited Physical Education Centre. Allingham Pavillion was demolished to provide a site. The new building was opened on 21 April 1987, commemorating the name of Council chairman, Bob Blanckensee.
1986
Blanckensee Centre


Music laboratory teacher, Graham Devenish, 1986.

Year 12 boarders, 1986,

Ward Oval, 1990.

Jenkins Quadrangle and Ward Building, 1990.

Matthew Jodrell and Ben Basell, 1991.

Cheer squad, 1989.

1992 Rugby World Cup

Academic Award winners, 1992.

Darlot Cup, 1987.

School Ball, 1984.

Students, 1991.
College Collage
Our seventh decade and launch into the 1990s era.
College Collage

Sporting success
Wesley continued its era of sporting success under Kefford. Our 1st V Basketball Team won the inaugural Blackwood Trophy in 1980, defending the title again in 1982, 1985 and 1990.
Similarly, the 1st XI Cricket Team became Darlot Cup winners in 1983, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993 and 1994.
The 1st XVIII Football Team won the Alcock Cup in 1982 and 1991, and the 1st XI Hockey Team were victorious in 1984 and 1985 for the Ray House Cup. Our Rugby Team were successful in 1987 and 1988, and Soccer in 1990 and 1991.

Computing Centre, Farm Management class, 1986.

Horticulture students and staff, 1986.

Horticulture student, 1986.

Horticulture student, 1986.

Horticulture students, 1986.

Outdoor Education Camp, 1989.

Outdoor Education Camp, 1989.

Prep School Camp, 1989.

Prep School class, 1990.

Physical Education, 1990.

Prep School activities, 1990.

Year 5 Camp, 1990.

Radio Club, 1992.

Outdoor Education camp, 1989.
Horticulture, Computer Studies and more!
Computing, Farm Management, Horticulture and Outdoor Education offered as subjects and courses during the 1980s.
Horticulture, Computer Studies and more!


Hamer Farewell Chapel service, 1983.

Farewell dinner, Joan Hamer and John Maloney, 1983.

Farewell dinner, 1983.

Hamer Wing opening, 1984.

Hamer Wing opening, 1984.
1983
Farewell to Mr Clive Hamer
The College’s farewell to it’s fourth Headmaster included a Chapel Service, dinner and the naming of the old gymnasium building, which had been classrooms for some time, into the Hamer Wing,
1983
Farewell to Mr Clive Hamer

Subjects
The political, social and economic climate of WA experienced a momentous change in the 1980s. The impact on Wesley College, though subtle, was seen within the innovations in teaching and curriculum, with classes in Computing, Farm Management, Horticulture and Outdoor Education offered.

Rod Kefford.

Headmasters Collins, Hamer and Kefford.

Headmaster's welcome event, 1983.
1984
Headmaster, Dr RE Kefford (1984 - 1996)
Dr Roderic Edward Kefford commenced his Headmastership in 1984.
1984
Headmaster, Dr RE Kefford (1984 - 1996)

1993 - 2002



2000
Middle School opening
The Middle School was completed in early 2000 and was officially opened in a colourful ceremony on 29 March 2000. Costing $3.5 million, the new building designed to allow the Middle School to be largely self-sufficient in teaching and learning facilities.
Several Old Collegians were invited to participate in the opening ceremony, providing a timely linkage with the College’s early history.
2000
Middle School opening

2001
Winning 1st VIII Rowing Team

1994
Student numbers
In 1994, Wesley College accepted its largest intake of students at the time, 286, to bring the total number of students to 1,289.

Cygnet House excursion, 1998.

Daffodil Day, Prep School, 1997.

School Fair, 1998.

Manning House Athletics Carnival, 2000.

Manning House Athletics Carnival, 2000.

Maypole dancing, 1999.

Outdoor Education, 1990s.

Abracadabra performance, 1996.

Easter Bonnet Parade, 1999.

Ugly Bug Ball, 2000.

Year 6 Camp, 1992.

Anthony D, Peter L and Josh, 2001.

2002.

Cliff Woodroofe with students, 2000.
College collage
Our eighth decade, 1993 – 2002.
College collage


Mofflin Prefects.

Tranby Prefects.

Walton Prefects.

Cygnet Prefects.

Dickson Prefects.

Grove Prefects.

Jenkins Prefects.

Young Achievers.

Debating.

Socratic Society.
2022
Yearbook photos
Images from the 2002 Western Wyvern, including student leaders with their Head of House.
2022
Yearbook photos

1996 - 2002
Headmaster J Bednall
John Bednall commenced his Headmastership in Term Four of 1996.

Matthew T and Andrew P.

Stephen S and Vincent.

Andrew P and Nick.

Mr Trend with students.

Jeremy P,

Kotaro and Matthew T.
2002
Green and Black Ball
The Green and Black Ball is a highlight for our Year 12 students every year. Take a look at how our Class of 2002 have suited up!
2002
Green and Black Ball

2003 - 2012

Students, 2011.

Students, 2011.

Students, 2011.

Students, 2011.

Students, 2011.

Students, 2011.

Students, 2011.

Students, 2011.

Students, 2011.
2011
Our Core Values
Respect, Integrity, Compassion, and Courage.
These powerful concepts were introduced in 2011 after discussion and consultation, with the mission to further engage Wesley’s vibrant, caring and connected community. There was a desire to sum up the nebulous idea of what it is to be a Wesleyan in a way that could be easily communicated.
2011
Our Core Values


Moorditj by Moonlight, 2020.

2010 Wulyunga visit.

2010 Wulyunga visit.
2006
Moorditj Mob
The Moorditj Mob is Wesley College’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program, launched in 2006. In the Noongar language, Moorditj means ‘great’, ‘strong’ or ‘excellent’ and fits well with what the College strives to achieve. The program is an important part of the College’s culture and fosters great pride within the Wesley community.
2006
Moorditj Mob

Sub schools
During this period, the College was split up into three sub-schools:
- Junior School (Pre-kindergarten to Year 4)
- Middle School (Year 5 to Year 8)
- Senior School (Year 9 to Year 12)

















College collage
A look through our ninth decade, from 2003 – 2012.
College collage


2010.

2010.

2010.

2010.

2010.

2010.

2010.
2006
Katitjin
Launched in 2006, Katitjin is a unique program at Wesley College where students are removed from the main campus to the Western Australian Rowing Club in the Perth CBD. The name comes from a Noongar term meaning ‘to listen and to learn’. Instead of daily classes, students learn to tap into their understanding of self, operate effectively in teams, and integrate as motivated and effective members of their communities.
Rites of Passage have always been a part of coming of age, the crucial journey from boy to man, but too often today we forego these life-affirming experiences in favour of pressure, stress, and an expectation that young members of their society move too quickly towards the demands of adulthood.
It was introduced as an innovative program, taking learning beyond the classroom into a range of challenging and inspirational environments. From the top of the Leeuwin main sail, to the wilds of Cape Range National Park or Morapioi Station, Katitjin has expanded into an important milestone stage for our students and is one of the highlights of their schooling.
2006
Katitjin

Our athletic development program
Wesley is the only WA school with a Long-term Athletic Development program (LTAD) which runs from Pre-kindergarten to Year 12. Driven by a ‘Sport for Life’ culture, the program puts a focus on a focus on foundations, participation, motor skills and core strength, while elite athletes are given access to individual mentors.
Headmaster, Mr D Gee (2003 - 2018)

2013 - 2022




Our service for others
The phrase ‘for others’ is one you’ll hear regularly at Wesley College. We believe that volunteering and other forms of service are vital elements in the education of students.
Wesley students raise around $85,000 every year for the community. This is part of our service learning – a holistic approach to building students’ character and teaching life skills. In fact, Wesley College is the world’s number one fundraiser for the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life event, having raised over $500,000 for the cause.
Our service for others


Moorditj Mob performance at our Reconciliation Action Plan NAIDOC Breakfast, 2020.




2020
Reconciliation Action Plan
The Reconciliation Action Plan was officially launched on 29 July 2020.
Our vision for reconciliation is an Australia where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are recognised for their history and cultures, are celebrated for their knowledge and are able to pursue any opportunity they wish.
Education is a key part of this, and we are proud of our Moorditj Mob program and the scholarships we have available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
2020
Reconciliation Action Plan

Our motto
By daring & by doing.
Our motto, By daring & by doing, (Audendo Atque Agendo), represents the Wesley ethos. Whether it’s academic achievement, sporting achievement or public service, our students dare to think on a grand scale and believe in action.
More than a motto, ‘By daring & by doing ‘ is our vision for inspiring students to be bold, seek personal excellence and serve others.


























College collage
Our tenth decade, 2013 – 2022.
College collage









Our strong academic focus
Wesley College achieves outstanding results in all areas of academic endeavour thanks to a culture of high standards and a strong partnership between students, teachers and families. In the Senior School we offer students a choice of ATAR, General, Vocational Educational Training (VET), and workplace learning (INSTEP) pathways.
Our Class of 2022 achieved the College’s highest median ATAR result in our history, as well as many incredible individual accolades.
Our strong academic focus

Era of innovation
The College has been repeatedly recognised as one of Australia’s most innovative schools, thanks to our approach of pushing the boundaries of traditional education to better equip students for tomorrow’s world.
In 2018, 2020 and 2022, Wesley College was recognised as an Innovative School by The Educator, the leading Australian resource for senior educational professionals. The Innovative School status reflects our commitment to cutting-edge facilities and ideas.
2019 - present
Head of College, Mr RB Barron

2023 and beyond

100 Acts of Service
Daring wildly & doing joyfully & giving selflessly.
We’ve set the ambitious goal to have as many groups as possible within our community achieve 100 Acts of Service in our Centenary year.
100 Acts of Service


Tales of daring and doing
A snapshot of inspirational people from the Wesley College Community who have led lives of daring and doing.
Tales of daring and doing

2023
Our centenary
Celebrating 100 years of daring and doing.
2023 collage

Thanksgiving Chapel Service

The Wesleyan, Centenary edition
CLICK HERE to read the latest edition of The Wesleyan.
save the date
Events
