Preparing students for an ever-evolving future
Westminster is an Early Learning to Year 12, coeducational day and boarding, Uniting Church school with a proud history and an exciting future. We are committed to helping all students and staff achieve more than they thought possible through an adventurous education, which takes place anytime our students are challenged in their learning and when staff explore new opportunities to improve their profession.
Since opening in 1961, Westminster’s vibrant sense of community has shaped our welcoming, down-to-earth character, enriched by School values of being brave, humble, kind, authentic, resilient and curious. In an ever-evolving educational environment, students across all year levels enjoy access to beautiful grounds, outstanding facilities and resources.
Now with nearly 1500 students across all years of learning, our campus, inside and outside, comes alive with the buzz of learning and community. We are privileged to enjoy the support of our staff, parents, Old Scholars, and friends of the School who contribute in many wonderful ways to our welcoming, down-to-earth character, resulting in a vibrant sense of community which remains as a great strength of the School and can experienced every day.
Our collaborative and visionary spirit presents an exceptional educational opportunity for your child. We are focused on delivering an adventurous education that starts with a holistic, future-oriented curriculum both inside and outside the classroom. Adventure in education takes place whenever students encounter the unknown and embrace the learning opportunities before them. Adventurous learning can be found in every facet of the curriculum and co-curricular program, including Outdoor Education, Agriculture, Performing Arts, Sport, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics). We believe in building the whole person, encouraging students to venture beyond their comfort zones. We want our students to build confidence and resilience that will benefit them for life.
Education is truly a lifelong pursuit at Westminster not just for students, but for staff too. Professional development is a key focus at our School and many of our teachers have HALT (Highly Accomplished Lead Teacher) accreditation. Backed with this level of professionalism, the breadth and quality of our learning programs equip students to achieve more than they thought possible. Our students are guided to ask questions and engage in discussion. They need to appreciate how challenges can be navigated and, in the process, discover their own capabilities in innovative thinking.
We live in a VUCAH world – Volatile, Uncertain, Changing, Ambiguous and Hyperconnected. Our thoughtful approach to education responds to the challenges of a VUCAH world by becoming a VUCAH prime school, preparing our students with Vision, Understanding, Clarity, Agility and Humanity to lead a fulfilling life.
Our Values
Westminster's values to be Kind, Curious, Resilient, Humble, Authentic and Brave are embedded within our culture, ethos and community, and set the foundation for our students to engage, grow and thrive. The Westminster School Capability Compass provides a vision for the educational outcomes we strive to achieve, underpinned by our School Values, and ensuring the collective wellbeing of our students.
Kind
Kindness involves interacting effectively and respectfully with a range of people, recognising the feelings of others and knowing how and being willing to consider the needs of others. Kindness is showing respect for and understanding others’ perspectives, emotional states and needs so that relationships can be positive, safe and respectful.
Curious
Curiosity involves the development of metacognitive skills and allows individuals to consider innovation and new strategies to solve problems in their world. Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning, ask questions to consolidate their understanding and help make connections with their learning in a range of areas.
Resilient
Resilience allows individuals to overcome challenges and adopt a growth mindset by considering the personal characteristics that contribute to their success and areas for growth within their learning. Resilient individuals can persevere in the face of setbacks and frustrations and remain optimistic about the future.
Humble
Humility encourages individuals to recognise their strengths and achievements while remaining modest and respectful towards others. It fosters an environment where learners appreciate the contributions of their peers, seek feedback and continuously strive for personal growth without arrogance. By embracing humility, individuals develop a balanced sense of self-worth and empathy, creating a supportive and collaborative School community.
Authentic
Authenticity encourages individuals to be true to themselves and others. It promotes honesty, integrity and the courage to express genuine passion. Authenticity cultivates an environment where individuals feel safe to be themselves, fostering trust and meaningful connections within the community. This value helps individuals develop a strong sense of identity and self-respect, while also respecting the individuality of others.
Brave
Bravery inspires individuals to face challenges and uncertainties with courage and resilience. It encourages them to step out of their comfort zones, take risks in their learning and stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult. Bravery nurtures a culture of perseverance and confidence, empowering individuals to be adventurous and overcome obstacles to grow academically, socially and emotionally.
Principal's Welcome
Hear from our Principal, Simon Shepherd, and the adventurous education that awaits at Westminster School.