FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Our Registrar discusses all aspects of enrolment with families who intend to join our School community. Here is a list of reasons families choose Westminster School to educate their children:
- Pastoral Care; a genuine focus on the individual welfare of each student and respect amongst students, as well as between staff and students
- quality of teaching, academic results and a wide range of subjects
- state-of-the art sport and arts facilities located in 23 hectares of beautiful grounds
- holistic approach to student development
- modern, nurturing boarding program – Girls and Boys
- outstanding Information Technology program and computer infrastructure
- leading integrated STRETCH program – learning support programs and advanced enrichment programs
- comprehensive Outdoor Education program
- unique Agricultural Studies program, utilising our Sturt Grove Farm
- ethics and values, based on Christian spirituality
- rich Performing Arts and Visual Arts programs
- community membership/strong parent support groups
- clear value for money and financial efficiency
- campus peacefulness, security, safety and accessibility
- inspiring development of student leadership, positive sense of self, integrity and respect for diversity
- obvious pride shown in the School by students and all other members of the School community
- convenience of train station at the School grounds, four School bus routes and 445 car parks
- down to earth attitude of community members
- excellent transition planning (i.e. from School to careers, university, work, travel as well as within friendship groups/social frameworks)
Your Questions Answered
Q1 How do I apply if I am considering sending my child to Westminster?
A1 Our Registrar Darin Betro will be pleased to speak with you regarding enrolment. He can also supply you with information to help you decide and/or arrange to take your family on a tour of the School. Tour Dates and Times. Please contact him on + 61 8 82760276. You may also Register Your Interest and Darin will be pleased to contact you.
Q2 Does Westminster School offer a scholarship program?
A2 Yes, we offer a broad range of scholarships. We advertise in October each year for the intake, 15 months away, e.g. October 2010 for 2012 entry. 2012 Scholarship Applications close early in 2011. Contact our Registrar on + 61 8 8276 0276 or email: ws@westminster.sa.edu.au
Q3 Does Westminster School offer childcare outside of school hours?
A3 Yes. We have before and after school care, and also offer vacation care.
Q4 What are the class sizes?
A4 After review at the end of 2007, our average class sizes for 2007 were, throughout the whole School, about 20. In Years 11 and 12 the average class size is 13. Throughout the whole Senior School, from Years 8 to 12, the average class size is about 17. In the Preparatory School, from Reception to Year 7, the average class size is about 21. The maximum class size in Reception is 22, in Years 1 to 3 it is 25 and in Years 4 to 7 it is 27. Two of our major entry year levels are Years 5 and 8. In Year 5 the average class size was 20. In Year 8 we have five classes of 25.
Q5 How well do Westminster students perform academically?
A5 While Westminster focuses on developing the whole person, we offer a strong academic program and our students are encouraged to strive for, and achieve, excellent results. Our Year 12 Results are always far in advance of State averages and our very best students are always in the top group in the State.
Q6 Does the School cater for students who need to be academically supported or extended?
A6 Yes, the STRETCH Centre provides for both learning support and extension and enrichment for all year levels and all subjects. The STRETCH Centre is well resourced with separate classrooms and specialist teachers for withdrawal programs as well as integrated programs in the classroom.
Q7 Does the School have a bullying policy?
A7 Yes, Westminster School has a behaviour policy, which includes harassment and bullying policies. Behaviour Management Policy. The School has a very nurturing environment with a genuine focus on the individual welfare of each student, encouraging respect amongst students and between staff and students. Firm, but fair, discipline is used if the behaviour management policy is broken in any way. In the Preparatory School the Bounce Back resilience program is used. Westminster School’s culture and performance in the area of bullying and harassment is an important reason why parents choose Westminster for their children. In the Senior School, our Peer Mediation program trains students in the process of conflict mediation and The Mind Matters program is followed to encourage emotional and social development, and stability. Over and above behaviour management is our encouragement for the development of students’ self esteem, confidence, resilience, character and integrity. Opportunities for leadership, taking responsibility for others and taking controlled risks are all part of student life. We are focused on the holistic development of students’ personalities in preparing them for life beyond their school years.
Q8 What facilities does Westminster offer?
A8 Westminster is in 23 hectares of beautifully landscaped grounds, a ‘rural’ oasis easily accessible by public transport or car. Our facilities include a 1,000 seat (fully extended) performing arts centre; 215 seat drama theatre: expansive Sports and Swimming Centre, including two indoor heated pools, courts, weights room and a rock-climbing wall; a great visual art centre; and a fully operational farm. Many of these facilities are available for hire. Ask our Facilities Manager on + 61 8 8276 0276, or for more information about our Conference and Meeting facilities and Accommodation options (during school holidays). We also have five IT laboratories, a science building, dance studio and music rooms
Q9 When are your School tours or open days?
A9 We believe it is best that you see our students and teachers on a normal school day to get a real feel for our School. During the year we offer many School tours, which provide an opportunity to meet School student leaders (both Preparatory and Senior School students), parents and key staff members. We ask that you contact our Registrar on + 61 8 8276 0276.
Tour Dates and Times.
Q10 Does Westminster impose restrictions about when we can enrol our child or children?
A10 You may enrol your child or children at any year level and at any time of the year, from ELC to Year 7 in our Preparatory School and from Year 8 to Year 12 in our Senior School, subject to the availability of places. The most common points of entry are Early Learning Centre, or Years 5, 8 or 10. Please contact our Registrar on + 61 8 8276 0276 to discuss the best options for you and your family.
Q11 Does Westminster School cater for overseas students?
A11 Yes, we welcome students from other countries and cultures. Overseas students may choose to stay in our boarding facilities or in homestay accommodation with a carefully selected family. International Students.
Q12 Where can I obtain more information about Westminster School?
A12 If you would like more Information than is contained on this website, please contact our Registrar Darin Betro, who will send you an information pack or arrange a tour of the School. Tour Dates and Times are also available. We welcome your interest.
Q13 What areas can parents expect their Westminster students to develop in?
A13 There are four main areas:
- Academic
- Sport
- Arts
- Holistic – mental health, social confidence as well as self-confidence, self-esteem, resilience, character and integrity.
Q14 Where do families who choose Westminster come from?
A14 Many suburbs around the School, any suburb South or West of the city is convenient to the School. We have students in the boarding house from mainly rural South Australia with the balance from interstate and overseas. Finding Westminster.
Q15 How is the School Governed?
A15 Download the School Governance Document.
