Where curiosity becomes confidence
In the early years, children begin to discover who they are as learners, friends and individuals. It is a time of curiosity, confidence-building and endless possibility.
At Westminster Preparatory School, we create an environment where children feel known, valued and inspired to explore the world around them. Every day is an opportunity to ask questions, make connections, embrace challenges and experience the joy of learning.
Through meaningful relationships, adventurous experiences and a deep commitment to wellbeing, we nurture the foundations that support lifelong growth. Our students develop the confidence to think independently, the resilience to navigate challenges and the curiosity to pursue new opportunities with enthusiasm.
Within our vibrant ELC to Year 12 community, children are connected to something bigger than themselves. They learn alongside dedicated educators, form lasting friendships and discover a sense of belonging that stays with them throughout their journey.
These formative years are about more than preparing for the next stage of School. They are about building the character, capabilities and confidence that will help every child thrive for life.
As we prepare to open our new Preparatory School building, we are creating even more opportunities for children to learn, explore and flourish in spaces designed specifically for the way young learners grow and thrive.
Junior Primary
From Reception, we focus on literacy and numeracy at every level, every day and balance core subjects and skill development in reading, comprehension, spelling, writing, Information Technology (IT), Science and Mathematics. Specialist classes are offered for Music, PE, Art, Religion and Values, and Chinese. This comprehensive approach provides our youngest students with the best possible foundation as they begin their primary schooling.
At Westminster, we believe in working with our families to provide students with a smooth transition into school when they are ready to do so. We are one of only a handful of South Australian schools that remain committed to offering mid-year Reception intake to suit all birth dates.
Primary
Throughout Years 3 to 6 we continue to intentionally build on the foundations of learning. Class teachers work closely with specialists for subjects including Music, Art, PE, IT, Languages and RAVE, while others provide support and extended learning for individual students, across all subject areas. Technology underpins activities in all years.
Both our Preparatory and Senior Schools are located on one spacious campus, allowing students to share outstanding teaching resources, performance venues and sporting facilities. Classes move to other key learning areas, such as the Haslam Library, Michael Murray Centre for Performing Arts, Sports and Swimming Centre and IT rooms, as required to suit the curriculum.
In the upper Primary years, there is a strengthened focus on leadership, community, independence and taking responsible risks. Specialist subject teachers work to build the creative and critical thinking process as learning becomes more specialised in preparation for Senior School. Our older primary-aged students also support our younger individuals through our House system and buddy programs. Students continue to have ready access to the staff and facilities that contribute to our extensive curriculum, structured to provide a diverse learning experience. To meet the technological requirements of a constantly evolving world, Year 5 and 6 students are included in our School’s personal laptop program.
Sport and other co-curriculars subjects are held on our School campus before school and after hours. The program includes service and performing arts, as well as activities that have an academic or philosophical focus, providing a wide range of opportunities to enrich each student’s experience.
Leadership
Our students are encouraged to develop independence and leadership qualities in all areas of their life. There are many opportunities for this at the Preparatory School, including Sport, Performing Arts, Tours, School Leadership positions in Year 6, Outdoor Education, and the House System.
In the Preparatory School, 20 of our Year 6 students are formally appointed to leadership positions via a student and teacher vote. These roles focus on School, community, and pastoral leadership. Additionally, all Year 6 students are expected to act as leaders of their student group. As such, all Year 6 students undertake 30 minutes per week of training in leadership, which encompasses aspects of self-awareness, as well as formal sessions unpacking leadership in general.
Senior School
Catering for Years 7 to 12, our Senior School is focused on preparing our students to be leaders, both now and through all phases of their life to come.