Learn at Wellesley
Where curious minds become confident learners through hands-on discovery and genuine relationships.
Our philosophy
Excellence at Wellesley is multidimensional. Academic rigour coexists with cultural richness and physical vitality; and each is valued equally. We believe strong relationships are the cornerstone of effective learning. Teachers know their students through genuine connections that acknowledge each boy’s strengths and individuality.
In this safe, inclusive environment, every student feels seen, heard and inspired to grow. Learning here is experienced, lived and shared. We are preparing confident, resilient thinkers who tackle challenges creatively.
Specialist teaching
Expert teachers in our specialist areas — Arts, STEM, PE, French and library — ignite passions from Year 1.
Additional opportunities
Beyond the classroom, boys explore their talents through sports, arts, languages, digital technology and student-led clubs.
Our teaching structure
Wellesley is divided into three syndicates: Years 1-4, Years 5-6, and Years 7-8, with dedicated head teachers ensuring smooth transitions as boys advance. Our classroom teachers deliver the core subjects, based on the New Zealand Curriculum, with an unwavering focus on the foundations of literacy and numeracy. We use integrated inquiry to connect learning to real-world themes.
From Year 1, specialist teachers add their expertise in physical education, visual arts, performing arts, STEM and French. Our librarian and learning support team provide additional layers of support. This structure means boys receive expert instruction across all areas while classroom teachers can focus on core academic skills. Weekly timetables balance variety with routine, intensive learning with active breaks, keeping boys engaged and interested throughout their day.
Unique learning journeys
Learning at Wellesley is intentional and responsive to each student. We teach boys how to learn, not just what to learn, building a toolbox of skills for lifelong success. Through meaningful tasks and real-world problems, students become agents of their own learning journey.
Whether progressing rapidly or requiring additional support, each boy advances at his own pace through meaningful learning and genuine mastery. We encourage boys to take risks, have a go, and persevere, knowing that is how they will discover their full potential.
Goals, feedback and growth
Feedback drives learning forward. Regular teacher-student conferencing strives to develop student agency, providing boys with a clear understanding of where they are at and what their next steps are, enabling them to be agents of their own learning journeys. Students take ownership through setting specific, measurable goals with their teachers. They understand their next steps and celebrate progress along the way
In addition, parent teacher meetings, formal reports and weekly emails keep parents updated on what is taking place at school and how their son is progressing. We utilise the online Seesaw platform, enabling us to acknowledge, celebrate and share achievements with family.
This partnership approach involving boys, teachers and families ensures every student knows where he is going and how to get there. Regular communication means no surprises, just steady growth and building confidence as boys master new skills.
Building independent and creative thinkers
We seek to shape students who can face challenges creatively, tackle problems confidently, and communicate collaboratively. Our approach develops 21st-century skills alongside traditional academics: critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability and resilience. Through integrated inquiry and hands-on learning, boys connect knowledge across subjects and see how learning applies to life.
By teaching students how they learn best, we are creating independent thinkers who question, create and contribute. Wellesley boys are ready for secondary school and whatever future they choose.
Learning Support
Our mission is allowing each student to excel while celebrating his unique strengths and needs, helping him reach his potential. The Learning Support team collaborates with teachers and families to support academics, behaviour, and social-emotional development.
Support might happen in class or in small groups, one-on-one with a specialist, or through carefully adapted learning programmes. Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are developed collaboratively with whānau and teachers, ensuring everyone works together toward shared goals. Regular communication between staff means we can respond quickly to changing needs and celebrate progress along the way.
We maintain strong links with specialists including psychologists, occupational therapists and speech therapists, and can access Ministry of Education funding for Assistive Technology when required. Whether your son is gifted, faces learning challenges, or is twice-exceptional, we have pathways for success. Every boy deserves to discover what he is capable of.
Gifted and Talented (Pūmanawa)
Wellesley is blessed with many high achieving students, some assessed as gifted. It is ‘cool’ to do well at Wellesley.
Pūmanawa is Te Reo Māori for strength in learning or giftedness. The Pūmanawa specialist learning programme allows recognised boys to be extended and enriched in small, like-minded learning workshops that cater towards their individual learning, social, and emotional needs.
We take a broad, flexible approach towards discovering boys who might benefit from Pūmanawa. This may include discussions and input from classroom teachers, parents, assessment data, formal reports, student and peer reflections and other extended whānau and community members.
Pūmanawa workshops are tailored to the passions, strengths and the learning, social and emotional needs of the boys. The programme opens doors to new opportunities. This includes such events and competitions like the Kids’ Lit Quiz, Hutt Science STEMM Competition and EPro8.
The goal is to encourage deep and rich learning for our boys and inspire their future achievements.