Curriculum
Our 2026 School Learning Plan outlines the key priorities that shape our teaching, wellbeing and community work: Literacy Growth, Predictable Routines for Learning, Cultural Framework, and Aboriginal Voice.
Embedding Culture Through Curriculum
We are developing a whole-school Cultural Framework that strengthens Aboriginal perspectives across the curriculum from Reception to Year 12. This includes daily Kaurna language use, the 8 Aboriginal Ways of Learning, and curriculum planning that places Aboriginal knowledge at the forefront. Students are supported to build pride in their identity, connect to Country, and develop respectful relationships grounded in culture and community.
Visit curriculum in South Australia for more information.
Strengthening Literacy R–12
We are committed to improving reading outcomes for every child through evidence-based literacy practices. This includes structured reading blocks, small-group instruction, and interventions such as InitiaLit, PLD, MiniLit, and MaqLit, paired with strong phonemic awareness programs (Heggerty and PreLit). Teachers work collaboratively to ensure consistency in guided reading and literacy expectations across the school, with a focus on early literacy foundations and continued growth in Years 7–12.
Safe, Predictable and Trauma-Informed Learning Environments
Student wellbeing is at the heart of our work. Our staff are trained in trauma-informed practices, including the Berry Street Education Model, and implement Consistent Predictable Routines to ensure every child feels safe, regulated and ready to learn. We embed interoception, whole-school routines, and relational approaches such as circles and wellbeing supports to help students develop resilience, emotional regulation, and a strong sense of belonging.
Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum
The Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum (KS:CPC) is required for all children and young people in our school. It’s taught each year by teachers who have completed a full-day KS:CPC training course.
It teaches children to:
- recognise abuse and tell a trusted adult about it
- understand what touching is appropriate and inappropriate
- understand ways of keeping themselves safe.
Visit Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum information for parents and carers for more information.
Kaurna Language and Cultural Studies
Kaurna Language is central to students’ sense of identity, connection and belonging. At Kaurna Plains School, students learn Kaurna Language from Reception to Year 12, guided by the Kaurna Language Scope and Sequence and the SACE Revival Languages Framework. Learning is grounded in formulaic language approaches, where students develop authentic, grammatically correct phrases that are used in meaningful contexts. Teaching includes story, song, Dreaming, play, learning on Country, family experiences, cultural knowledge and much more, supporting students to use language with purpose and confidence.
Aboriginal Context Across the Curriculum
Staff are supported to authentically embed Aboriginal perspectives and ways of learning across all learning areas. Professional learning, resources, co-planning support and access to Aboriginal expertise are provided in a developmental and culturally appropriate way, ensuring learning is responsive to student context and needs. This approach strengthens students’ identity, connection and sense of belonging, and ensures that by the time students leave the site they have a strong understanding of Aboriginal peoples, cultures, communities and histories, alongside the skills, capabilities and values required to be strong community members.
From 2026, this work will be strengthened through a Primary Cultural Education Program, where students engage in themed learning across terms led by an Aboriginal teacher, providing specialist guidance, rich teaching and learning opportunities, and deeper cultural understanding.