Curriculum
Our experienced and caring teachers take a holistic approach to inspire curiosity and critical thinking, nurturing students to learn and grow.
We believe learning comes to life when we inquire into and solve real problems that make a difference and enrich our world. By fostering a contemporary learning mindset, we strive to create a haven that honours and nurtures the whole child.
Image of the Child
At St John’s Lutheran School, we are deeply inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which emphasises the ‘Image of the Child’. This perspective shapes how we view, interact with, and support our students throughout their learning journey.
We believe children are naturally curious, creative, and competent. They have an incredible ability to co-construct their journey of discovery as they make sense of and actively shape the world around them.
We honour and uplift children’s voices, recognising the invaluable input they bring to their learning experiences. We understand that children thrive in an environment that acknowledges their holistic nature – spiritual, physical, academic, social, and emotional. When their needs are met, children truly flourish.
Educators and the environment play a crucial role in a child’s development. Children are deeply influenced by their surroundings and the relationships they build at home and school. We value our community and believe that contemporary and inclusive practices enrich both children and their learning experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
We support the ‘Image of the Child’ through:
- Fostering a love of learning and the values of curiosity and wonder.
- Using the power of play to stimulate physical, social and emotional growth.
- Smart play uniforms that allow students to feel comfortable and free to move and express themselves, which helps them learn effectively.
- Co-designing learning spaces designed with children in mind, considering factors like lighting, sensory input, and furniture arrangement to create a focused and successful learning environment.
Lower Primary
Foundation to Year 2 are the building blocks on which lifelong learning is built. Our dedicated and passionate teachers take the time to truly know each child—understanding their interests, personalities, and most importantly, where they’re at academically and socially. We place a strong emphasis on learning through play, fostering curiosity while building essential literacy and numeracy skills.
By understanding each child’s unique needs, we craft individualised learning pathways that nurture not just academic knowledge, but also communication, self-management, and social skills. If additional support is needed, our school is well-equipped to provide it, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. We believe learning should extend beyond the classroom, and we encourage our young students to explore and engage with the world around them through meaningful community connections.
Middle Primary
In Middle Primary, students build upon the foundational skills developed in Lower Primary, deepening their understanding of essential concepts like numeracy, literacy, and social interactions. They begin to see how their learning connects to the broader world, developing into curious investigators and effective communicators, while nurturing critical and creative thinking.
Our individualised approach ensures that each student is supported in their journey to becoming principled, courageous, and reflective individuals, ready to take risks in their learning. We emphasize both classroom learning and real-world experiences, encouraging students to engage with their community and environment as they continue to grow academically, socially, personally, and spiritually.
Upper Primary
The final years of primary school at St John’s are all about empowering students to embrace the future with confidence and purpose. We see Upper Primary as a time for students to further develop essential skills and to reason critically, collaborate, and embrace challenges with creativity and resilience.
To ensure a smooth and exciting transition into secondary school, we have built strong relationships with local high schools including Faith Lutheran College, Kapunda High and Eudunda Area School. We work alongside the secondary schools to organise visits and orientation activities to help our students feel prepared and enthusiastic about the next step in their learning journey.
Creating Connections
At St John’s, we are dedicated to nurturing the ‘whole child’—academically, socially, and spiritually. Our school Care Coordinator plays an active role in fostering strong connections between parents, students, and staff.
Through our network of Class Carers, coordinated by the Care Coordinator, we strengthen the bonds within our school community. Our Pastoral Care program offers a comprehensive support system, including parenting information, social skills development, and assistance in areas such as grief and loss. By building a caring and connected community, we ensure that every child feels supported and valued throughout their educational journey.
