Curriculum and Teaching

Pilgrim School continues to deliver the Australian Curriculum from a Christian worldview, integrating biblical principles throughout all teaching and learning.
In 2024, our staff engaged deeply with professional learning and instructional refinement, ensuring that every student is supported to thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
A major focus for the year was the implementation of evidence-based pedagogical approaches aligned with the Science of Learning. Teaching staff were supported through structured training and coaching to apply explicit instruction principles across year levels. These practices were further strengthened through the introduction of a Pilgrim Playbook, outlining a shared language and method for high-impact teaching. Coaching roles were formalised for 2024, with key staff taking leadership in mentoring and modelling best practice.
Key curriculum enhancements included the adoption of:
- Prime Mathematics - a structured program supporting deep mathematical understanding and fluency
- The Jocelyn Seamer Literacy approach - an evidence-based sequence for building strong reading and writing foundations.
Our wellbeing and pastoral approach has also been embedded through curriculum, with the whole-school launch of the Friendology program. This initiative empowers students to build positive relationships and resilience through a shared relational framework. All staff participated in training, ensuring a consistent approach across the school.
In line with our commitment to cultural awareness and reconciliation, staff completed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency training, and the school’s Reconciliation Action Plan was reviewed and re-approved through Narragunnawali.
Learning at Pilgrim is enriched through co-curricular and competition-based opportunities. In 2024, students participated in:
- The Oliphant Science Awards
- The Premier’s Reading Challenge and beActive Challenge
- The Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge
- A variety of SACSA and SAPSASA sporting events
- Staff-led Flourish Enrichment activties in lunch breaks.
Pilgrim School also continued to offer language learning beyond the classroom through our partnership with the School of Languages, with both Mandarin and Auslan classes available after school.
In the Early Years, our Little Explorers at Pilgrim (LEAP) school readiness program was strengthened to support Foundation entry, and our Belong and Blossom Playgroup expanded to meet high demand. Operating two mornings a week, this initiative has become a valuable connection point for current families, prospective enrolments, and the wider community.
Throughout all curriculum planning and delivery, our focus remains on helping each child flourish - equipped with the knowledge, faith, and character to explore their world with confidence and compassion.