Middle School
Our Middle School for Years 7 to 10 enshrines our strong belief that when adolescents enjoy their learning, they thrive.
These crucial years are a time for personal discovery, and at Pembroke, we support each student to explore both prior and emerging passions, interests and capabilities.
Pembroke provides a dynamic learning environment in which all students are encouraged to think, create, explore their curiosity, self-manage, engage in positive risk-taking and reflect on their learning.
We believe our approach enables our young people to grow and develop academically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. It is a time where they can reaffirm their place in the world, or reimagine themselves in a safe and supportive setting.
Curriculum
Middle School Curriculum
Based on our King’s Campus, our Middle School students are supported in their learning by enthusiastic skilled teachers, exceptional facilities and quality resources. The curriculum in our Middle School includes a rich offering of core disciplines and specialist subjects that provide the foundation for a successful transition to our Senior School.
Language learning is a highlight with options including Mandarin Chinese, French, German and Spanish, all of which can be continued through to Year 12. In addition, students can elect to study Kaurna – the Indigenous language of the Adelaide region.
Our Middle School students enjoy regular learning within our Shipsters Road Building, a world-class education facility for Art, Science, Design and Digital Technology.
As students begin to contemplate life beyond school, they are supported by our bespoke career education program Future Pathways which provides tailored advice and guidance.
Our Head of Middle School, Lawrence Pascale
Student Wellbeing
Each student is allocated to a House and Home Group where their dedicated Home Group Teacher accompanies them across Years 7 to 9 or Years 10 to 12. The eight Houses provide welcoming, nurturing and reliable spaces for pastoral, service, sporting and cultural pursuits alongside vibrant outdoor education activities.
With wellbeing and pastoral care at the forefront, students are further guided by a robust Health Program across Years 7 to 9, and Year 10 students commence our Social, Emotional and Personal Development (SEPD) Program which flows through to Year 12.
Outdoor Education
Our Outdoor Education Program complements the academic and co-curricular life of the School by providing enjoyment of and respect for the outdoors, sustainability and social and personal development.
The outdoor education base for the Middle School is Old Watulunga, Pembroke’s own 17-hectare property on the Finniss River just over an hour’s drive south of Adelaide where Years 7, 8 and 10 participate in age-appropriate camps featuring kayaking, sailing, bushwalking, rock climbing and orienteering.
Year 9 students enjoy a camp on Yorke Peninsula, with activities including coastal exploration, bushwalking and aquatic pursuits.
Leadership and Service
Middle School students are encouraged to recognise character strengths in their peers and to develop their own.
Our Year 10 Student Voice Executive (SVE) and Years 7 to 9 Student Voice Representatives (SVR) are integrally involved in student governance and leadership in the Middle School. They speak at weekly assemblies and in House and Home Group meetings, lead tour groups, assist at Junior School sporting events, and champion the Causes Project which upholds advocacy, awareness-raising, philanthropy and action for those in need.
While we are proud of our formal student leadership programs and their participants, at Pembroke, we passionately believe that everyone has the capacity to lead and serve, irrespective of titles or badges. We instil in all of our learners that every act of kindness is leadership, every defence of dignity is leadership and every voice that enters the arena to build solutions is leadership.
Personal Tours
Personal Tours can be arranged for families who are unable to attend an Open Day or a Small Group Tour, or who prefer a more personalised experience.
Personal Tours are highly recommended for families wishing to explore our Senior School or Boarding.
To arrange a visit, please contact the Admissions Department via admissions@pembroke.sa.edu.au or +61 8 8366 6217.
Our Vision
Free to be ourselves and find our place as we shape a hopeful future.
Pembroke’s story began in 1974 when two single-sex schools united behind the power of co-education.
Our unique learning and caring culture fosters equality of opportunity for all, making us stronger together.