Senior School
Our Senior School is a young adult pre-university environment that prepares Year 11 and 12 students for life beyond school.
The culture of our Senior School is deeply collaborative, with staff and students working together towards achieving specific academic and personal goals.
Based on our Girton Campus, senior students access services, harness resources and take part in programs specifically designed to meet the needs of emerging adults. They are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and progression, to pursue individual excellence and to develop as a whole person.
Year after year, our students achieve exceptional results across the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP), setting firm foundations for careers and lives of purpose and fulfilment.
See our Senior School for yourself on a Personal Tour – to arrange a visit, contact our Admissions Department via admissions@pembroke.sa.edu.au or +61 8 8366 6217.
Curriculum
Curriculum
Senior students can select from two study pathways: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) or the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).
SACE
The South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) is a high quality, internationally recognised pre-university qualification awarded upon successful completion of senior secondary schooling. Each year, many of our SACE students also choose to study one or more IB subjects, university courses or Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses.
IB Diploma Programme
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) is a globally respected and recognised pre-university qualification that provides an alternative to the SACE.
Co-Curricular Activities
The majority of our senior students also choose to take part in the breadth of co-curricular activities on offer at Pembroke, reflecting the spirited culture of this thriving learning environment.
Our Head of Senior School, Alexandra Piggott
Future Pathways
Future Pathways and Career Planning
As the majority of our students will ultimately enrol in university, some seize the opportunity to complete one of more semesters of university studies while at school.
Students may also prepare for the workforce or for studies in technical and further education via Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses offered alongside or embedded in SACE subjects.
Course selection and career planning are a key focus in our Senior School where students are supported by our bespoke career education program Future Pathways.
Wellbeing
Wellbeing and Pastoral Care
Wellbeing and pastoral care are fundamental to Senior School at Pembroke. The individual learning and care of each student is overseen through the Home Group system and supported by the House system. Year 11 and 12 students are separated for Home Group to intentionally focus on the specific needs of these two cohorts, with combined Home Group Teacher, Head of House and Year Level Coordinator care. The Home Group Teacher is the key link between home and school, remaining with the same group of students across Years 10 to 12 to build strong relationships, a deep understanding of each individual and continuity of care.
To support wellbeing, all students undertake a carefully crafted Social, Emotional and Personal Development (SEPD) course. In Year 11, this runs for the full year in addressing contemporary topics including physical health, wellbeing, seeking support, respectful and fulfilling relationships, ethics and financial literacy. In Year 12, the SEPD Program runs for the first semester, building capacity as students begin the transition out of schooling by exploring their rights and responsibilities as young citizens and maintaining healthy relationships. It also incorporates a Futures Thinking unit to prepare students as they step out of compulsory schooling into future pathways.
Leadership
Leadership and Service
Leadership opportunities are plentiful in Senior School, in particular through our Student Staff Executive (SSE) which is comprised of the School’s Captains and Vice Captains, Boarding Captains, Music Captains, Sports Captains and other student leaders.
As well as supporting with events such as the Senior School Formal, the SSE provides student voice and action on school matters and more global concerns such as the environment and social justice. It aims to empower and prepare our students to be change agents for a more hopeful future.
At Pembroke, we strongly encourage all of our students to lead and serve, irrespective of titles or badges, as we passionately believe that every young person has a voice and the capacity to make a positive difference in the world.
Visit Us
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 began when Girton Girls’ School and King’s College united behind the power of co-education.
Our unique learning and caring culture fosters equality of opportunity for all, making us stronger together.