IB PYP

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) is a respected curriculum framework applied in hundreds of schools around the world.


The IB PYP centres around the recognition of a child’s natural curiosity, creativity and ability to reflect.

The programme is underpinned by inquiry-based learning experiences that engage children in critical and creative thinking. It generates a stimulating, challenging learning environment to nurture the whole child and foster a lifelong love of learning for all. The IB PYP is transdisciplinary, meaning students learn across subject areas while inquiring into big ideas.

ELC student with magnifying glass alongside other students at Adelaide Botanic Garden July 26
Junior School students with garden bed Nov 25

Curriculum

IB PYP Curriculum

Students explore significant concepts through units of inquiry which authentically interweave ideas and skills from relevant subject areas such as:

  • Personal, Social and Physical Education
  • Language
  • Social Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Arts
  • Science

At Pembroke, students from Years 1 to 6 delve into six different units of inquiry each year while ELC and Reception students explore four. Each unit is organised under a transdisciplinary theme to bridge the boundaries of traditional subject disciplines which are more developmentally appropriate for middle and senior school students.

The transdisciplinary themes are:

  • How We Express Ourselves
  • Who We Are
  • Where We Are in Place and Time
  • How We Organise Ourselves
  • Sharing the Planet
  • How the World Works

Developing Knowledge, Skills and Compassion

Each transdisciplinary theme has a central idea, lines of inquiry and focus concepts, questions and attitudes. The knowledge and skills articulated in the Australian Curriculum are mapped across the units of inquiry and exposed in a meaningful context.

The IB encourages students to develop a strong sense of the world around them and their ongoing responsibility to it. While Pembroke views knowledge and skills as essential elements of learning, we also aim to provide students with the time to think and develop conceptual understandings and attitudes that inspire them to act on their learning.

The IB PYP culminates in the Year 6 Exhibition where students showcase their deep learnings by investigating issues close to their hearts as they shape a hopeful future together.

Year 6 IB PYP Exhibition

Our Student Journey

Our Student Journey

Learning

Junior School

Our vibrant Junior School nurtures young hearts and minds from our Early Learning Centre through to Year 6.
Learning

Middle School

Our Middle School for Years 7 to 10 enshrines our strong belief that when adolescents enjoy their learning, they thrive.
Learning

Senior School

Our Senior School is a young adult pre-university environment that prepares Year 11 and 12 students for life beyond school.
Community

Boarding

Pembroke School has a proud history of boarding, welcoming students from around Australia and the world to their home away from home.
Community

Old Scholars

A global community of more than 17,000 old scholars represents Pembroke and our founding institutions Girton Girls’ School and King’s College.

Our Vision

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.