The Curriculum
Lower School: Years 2, 3, 4
In the lower school we aim to provide a broad based curriculum, encompassing the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science, together with History, Geography, Art, Music, Religious Studies, French, Kiswahili, Information and Communication Technology, Swimming, Physical Education and Personal and Social Education. All subjects are taught with a close reference to the British National Curriculum. English Mathematics and Science are taught as separate subjects, but History and Geography are presented as Topic Work.
Most afternoons, after lessons, our junior pupils join the rest of the school for Games; learning to play the major sports with our team of dedicated coaching staff. They will often participate in matches against other schools at U9 level.
The Lower School is a happy and busy environment where each and every child is valued, cared-for and nurtured. Developing the whole child is very important to us and we pride ourselves in the way we nurture children in our care, both academically and pastorally.
The children are taught in mixed ability groups of approximately 16 pupils. The Lower school begins with Class R2 where there are usually a few younger Year 1 pupils along with those in Year 2 pupils. A classroom Assistant works alongside and supports the class teacher. Children are taught with careful attention to their individual abilities and pace, with emphasis on acquiring those vital early skills in reading, writing and mathematics.
Through Years 3 and 4 there is continued emphasis on reading, writing and mathematics, reading being practised on a one-to-one basis daily for each child.
At the end of the Michaelmas Term there is the Lower School Nativity Play. Throughout the year each class will go on a form trip, usually to a farm or conservancy to combine educational value with outdoor pursuits.
We realize that this is a magical age at which the right teachers are vital, and thus our carefully-selected teachers also offer exemplary attitudes to all aspects of school life – social, sport, academic and in the arts.
Above all we have plenty of fun in the Lower School. Life here is busy and purposeful but also incorporates much laughter during the course of every day.
Middle School: Years 5 and 6
In the middle school children are taught by subject: with different teachers for each subject, and thus they begin to learn to be well-organised: to be in the right place and the right time and with the right books. They are divided into two parallel forms of mixed abilities in each year, with academic streaming for Mathematics and Science.
French is formally taught at this level, while most children start Latin. However those who are less academically inclined towards Latin may take Classical Studies and Kiswahili instead.
Life may become a little more serious in the middle school, but the children still have the time and space to explore their individual talents and it is often at this level that they start to excel in a particular area, be it drama, music, sport, academics, or art, or a combination, or even in all areas.
Senior School: Years 7 and 8
In the Senior School pupils are streamed into two forms in each year. This allows all children to perform at the speed that suits them best and enables a very individual approach to be offered to every child. The upper stream is able to cater for potential academic scholars whilst the normal stream is fully focused on Common Entrance.
The seniors continue to experience a fully-rounded education taught by subject-specialist staff. We build on the structures, attitudes and aptitudes developed in the previous years and thoroughly prepare the children for a fruitful continuing education.
The curriculum in Years 7 and 8 are largely, though not entirely, planned according to the Scholarship and Common Entrance requirements of the leading UK independent senior schools although we do most certainly consider the needs of those going to schools in South Africa, Kenya or indeed elsewhere. Pembroke has a remarkable record of ensuring that all children progress to their first choice School whether this is as the result of a Scholarship or Exhibition or through Common Entrance.
Their lives are busy: many of the children manage to combine being prefects or dormitory prefects with team sports, music and Lamda exams, and the busy schedule of Common Entrance, with going on to achieve scholarships and awards to their next schools whether they be in the UK, Kenya or South Africa.
In year 8, after examinations are over pupils can enjoy their last weeks with their Pembroke friends doing a variety of trips which include to Nairobi, to farms, ranches and game reserves and to the coast. Pembroke House pupils are always encourage to remember those less fortunate than themselves in Kenya, and having participated in a variety of activities to raise money for and assist locally disadvantaged children, one of the highlights for leavers is their trip to Gilgil’s mentally handicapped school.
Climbing Mt Kenya is also a final and special achievement for Year 8’s.
PREPS
Year 4 – begin with half an hour of prep, once a week (Tuesdays).
Year 5 – half an hour of prep each night of the week, covering English, Maths, Science and French.
Years 6, 7 and 8 – 2 half hour sessions of prep each night of the week, covering English, Maths, Science, French, History, Geography, Latin and RS.
Wednesday single reading prep – a half hour session of prep for Years 5 to 8 to catch up with any work or read a book.
