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Students looking to expand their horizons in technology have state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional opportunities to explore at Pembroke, including Pedal Prix and VEX Robotics.

Human Powered Vehicle Program (Pedal Prix)

Pedal Prix is the racing of human-powered, three-wheel recumbent trikes as members of a team working together under race conditions. Pembroke has participated in Pedal Prix since its inception in 1985, with many keen and dedicated Pembroke Pedal Prix teams taking out state and national-level competitions in that time.

Our Pedal Prix program is open to students in Year 7 – 12. The annual Pedal Prix series includes races in Mount Gambier, Loxton, Adelaide, Busselton (WA) and Murray Bridge.

Collaboration and teamwork are developed as Pedal Prix team members are encouraged to attend weekly “build” sessions throughout the year. At Pembroke’s Art, Science and Technology building at 3 Shipsters Road our students can conceptualise, design, build and paint their Pedal Prix cars – developing an excellent understanding of engineering and mechanics relating to vehicle performance.

Pedal Prix workshop

VEX Robotics

VEX is the largest and fastest-growing robotics competition, and currently Pembroke has the leading school team in Australia.

In both 2020 and 2021, Pembroke students will represent Australia in the VEX World Championships. In 2021 Pembroke were Division Champions and were recognised as one of the top 32 teams in the World.

Robotics is a popular co-curricular activity at Pembroke that engages students’ collaboration skills and problem-solving abilities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. VEX Robotics is offered to all students in Years 7 to 11 and includes the use of VEX robots, fabrication of components and programming using various programming languages.

FIRST Robotics

Pembroke is the only school in South Australia with a FIRST Robotics Competition team: Team Koalafied.

Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science, technology and business, the FIRST Robotics competition is known as the ultimate sport for the mind. Middle and Senior School student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have.” FIRST Robotics is open to students from Years 7 to 12.

Under strict rules, limited time and resources, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team brand, run marketing and media campaigns, hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. Each season ends with an exciting FIRST Championship. Parental and family involvement is not only encouraged but is essential to the team success.

Each year over 3,600 teams worldwide are challenged with a different task. In 2020 the game is called Infinite Recharge.