Clubs & Societies
Pembroke is home to a wide range of clubs and societies which students can get involved in alongside their academic work. It is important to have an interest that gets you out of the library every so often, to bring some balance to your week and refresh your enthusiasm for study.
If there isn't already something on offer that appeals, don't be put off. Every year we see students starting new clubs or societies, and financial support from College donations is available where groups put forward suggestions for new activities - below is just a sample of the opportunities available.
University level clubs are open to all Pembroke students, providing an even greater choice.
THE JCR ART COLLECTION
- Pembroke was the first of the Oxford Colleges to have an art collection owned by its JCR, which is displayed in the Pembroke JCR Art Gallery located at 5 Brewer Street, OX1 1QN.
- The JCR Art Collection is a focal point of the College and public openings, exclusive exhibitions and speaker events are regularly hosted.
- Artwork is also lent to students to display in their rooms.
- The Collection was set up in 1947 by undergraduate Anthony Emery and is now considered one of the best collections of post World War II paintings in the country.
- Find out more about gallery opening times, the history of the Collection and current events at www.pembrokejcrart.org
JCR ART FUND GEORGE JENKIN PRIZE
The Pembroke College JCR Art Fund Collection is dedicated to supporting student artists, especially those in the early stages of their career. In Hilary Term, submissions are invited for the George Jenkin Prize, where entrants are tasked with illustrating a poem as chosen by our judges, who are Pembroke fellows.
JCR ART FUND ARTS WEEK EXHIBITION PRIZES
During 'Arts Week' in Trinity Term each year, the JCR Art Fund Collection hosts an exhibition of student art work in the gallery. This exhibition provides a platform for artists within the College who may or may not be studying art as their main subject and is judged by an external art expert. Prizes are given to the best three works.
Pembroke has a strong reputation for music and performance and its students - whatever their subject - are encouraged to explore their skills and interests.
People
- The JCR has Music and Drama Reps who coordinate an active programme of events throughout the academic year.
- Our Music Director, Mark Wilson, oversees all College and Chapel music, working with the Organ Scholars in the growth and development of the Chapel Choir.
Facilities
- The Pichette Auditorium provides a modern and spacious performance recital space housing our Steinway D piano
- Our Chapel is home to one of only three Létourneau Organs in the UK.
Students can get involved with:
- Pembroke College Music Society (PCMS)
- Our non-auditioned choir
- The Orchestra and Jazz Band
- Pembroke Chapel Choir
- In recent years the choir has toured or performed in Tuscany, Tallinn, Milan and Paris, as well as engagements in Oxford and weekly participation in Pembroke Chapel Services
- The choir has members from other colleges and the city of Oxford, as well as Christ Church School choristers, and membership is open to all who, after singing at a short audition, can commit to weekly rehearsals and performances
- Weekly lunchtime recitals hosted by PCMS
- Featuring current students, alumni and professional musicians who are invited to perform in the Pichette Auditorium or Chapel
- Pantomimes, musicals, operas and outdoor plays throughout the year
Support Fund for Performing Arts
Pembroke has a College Support Fund for the Performing Arts, with grants between £100 and £500 to support students who demonstrate financial difficulty and need assistance with the cost of taking part in University-wide, high-level music or drama.
Instrumental Award
This award, worth £300, is open to all 1st year undergraduates reading any subject (apart from the Organ Scholar). The Award is made on the basis of a recital of up to 20 minutes, consisting of one or more pieces. Any instrument, apart from the organ and including the voice, may be offered.
Learn more about Organ Scholarships and Choral Awards here.
SPORT AT PEMBROKE
- Pembroke boasts a huge range of sports clubs, and has its own sports ground a 10 minute walk from the College, consisting of two football pitches, a rugby pitch, two cricket nets, two grass tennis courts, three hard tennis/netball courts and a pavilion.
- Pembroke boat house is also located close by and includes a basic gym and bar facilities.
- There is a PureGym a stone's throw from Pembroke on St Ebbe's Street for those who would like to join a professional gym - they generally offer good discounts at the beginning of the academic year.
- Students returning early at the start of term for University-level (or higher, e.g. national squad) training camps will be eligible for a 50% discount on the nightly rate for their College room.
ROWING AT PEMBROKE
Pembroke College Boat Club is Pembroke’s largest student organisation and one of the most successful boat clubs in the college rowing scene.
In the last 20 years PCBC has had more women’s and men’s boats in the top three positions on the river than any other college. We are also the first and only boat club to have held both the Men’s and the Women’s Summer VIIIs Head of the River in 2003. We are a high achieving club, with members rowing for University and National Squads, but are also all-inclusive, welcoming members of all rowing levels and commitments.
Every year we recruit as many students as we can and introduce them to rowing. We are proud to wear Pembroke Pink while representing our College and aim to add a strong scholar-athlete dynamic to our College community.
Visit the PCBC website here for more information.
GETTING INVOLVED
- Even if you don’t play sport to a particularly high level, Pembroke has a lot to offer. Anyone can take part and it is common for students to try out a completely new sport whilst at Oxford - there are so many on offer and novices are welcome in all clubs.
- Most sports have two competitions which run simultaneously: a League competition and an intercollegiate competition know as “Cuppers”.
THE SIR ROGER BANNISTER SCHOLARSHIP
The Sir Roger Bannister Scholarship (named for the College's former Master) is an annual award worth up to £1,000 and is awarded to an undergraduate in any subject who, in the opinion of the Senior Tutor, has shown excellent all round performance in both academic and sporting activities.
FITZ AWARDS FOR SPORTS (undergraduate & graduate)
Rodney Fitzgerald (1942), or Fitz, was a senior Lloyds insurance broker in the City of London and a sportsman all his life. Always fond of Pembroke and keen to encourage excellence in sport, he left a sizeable bequest to the College on his death in 2012 to provide funding for students to reward sporting achievement.
Blue / Half Blue
Students at Pembroke awarded a Blue or Half Blue by the University Blues Committee will receive £150 for a Blue and £100 for a Half Blue. When awarded a Blue/Half Blue, please contact the Academic Support Officer to claim your award.
College Colours
Each year in Trinity term the Captains of Pembroke's sports teams nominate typically two or three leading players of their choice from their teams, with a particular focus on those in their final year of study, to receive 'College Colours'. Recipents also receive £25.
Sportsperson of the Year
The Sportsperson of the Year award is presented annually. The recipient is selected in consultation with the JCR and MCR and will be awarded £250 at the end of Trinity Term.
Fitz Awards
To be eligible for a Fitz Award, students should be taking part in a sport at a high level, typically at University level or above. Awards will be made to compensate for the cost of equipment, subscriptions, accommodation, travel expenses, etc. The minimum award will be £100 and although there is no official maximum it is unlikely that awards will exceed £500. An email inviting applications for a Fitz Award is sent out in Hilary Term each year.
Oxford University Journalism
- Students at Pembroke regularly write for a wide range of Oxford University student publications, including The Oxford Student (OxStu) and The Cherwell.
- In many cases, these experiences have led to further journalistic opportunities and have prepared students for long-term careers in journalism.
The Pink Times
- Founded in 2015, The Pink Times is a Pembroke College student publication featuring student news, updates, events, competitions and photos.
- Edited by two current students - one of whom is the JCR Publications rep - The Pink Times is intended to showcase and promote the friendliness and inclusivity of the College community, celebrating the achievements of those at Pembroke.
