The differences continue, for example, all teachers instruct 8th - 12th grade. Of course, this is similar to the system at Whiting, but you must remember that Whiting is much smaller; there are over 1,200 students at Pearson. Additionally, all the educators teach more than one subject, i.e. English and Social Science. And, if this does not seem different enough, classes are not held at the same time every day. In other words, you may have English at 10:00 a.m. on a Monday, then you might have English the following day at 2:00 p.m.
I am happy to report that I made it through my first day, but still have a lot to learn and a lot to lean into. To me, the environment seems to be in a constant state of flux and commotion. With so many transitions between students, subjects and schedules, I have found myself becoming necessarily flexible.
What seems to contradict the ever-changing schedules, however, is the discipline applied to conduct. At Pearson, all students are required to wear a uniform composed of a button-down shirt, a tie, a blazer, slacks/skirts and dress shoes. All students are also subject to “neatness checks,” which ensure students’ hygiene and alignment with the student handbook. Furthermore, educators are always greeted in the hallways, before entering the classroom, and before leaving the classroom with “Good morning/afternoon Ma’am/Sir,” and failure to address an educator is frowned upon. Customs like this create an atmosphere that is highly respectful and serious. Of course, this contrasts the “alternative,” more casual approach that Whiting has adopted, but Pearson’s traditional approach is revered and sought after across Gqeberha.
