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PEARSON HIGH SCHOOL
- Our Founder
Our founder, Mr L.P.V. Deary (b.12 March 1888 d. 26 March 1983) had a
dream of a parallel-medium school where English- and Afrikaans-speaking
learners would live, learn and play amicably together. We honour Mr Deary
on our Founder’s Day on the Friday of our Reunion weekend, in the school
hall named after him.
UNIQUENESS
Pearson High School, as the first parallel-medium academic High School in
Port Elizabeth, and one which is in close proximity to tertiary educational
institutions, is a unique institution. - The Motto
MAXIME DO OPERAM : I DO MY BEST ; I GIVE MY GREATEST EFFORT
PEARSON HIGH SCHOOL IS A PARALLEL-MEDIUM MULTI-CULTURAL
SCHOOL. WE CARE ABOUT OUR LEARNERS. - The School Song
The Pearson High, sing it out loudly,
The School where we all of us share
In doing our little bit proudly,
With energy, courage and care.
Our work in the school and the sportsfield
Efficient will always be found
And if we be tempted to yield,
Our hearts will respond to the sound
Of Pearsonites steadily forward.
So hold up your heads and be gay –
Though others press gallantly onward,
Let Pearsonites show them the way.Die Skoollied
Ons dink aan die toekomsgevare,
Die kanse om hoog te presteer,
Die skool rig ons oog op die ware,
Besiel ons om steeds te begeer
Die adel van eerlike arbeid,
Om reinheid van hart te bewaar.
As later die dag breek vir afskeid,
Dan sal ons ons pligte aanvaar.
Kom Pearson, ons strewe na vore,
Geesdriftig, gelukkig en bly!
Die voorbeeld van and’re tevore
Sal ons na oorwinning toe lei!
- Our Founder
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ACADEMIC / COURSES OF STUDY
Pearson offers a fairly wide choice of subjects that enable learners to go on to
tertiary institutions, or to continue with a career in business, or a trade.
Meetings are held each year for parents of Grade 9 learners to explain the choices
for the further education and training level. It is very important that the correct
choices be made at this stage, particularly with regard to later university entrance.
Learners are instructed in their mother tongue, except in subjects chosen by small
numbers of learners. Here classes are combined, but every effort is made to
explain everything in both languages of instruction.- Grade 10, 11, 12
GROUP 1 – English Home Language, English First Additional Language
GROUP 2 – Afrikaans Huistaal, Afrikaans Eerste Addisionele Taal, Xhosa Home Language
GROUP 3 – Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy
GROUP 4 – Life Orientation (Compulsory)
GROUP 5 – Physical Science, Business Studies, Computer Application Technology
Drama is offered as a subject by Linda-Louise Swain at a monthly fee.
GROUP 6 – Geography, Life Sciences, Accounting, Design, Engineering, Graphic Design
GROUP 7 – Information Technology, History, Business Studies, Accounting, Visual Art, Music, Drama - Grade 8 + 9
1. English Home Language
2. Afrikaans Eerste Addisionele Taal OR Afrikaans Huistaal
3. Natural Science
4. Mathematics
5. Technology
6. Life Orientation
7. Human and Social Sciences
8. Economic and Management Sciences
9. Creative Arts
10. Additional : Computer Literacy (CL), Timetable Sport (TTS), Library, Xhosa (Gr. 8), JOT - Timetable
The timetable runs on a 10-day cycle. There are six periods per day of approximately 50 minutes each. - General
1. Examinations are held in June and November. Grade 12 learners
write an examination in September, and Grades 8-11 write a
mini-exam series, which is written up to and including the
last day of term 3.
2. Tests are held during the first term. Progress Reports based on
these are sent out.
3. Control tests are written in terms 1, 2 and 3 during the
Wednesday test period.
4. Learners must have the necessary equipment for tests and exams
e.g. calculators, protractors, etc. No borrowing is allowed.
5. Cheating during exams or tests is regarded as a form of serious
misconduct. It is also an offence to be caught with notes in
one’s possession.
6. Every learner must have a homework diary. Work is entered for
the day it is due, not the day it is given. Parents are requested
to check these occasionally. - Academic Support Services
We are proud to offer our learners and parents the following after-hours
Academic Support Services, free of charge: MATHEMATICS | IT |
ACCOUNTING & EMS | ENGLISH | AFRIKAANS | PHYSICAL SCIENCES
Learners must consult the notices displayed in all classrooms for information
about venues and times.
WHO MAY ATTEND?… ANY LEARNERS FROM GRADE 8 – 12 WHO REQUIRE
INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE WITH ANY PROBLEM, OR ANY LEARNERS FROM
GRADES 8 – 12 WHO WISH TO DO THEIR HOMEWORK OR OTHER WORK IN
A QUIET ENVIRONMENT UNDER TEACHER SUPERVISION (ON AN ARRANGED
OR AD HOC BASIS).
Weekly peer tutoring by Grade 11 and 12 learners is offered exclusively for
Grade 8 learners. - Requirements for Academic Prizes + Awards
SUBJECT PRIZES
Grade 8: Based on March and June exam
Grade 9: Based on December and June exam
Grade 10: Based on March and June exam
Grade 11: Based on December and June exam (average)
Grade 12: Based on December, June & September exam (average)
The top 3 learners in each subject (must achieve minimum requirement for a prize.)CLASS PRIZES
As for subject prizes (The top 5 learners in each Grade.)ACADEMIC TIE: (Gr.11+12)
(Based on the last 3 consecutive exams written.)
Must achieve the minimum percentage required in all 3 exams.
Minimum requirement varies from subject to subject.
(about 85-90%)New learners who have written only one exam, or learners who have
changed subjects and have therefore written only one exam in the subject,
will be awarded a special prize for a subject/aggregate if the learner’s mark
is equal to or more than the marks of the learners placed in the top 3 or 5.
- Grade 10, 11, 12
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EXTRA-MURAL ACTIVITIES
- Sport
All learners are expected to attend Derby days. All learners are expected to
take part in at least one sport each term unless they are medically unfit. In
this case a doctor’s certificate must be handed in at the Sports Office.
All grade 8 learners are expected to take part in a team sport in the
winter months. This is essential to assist them in their orientation and
socialisation.
Learners are allowed to take part in sport outside the school such as judo,
badminton, sailing, etc. if it is played at provincial level, and provided that
official school sport commitments take preference.The following sports are offered by the school:
ATHLETICS
RUGBY
BIATHLON
CRICKET (Girls & Boys)
CROSS COUNTRY
SQUASH (Social only in SUMMER)
GOLF
SWIMMING
HOCKEY (Girls & Boys)
TENNIS
NETBALL
WATER POLO (Boys & Girls)
CYCLING
ARTISTIC SWIMMING
CHESS
CRICKET SCORING - Cultural Activities
The school recognises the need for learners to develop morally, socially and
culturally. The provision of clubs and societies depends on the availability of
teachers who have an interest in the various activities.CLUBS AND SOCIETIES INCLUDE:
PERFORMING ARTS CLUB
JUNIOR LEADERSHIP
DEBATING/ORATORY
INTERACT (service club)
PEARSONALITY
PET (environmental awareness)
DANCE SPORT
HANDS OF HOPE
AFRISAME
POETRY SOCIETY
SOUND AND LIGHTING
SERVICE CLUB
PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS CLUB
CHOIR
FIRST AID
COMPUTER CLUB
JOT
ART CLUB
DISCOVERY SOCIETY
NOMADS (hiking)
AACL YOUTH LEAGUE
#NoPlasticFantastic
FOOD LOVERS’ CLUB
LIBRARY CLUB
SCIENCE CLUB
ANGLING CLUB
DISCOVERY SOCIETY
GENTLEMEN’S CLUBIn addition learners are encouraged to participate in:
BUSINESS GAMES; JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT COURSES; JUNIOR CITY
COUNCIL; TAALBOND EXAMINATIONS; THE VARIOUS OLYMPIADS;
PRESIDENT’S AWARD; TOASTMASTERS; EXPO and any other activities
that are educationally rewarding.A School newspaper/magazine, ‘Pearsonality’, is produced three times a year
by the learners. Learners also contribute to the annual school magazine.There is a choir and members are able to audition for the E P Youth Choir.
We boast a full concert band, wind band, jazz band, a string ensemble, a
saxophone ensemble and a flute choir.
The school recognises the need for learners to develop morally, socially and
culturally. The provision of clubs and societies depends on the availability of
teachers who have an interest in the various activities. - Clubs + Societies
At the beginning of the year, learners will have the opportunity to decide
which clubs and societies they would like to join.
- Sport
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SCHOOL UNIFORM AND APPEARANCE OF LEARNERS
- UNIFORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM : The School Shop
The school shop is open Monday – Friday from 11:30 – 15:30 from
February to October. In November, December and January, the School Shop
is open from 08:30 to 15:30.
See the enclosed notice regarding the opening dates and times in December
and January. - Boys and Girls
POLICY REGARDING TIGHTS
AFTERNOON PRACTICES
The following stipulations apply to all sporting codes:
• Only BLACK tights may be worn i.e. no colour at all (stripes, logos, etc.).
• Tights may be worn only with PHS shorts/skirt/skort covering them.
In the gym the shorts/skirt/skort may be removed. After the gym session,
the shorts/skirt/skort must be put on again.
• The length of the tights must be the same as the PHS shorts/skirt/skort
(i.e. as available at the School Shop).No learner may enter or leave the school premises wearing only tights.SATURDAY MEETINGS AND MATCHES
ATHLETICS/CROSS COUNTRY
• Athletes must arrive at the track and leave after the meeting
in the official school tracksuit.
• Athletes may take part in the official black tights, as available
at the School Shop.BOYS
• Grey flannels
• Black belt with plain buckle
• Grey socks
• Plain black school lace-up shoes
(not suede; no coloured stitching).
• White long-sleeved or short-sleeved
shirt with tailored collar to be worn
with tie and blazer all year
• Regulation blazer must be worn.
• Pearson Tie
• Regulation school pullover with badge
is optionalGIRLS
SUMMER:
• Regulation green Tetrex six-gored skirt
• White short-sleeved shirt with badge
• White ankle socks
• Flat lace-up or T-bar black shoes
No suede shoes; no coloured stitching
• Regulation blazer must be worn
with the skirt
• Regulation school pullover with
badge is optional
WINTER:
• Official black six-gored skirt
• White shirt (long-sleeved) with
tailored collar
• Black pantihose
• Shoes, as for summer
• A tie and a blazer must be worn
An official jersey may be worn under
the blazer - Sport
BOYS
TTS/SQUASH
Pearson Sport Shirt, black Pearson shorts; Pearson tracksuit;
predominantly white sport shoes; black match shirtATHLETICS/CROSS COUNTRY/BIATHLON
Pearson Athletics top; Pearson Cross Country top;
white socks; black PHS Shorts;
Running shoes/spikes (athletics); Pearson tracksuitCRICKET
JUNIOR TEAMS: White/Cream longs; white socks;
white shoes/spikes; Pearson Cricket shirt (Admiral) (School
Shop); Australian Baggie Cap (PHS); PHS Cricket pullover
SENIOR TEAMS: Pearson Cricket Shirt (Admiral);
white socks; White or Cream Longs; white shoes/spikes; PHS
Cricket pullover; All teams to wear Australian Baggie Cap (PHS)SWIMMING/BIATHLON
Black costume; Pearson tracksuit; black towel; Pearson
swimming capTENNIS
Pearson Sport Shirt; black shorts;
white socks; white shoes; black match shirtRUGBY
Pearson Rugby Jersey; black shorts; Pearson Rugby socks;
Pearson tracksuit; Rugby boots; (All available at School
Shop); Pearson practice jersey; black Rugby shorts and
Pearson Rugby socks for practicesHOCKEY
Pearson Sport Shirt; Pearson long nylon socks; black shorts;
tracksuit; Hockey boots or shoes; 1st team (special kit);
PHS Hockey stickbag; black match shirtWATERPOLO
Official Pearson Water Polo costume; white Pearson shirt;
black Pearson shorts; Pearson tracksuit; black Pearson towelGIRLS
TTS/SQUASH
Pearson Sport Shirt; black Pearson shorts/skort; Pearson
tracksuit; predominantly white sport shoes; black match shirtATHLETICS/CROSS COUNTRY/BIATHLON
Pearson Athletics top; Pearson Cross Country top; Running
shoes/spikes (athletics); black PHS shorts; Pearson tracksuit;
white socksCRICKET
Pearson Cricket shirt, white/cream longs;
white shoes/spikes; PHS cap; PHS pull-overSWIMMING/BIATHLON
One-piece black speedo-type costume; Pearson tracksuit;
Pearson swimming cap; black towelTENNIS
Black skirt; Pearson Sport Shirt; white shoes;
white socks; black match shirtHOCKEY
White Pearson Sport Shirt; black Hockey skirt;
Pearson Hockey socks; Hockey shoes/boots;
PHS Hockey stickbag; black match shirtWATERPOLO
Official Pearson Water Polo costume; White Pearson sport
shirt; Black Pearson shorts; Pearson tracksuit; Green silicone
Pearson cap; black Pearson towelNETBALL
White Pearson Sport Shirt; black Netball skirt; white socks;
predominantly white sports shoes; black match shirt - Appearance
Boys
Neatness inspections are held at the beginning of each term and during
grade meetings. Learners are expected to adhere to the school neatness
policy at ALL TIMES.
• Hair must always be tidy and well-groomed; it may not touch the collar or
hang over the ears; the neck must be shaved; hair must not be too thick
on the sides, back or top and it must be tapered i.e. no distinct step or
parting; when the fringe is combed forward it may not touch the eyebrows;
sideburns must end at the middle of the ear.
THE HAIR-STYLE MUST NOT ATTRACT ATTENTION IN ANY WAY. NO
HIGHLIGHTS ALLOWED. LEARNERS MAY NOT CHANGE THE COLOUR OF THEIR
HAIR DURING THEIR HIGH SCHOOL CAREER. HAIR MUST BE CORRECT ON THE
FIRST DAY OF EACH TERM.
• Boys must be clean-shaven, every day. If not, they will be provided with
a razor and shaving foam, or be sent home, to shave.
• Boys may not wear any jewellery other than wrist watches and
medic-alert bracelets. No multicoloured watches will be allowed (only metal,
white or black).
• Shoes must be polished and fastened with decent laces.
Only BLACK shoes are allowed (not suede; no coloured stitching).
• No T-shirts may be worn under long-sleeved shirts.
• Belts with fancy buckles are not allowed.
• NO TONGUE STUDS OR EARRINGS ALLOWED.
• No visible tattoos.
• No scarves allowed.
• Only PHS caps are allowed.
• No sunglasses may be worn with any Pearson uniform (including sports clothes).Girls
Neatness inspections are held at the beginning of each term and during
grade meetings. Learners are expected to adhere to the school neatness
policy at ALL TIMES.
• The length of a school uniform skirt may not be shorter than 12cm above the
knee when the wearer is kneeling. Skirts may not be rolled up at the waist.
The skirt is styled in such a way that it must fit on the waist and not on
the hips. The shirt must be tucked in properly.
• Hair must always be neat and well groomed and not draw undue attention.
• Shoulder-length hair which reaches the bottom of the collar must be tied up.
• Fringes may not touch the eyebrow, and hair which hangs in the face
must be clipped back.
• Green, white or black ribbons, alice bands, scrunchies or butterfly clips may
be worn (one colour only, not a mixture).
• Ordinary brown hair clips may be worn.
• Braids and plaits will be allowed ON CONDITION that they are small and
neat. NO UNDUE ATTENTION must be drawn.
• LEARNERS MAY NOT CHANGE THE COLOUR OF THEIR HAIR DURING THEIR
HIGH SCHOOL CAREER. NO VISIBLE HIGHLIGHTS ALLOWED.
• No jewellery is permitted except wrist watches (not costume jewellery
watches) therefore must be of an acceptable size; also no multicoloured
watches will be allowed (only metal, white or black); medic- alert bracelets
and regulation plain gold or silver stud earrings (one per ear in the lowest
hole) may be worn. No studs with precious stones allowed.
• No make-up is permitted. (Girls are allowed to wear natural nail varnish).
• Finger nails must be cut according to the regulations laid down by the grade
heads. Palms facing forwards: finger nails must not be seen.
• NO TONGUE STUDS ALLOWED.
• No visible tattoos.
• No scarves allowed.
• No sunglasses may be worn with any Pearson uniform (including sports clothes). - General
Boys
• Boys coming to school for sport and going home after sport wear full
school uniform or a full tracksuit. A blazer may be worn over cricket and
tennis clothes.
• No touring team or provincial clothing allowed.
• Tracksuits are not part of the formal school uniform.
• Wearing earphones while wearing school uniform is not permitted.Girls
• Girls coming to school for sport or going home after sport wear full school
uniform or a full tracksuit. Girls playing tennis, hockey or netball, may wear
a tracksuit top over their sports clothes.
• No touring team or provincial clothing allowed.
• Tracksuits are not part of the formal school uniform.
• Wearing earphones while wearing school uniform is not permitted. - Wearing of armbands
Religious bands may be worn only during Focus Week.
Medic Alert bands are the only bands that may be worn permanently. - Lapel badges
Only four official school lapel badges may be worn as well as lapel badges of
school-related activities e.g. Interact; Junior City Council. Name badge must
be worn on the left lapel and 4 other badges on the right lapel. - Book bags
NOTE: OUR SCHOOL SHOP SELLS DIFFERENT TYPES OF BOOK BAGS, AT VERY
REASONABLE PRICES. WE REQUIRE YOU TO PURCHASE ONE OF THESE!All learners must have their initials and surname embossed on the outside
of the schoolbag. Details from Clothing Shop.
No graffitti or stickers are allowed on the outside of book bags. - Sports bags
Only OFFICIAL green and white Pearson zip-up togbags with handles may
be used for sports. No books may be carried in the sportsbag - EVERY ITEM OF CLOTHING AND ALL OTHER PROPERTY BROUGHT TO SCHOOL
(WRIST WATCHES, SPORTS EQUIPMENT, SPORTS BAGS) MUST BE CLEARLY
MARKED WITH THE OWNER’S NAME.
- UNIFORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM : The School Shop
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LIAISON: PARENTS / SCHOOL
- General
The Principal, Deputy Principals, Teacher Counsellor and Grade Heads are
available for interviewing parents, by appointment, which can be made
through the secretary in this regard. (Phone 041-583 2111/2)There are Grade Heads in charge of the learners in each grade.
They are responsible for the welfare and discipline of the learners in their
grades. They are also available for interviewing parents.The senior staff would like parents to bring any problems to them. Our
philosophy is that we prefer you to tell your friends the things that you
approve of at Pearson and to tell us those you disapprove of. - Support of children
Every child thrives on parental support and involvement in the school.
We should like parents to:
• support all sporting and cultural activities in which their children are involved,
• attend the PIC meetings, vote for the best committee and make
themselves available for election to the committee,
• attend Governing Body elections to ensure that the Governing Body is
representative of the parents and is the best available,
• offer to help wherever possible. - School Fees
These are determined each year by the Governing Body after a meeting at
which parents approve the budget. They are essential for the running of the
school so that the learners can get the most out of their schooling. Parents
with financial difficulties must contact the bursar before the account goes
into arrears. This information will be treated in the strictest confidence. - P.I.C.
The committee’s task is to develop a good relationship among all the
members of the Pearson family and to encourage activities which benefit
the learners. All parents and teachers are automatically members of the
PIC. The PIC chooses parent representatives annually who agree to act
as liaison parents for any special function. The PIC also does catering for
visiting sports teams. - Tuckshop
This is run for the benefit of the learners, and we have a full-time convenor
to run the Tuckshop. - Pearson Development Fund
All parents are invited to contribute to this fund which is run by the PIC and
provides much needed income for facilities. - Phone Messages + Parcels to the School Office
An appeal is made to parents NOT to phone the school office with messages
for their children, unless the matter is extremely urgent. All parcels
delivered to the office should be clearly marked with your child’s name and
grade, and arrangements must be made with him/her for collection. No
intercom messages are allowed for these purposes unless authorised by the
Principal in exceptional cases.
- General
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ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL
- Absenteeism
1. This must be kept to a minimum.2. Please email or phone the grade head to inform him/her of your
child’s absence. Include your child’s name, class and reason for the
absence. A learner who has been absent should catch up missed
work as soon as possible – preferably before the next lesson.If a learner is absent for a period of time, he/she must identify a class
member to collect and communicate the work to him/her on a daily
basis. It is NOT the Grade Head or subject teacher’s responsibility to
communicate work to the parent/learner.3. A medical certificate may be required by the school, in certain
cases. A medical certificate is essential if a learner is absent during
examinations and Wednesday test-periods or mini-exams.4. All learners are expected, and required by law, to attend school until
the last official school day of each term.After the mid-year exams, as well as the September trial exams
for matrics, vital work is done when teachers go over examination
questions and answers, and learners have the opportunity of
checking their answers and learning from their mistakes.In September, Grade 8-11 write a mini-exam up to and including the
last day of term.Learners are kept busy and meaningfully occupied up to and
including the last day of each term, which concludes with an
important final Assembly. - Latecomers’ Detention System
Pearson High School views punctuality as a very essential part of the school
policy. It is part of our code of conduct. Learners are expected to be at
school at 07:55.If a learner is late because of unforeseen circumstances, parents are asked to
inform the school by no later than the following day to explain. In such a
case, learners will not be punished.SYSTEM:
1. School starts at 07:55.
2. Learners arriving late must report to the Secretary at the front entrance of
the school building where they will be issued with a note to allow them to
enter the classroom or assembly. These names are recorded in a book.
3. Latecomers’ detention is held every FRIDAY AFTER SCHOOL
4. Should learners not attend this detention on Friday, they will have to
make up double-time during the following week. Your co-operation in
this regard will be most appreciated. - Detention System
Detention is held on a Friday afternoon for 1, 2 or 3 hours, depending on the
transgression. Grade Heads will inform learners on a Thursday if they are
on detention and an SMS will be sent to the parents. - Illness at school
If a learner becomes ill at school, the Principal or Deputy Principal will sign
a blue slip and the school secretary will contact the parents to fetch the
child. Under no circumstances may a learner personally contact his/her
parents. Learners who are ill are not allowed to go home on their own. If
any learner suffers from a particular allergy, or medical problem, the
school should be informed. - Medical Appointments
Only very urgent medical or dental appointments should be made during
school hours. The appointment slip or letter from the parent will be
attached to the blue slip to be signed by the Principal or Deputy Principal. - Driversʼ Licences
Learners are expected, wherever possible, to make appointments for
these tests during the holidays. For tests taken during term-time, special
permission will be given ONLY FOR THE LAST DAILY TEST TIME (14:00).YOUR CO-OPERATION CONCERNING THE ABOVE WILL BE GREATLY
APPRECIATED, AND IT WILL ASSIST US IN ENSURING THE SMOOTH
RUNNING OF THE SCHOOL, AND PROPER CONTROL ON OUR
LEARNERS’ ATTENDANCE. - Late arrival or early departure
1. Learners may not be given official permission to leave before the end
of the term or to return after the start of a term.
2. Learners who need to miss school for provincial or similar sporting
events, must please inform the school timeously.
3. Any learner arriving at school after the official starting time or
leaving before the official time must report to the secretary’s
office. The learner’s name is then recorded and it is the learner’s
responsibility to see that this is done, otherwise the learner will be
marked absent (in the case of late arrival). If a learner needs to
leave early, a letter/email must be sent to the Grade Head who will
fill out an exeat (blue slip). The learner must be signed out at the
office by a parent/guardian.
- Absenteeism
-
SCHOOL HOURS AND TRANSPORT
- School times
School starts at 07:55 each morning and ends at 14:10. No learner may
leave the school grounds during this time without the knowledge of
the principal. (See 6.7) - Motor cars
Grade 12 learners who have difficulty getting to school by other means
of transport can apply for permission to come to school by car, once
they have the necessary licence. Each case will be considered on its
merits. Cars driven to school by Grade 12 learners MUST be parked in
the designated area.
- School times
SCHOOL RULES
1. GENERAL
Every learner must remember that he/she is a member of the school in
public and in private. All learners are expected to behave in a responsible,
tolerant, courteous and sensible manner. Any action that is discourteous,
dishonest or destructive or that can have a bad effect on the reputation of
Pearson High School will be regarded as an offence.
2. APPEARANCE
2.1 See special rules on dress regulations. (See 4.2 on page 9)
2.2 Blazers must be worn at roll call, during assembly, when called to the
principal’s office or when in the office foyer area.
2.3 Learners may not walk or stand around with their hands in
their pockets.
2.4 A blazer may not be worn without a tie, in the case of boys.
3. CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOUR
3.1 Learners must arrive at school on time and must attend school for
the whole of the prescribed school day.
3.2 While under the school’s supervision a learner may not harm or
endanger the physical well-being of a fellow learner and may not
be in possession of weapons, toys or material which can cause
physical injury.
3.3 No learner may come to school with evidence of having smoked
cigarettes or having consumed alcohol. No learner may smoke or
consume alcohol on school property or anywhere else while in
school uniform.
Pearson High School
School Rules
22 PEARSON HIGH SCHOOL PROSPECTUS
3.4 No learner may, while on school property or recognisable as a
Pearson learner whether in uniform or not, be in possession of
cigarettes, drugs, alcoholic drinks, or objectionable reading/musical
matter, nor may he/she give them to anyone else.
3.5 School property, or anything at school which is the property of
another, may not be damaged, defaced or soiled, or removed without
permission. Any damage done will be made good by the parent.
3.6 Learners must greet and treat all members of the staff, helpers at
and visitors to the school with politeness and respect.
4. PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL PROGRAMME
4.1 Every learner shall participate in the educational programme as
prescribed by the Education Department unless exemption has been
granted by the principal.
4.2 Attendance at derby days and prizegiving is compulsory and learners
will be excused only if a note giving an adequate reason is brought to
the Grade Head beforehand.
4.3 Every learner is expected to:
4.3.1 take part in a summer and a winter sport.
4.3.2 join at least one club or society.
4.4. When a learner has entered for an extra-mural activity (sport or
society), he or she shall fulfill all obligations to that activity unless he
or she is granted exemption, under exceptional circumstances, after
the principal has received a note from the learner’s parents.
4.5 In the event of a clash between a school activity and an outside
activity, the school shall receive preference, unless otherwise decided
by the principal.
4.6 Learners may not use any of the school’s equipment, including
that for sport, before or after school hours without permission of a
member of staff. Learners may not be in classrooms or remain in the
passages of the top floor before or after school and during breaks.
Learners may, however, be in the library.
23
5. GENERAL
5.1 Learners shall remain within bounds during the school day.
The following areas are strictly out of bounds unless in the presence
of an educator:
• The tennis clubhouse in front of the courts and behind
the tennis clubhouse
• On the pavilion or Strydom (main) field
• Learners may not be in the school building during breaks
(unless it rains)
• Staff car parks
• The grass banks on the bottom of the main sports fields
and next to the gym
• Tennis courts
• Swimming pool area
• Astroturf and hockey pavilion
• Behind the swimming pool embankment
• Behind the Estate Manager’s house
5.2 There shall be no eating or drinking of water/cooldrinks inside the
classrooms or hall, or in the passages.
5.3 No learners may use the front entrance of the school.
5.4 Litter must be placed in the bins provided.
5.5 Learners may not jump or climb over fences.
5.6 No plants or trees may be damaged.
5.7 Any visitors to see learners must obtain permission from the
secretary, principal or deputy principal to be on the premises.
– Learners may not talk to visitors over the fence.
– No visitors may be on school property during break times without
prior permission.
5.8 Learners must conduct themselves at all times in such a way as not to
be offensive to other learners.
24 PEARSON HIGH SCHOOL PROSPECTUS
6. MOTORCYCLES, CARS AND BICYCLES
6.1 No learner may drive to school on a motorcycle or drive himself or
herself to school in a motor car until he/she has produced a licence.
This must be shown to the Grade Head.
6.2 Motorcycles will be parked in the demarcated area on the school
grounds. Cars are to be parked in the designated area. No
motorcycle may enter through the main entrance.
6.3 No bicycle, motor cycle or motor car may be driven on any part of the
school fields.
6.4 No bicycle or motorcycle may be tampered with during school hours.
6.5 No learner may ride a bicycle or motorcycle in such a way that it is
likely to inconvenience or harm any person on the school grounds.
6.6 No Pearson learner may drive a motor car to or from the Matric
Farewell Dance.
7. DAILY ROUTINE – RULES AND REGULATIONS
7.1 7.1.1 CLASSROOMS AND MOVEMENT:
Before School: Learners may enter the school building
at 07:30 if they wish to visit the library. On assembly days,
learners must put their book-bags in the areas allocated to
their grades:
Grade 8 Netball Courts near Art Centre
Grade 9 1st Team Netball Court
Grade 10 Front Netball Court
Grade 11 Grade 11 Quad
Grade 12 Matric Quad
25
7.1.2 Learners are to move quickly in single file on the left side of
corridors during the school day. Learners are to take the
shortest route between venues;
7.1.3 No learners are allowed into the toilets during class unless in
an exceptional circumstance;
7.1.4 No learner may be in a classroom before school or during
break without the permission of the educator responsible for
the classroom;
7.1.5 If an educator does not arrive for a class, learners must sit in
their allocated desks until the educator arrives. Classes must
be silent. A learner, preferably a class leader, must report the
absence of an educator to the principal, deputy principal or
secretary five minutes after the start of a period;
7.1.6 Learners are to stay in desks allocated to them by the educators;
7.1.7 No learners may write on blackboards/whiteboards without
the educator’s permission;
7.1.8 Learners may not deface desks, posters, walls, or floors in
any way;
7.1.9 Refuse is to be placed in rubbish bins;
7.1.10 Learners may not touch equipment belonging to an
educator without permission.
7.2 LINING UP:
Learners are to line up at the beginning of the day. There is to be
silence by the second bell and all learners are to be in position. If it
rains heavily, learners go to register in register classes. THREE
RINGS will indicate that learners must go to their register class.
26 PEARSON HIGH SCHOOL PROSPECTUS
7.3 THE ADMIN AREA: STAFF ROOM, STAFF WORKROOM AND
RONEO ROOM:
These areas are out of bounds to all learners. Learners waiting to see
members of staff must wait at the glass door outside the staff room.
Learners urgently wishing to see staff may do so only during the first
five minutes of break. The passage between the staffroom and the
principal’s office is out of bounds to learners.
If a learner needs to fetch something from the staff room and no
educator is present, a secretary must be contacted.
7.4 ABSENCE FROM CLASSES:
No learner may be absent from class for any reason without
permission from an educator.
7.4.1 Those wishing to see the Teacher Counsellor, or any other
educator during a period, must first excuse themselves from
the educator taking them.
7.4.2 No learner will be allowed out of the school grounds without
permission from the Grade Head/Deputy Principal/Principal
to fetch books, lunches, etc. if they have been left at home.
7.4.3 Learners who have been absent for a whole school day or
part of a school day may not participate in any school
activities on that day or evening, unless special permission
has been granted.
7.4.4 BUNKING IS A SERIOUS OFFENCE AND LEARNERS WILL
BE PUNISHED.
7.5 CELL PHONES:
Cell phones must be switched off [NOT JUST ON SILENT] for the
whole academic day including breaks.
Learners may under no circumstances use their cell phones to
phone their parents during the academic school day. The office
will contact the parents if necessary.
27
Cell phones must be placed where they are not visible. During
exams and Wednesday tests all phones must be switched off and
packed away in book bags.
Should the cell phone ring during the academic day it will be
confiscated. Parents must personally fetch the cellphone from the
school and the learner will receive two 3-hour detentions.
THE SCHOOL WILL TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR CELL PHONE LOSS.
8. DRESS REGULATIONS
Learners are expected to dress neatly in official school uniform both on their
way to and from school and at school. This includes coming to and leaving
from sport practices and matches for learners who make use of public
transport. The blazer must be worn on arrival at and departure from school.
All items of school uniform must be clean, neat and in good repair.
Learners may not wear a tracksuit to school on normal academic days.
They will not be allowed into class if they do so. They must report to the
Deputy Principal’s office.
EVERY ARTICLE MUST BE MARKED WITH THE LEARNER’S NAME. The school is
not responsible for valuables left in the changing-rooms.
Anything that detracts from the neatness of the Pearson High School
uniform is not permitted.
IF THERE ARE ANY UNAVOIDABLE LAPSES IN ANY OF THE REGULATIONS
CONCERNING UNIFORM, THE LEARNER CONCERNED MUST BRING A
NOTE, SIGNED BY HIS/HER PARENTS, TO THE GRADE HEAD. A NOTE
EXCUSING THE LEARNER CONCERNED WILL BE GIVEN BY THE GRADE
HEAD AND MUST BE SHOWN ON REQUEST TO AN EDUCATOR OR PREFECT.
9. CONCLUSION
These rules are for the benefit of everyone at the school and for the
school’s well-being and good name. Any infringement of these may result
in punishment.
SCHOOL DANCES 28
PEARSON D6 INFORMATION 29
MAP 30
IMPORTANT INFORMATION 32