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At work with Cheryl Purchase: Junior Primary Teacher

CP = Career Planet
Cheryl = Cheryl Purchase

CP: What is your title?
Cheryl: Teacher and Head of Department for the Junior Primary Section

CP: Where do you work?
Cheryl: Elkanah House

CP: What was your highest standard passed at school?
Cheryl: Matriculation

CP: Have you have any different occupations previously?
Cheryl: I have always wanted to be a teacher from a very young age and have never wavered from my decision.

CP: Do you have any formal qualifications? If so, what are they?
Cheryl: National Education Diploma III

CP: How did you finance your studies?
Cheryl: Natal Education Department funded my studies and I was required to teach in the province for the equivalent period of time. I taught in Durban for 3 years.

CP: Please tell about a typical day at work (including the main duties etc)
Cheryl: As the Head of Department for the Junior Primary section of 6 classes at the Blouberg campus. I work closely with my HOD colleague at the Sunningdale campus to ensure that the standard on both campuses is maintained and on a par. On our campus my responsibilities include preparing duty rosters for the teachers, overseeing assemblies, moderating books, evaluating teachers in their classrooms, and attending and leading various grade and planning meetings.

My day begins around 07h15 and my pupils arrive shortly after that. From the time they arrive till 14h00  we go work on lessons covering subjects such as reading, writing, math, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Bible education, life skills, and art. We also try to fit music, computer, and physical education lessons among the busy schedule. It’s important to adapt to the various levels of learning ability and cater to each of my 25 pupils’ needs.

After the children have gone home or to aftercare, I attend meetings, prepare for the next day and attend to phone calls to arrange class outings for day trips.

CP: What is the best part about your job? What do you LOVE the most?
Cheryl: For me this job has many highlights. For example, being greeted every morning by a class of happy, enthusiastic little ones. There is no greater reward than hearing, “Now I understand!” when a child finally grasps a concept.

CP: What are the challenges you face with this job?
Cheryl: Teaching requires a strong and genuine desire to work with children because everyday is filled with challenges. If one was joining the teaching profession for the “short” days and holidays they would be sorely mistaken. The salary would certainly not be an attraction to teaching. The reality is that the hours are long and are a personal sacrifice. Much of the time spent preparing and marking is after-hours. Time spent making visual aids or the administrative work that must be maintained goes mostly unnoticed. There is little time for socializing and personal activities.

CP: Why would you recommend this career?
Cheryl: After 30 years as a teacher I believe I can witness that there is something to this career that keeps many teacher dedicated for many years.

CP: In your opinion, what kind of person is suited for this career?
Cheryl:  I can recommend this career to anyone who is passionate about teaching children and can meet the challenges.