![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/68/2015/01/IMG_055_579163637.jpg)
POLOKWANE – While the focus is on how first-time learners experience their first couple of weeks at school, Review also speaks to gr. 8 learners to find out how they find the first few days in high school.
![Pretty Lamola.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/68/2015/01/IMG_054_554784237-423x317.jpg)
Pretty Lamola says she attended Sunrise Primary School in Mokopane and is now a learner at Northern Academy.
“I did not think I would enjoy high school this much. The learners as well the teachers are all very kind, even at the hostel.
“The first few days were a bit challenging as I had to get used to new subjects, but I will keep trying my best. I will also play hockey this year and hopefully excel,” says Pretty.
![Atlegang Malete.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/68/2015/01/IMG_055_568574199-423x317.jpg)
Atlegang Malete says he was a learner at Laerskool Voorwaarts in Brits and is now a learner at Northern Academy.
“I heard from my cousin and a friend who attended Northern Academy that it was a great school, so I asked my parents to register me here.
“It really is a great school, from the classes to the teachers. I made the right choice in coming here. Even the hostel is great for me, although I am still getting used to the feel of high school,” he says.
![Onkgopotse Lotakgomo.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/68/2015/01/IMG_055_629841981-423x317.jpg)
Onkgopotse Lotakgomo is a former learner of Laerskool Tuinrand in Pretoria. He says he knew about the excellent pass rate at Northern Academy and decided to ask his parents to register him there.
“I was actually a learner at Northern Academy for a short while in gr. 5 before going to Pretoria, but I opted to come back here to finish my high school career.
“I am very excited about the year ahead and for now all my focus will be on the school books, the fun stuff has to wait. The teachers here are very good and they certainly know how to teach and to discipline us so that we only give our best,” says Onkgopotse.
![Felicity Shoi.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/68/2015/01/IMG_055_579163637-423x317.jpg)
Felicity Shoi says she joined Jabez Christian School after being a learner at Flora Park Comprehensive Primary School. She says the gr. 8 academics are quite tough, but she will get used to it.
“The work might be difficult, but there is nothing wrong with the quality of teachers or education. We get taught very well and we can understand the lessons,” says Felicity.
![Lesego Sibulo.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/68/2015/01/IMG_055_552170734-423x317.jpg)
Lesego Sibulo, who is a former learner of Pemps, is also a new learner at Jabez Christian School.
He says some of his friends are also at Jabez Christian School, but everything else is new for him.
He adds that he has made a few new friends since school had opened.
“Gr. 8 is not as easy as I thought, but thanks to our teachers here we receive a good quality education,” says Lesego.
![Claudio de Sousa.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/68/2015/01/IMG_056_634646851-423x317.jpg)
Claudio de Sousa is a former learner of Pepps Polokwane Preparatory School and describes his first few days of high school as “very nice”.
“Maybe it is because this is a new school and a new grade, but the gr. 8 subjects are quite difficult,” he says