A Nation Transformed: The Impact of the Post-Apartheid Curriculum on Learner Performance, a Dramatic Rendition

AERA Online Paper Repository. Available from: American Educational Research Association. 1430 K Street NW Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20005. Tel: 202-238-3200; Fax: 202-238-3250; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.aera.net

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Social Change; Racial Segregation; Foreign Countries; Principals; Administrator Attitudes; Teacher Attitudes; Academic Achievement; Public Schools; Educational Practices; Educational Theories; Student Attitudes; Parent Attitudes; Aesthetics; Systems Approach; Drama; Social Systems; Grade 12; High School Students; High Achievement; Educational Change; Curriculum Development

10.3102/2012549

This critical qualitative study focused on what are the factors that contribute to high learner performance at a public school in South Africa. Purposive sampling was used and the data was produced via interviews with the participants (the principal, ten teachers, five ex learners and two parents) as well as observations of various school activities. Artistic license was used and the data presented in a three act play, each act focusing on a particular theme. The literature reviewed focused on functional and dysfunctional schools. A triptych theoretical approach (Marx, Bourdieu, Bronfenbrenner) underpinned this study. The key finding was the fetish for excellence with an enabling curriculum as a factor that as played an important role in contributing to high learner performance.

As Provided

2024

ED641613