Curriculum leadership training programme for heads of departments in secondary schools

Abstract

This study investigated the curriculum leadership training programmes of Heads of Department (HODs) in secondary schools. HODs are an integral part of school leadership. Their main function is to lead and oversee curriculum support and delivery in schools. HODs are uniquely placed to influence the quality of teaching-and-learning in their departments and within the entire school. They are an important bridge between the school management team (SMT) and the educators. The influence of HODs can only be realised if they understand what their roles are and how to go about executing those roles. To have a good understanding of the research topic, the researcher undertook an in-depth literature review to explore the current nature, content and structure of curriculum leadership training programmes for HODs in secondary schools. The research followed a qualitative, phenomenological approach underpinned by an interpretative paradigm. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants due to their proximity, knowledge and understanding of the phenomenon under research. Semi-structured, open-ended questions were used for data collection. The participants in the research were HODs and principals of sampled schools and departmental officials responsible for educator training, development and support. Additional data was collected through field note taking and audio-recordings which were later transcribed into text, coded, and themes were formed from these texts with similar topics for the researcher to conclude on the findings and recommendations for the research. The research found that HODs lacked training and development. The research findings also indicated that where the opportunities for training and development were afforded to the HODs, it was incoherently organised, badly managed and was of minimal benefit to the HODs. Training was done over very short periods of time like once-off induction and after hours' development when HODs are tired and lacked concentration. The research suggested and developed a coherent curriculum leadership training programme for HODs in secondary schools.