The School Principal as a Systems Thinker: A Case of School Health Promotion in a Public School in South Africa

Abstract

Systems thinking is often recommended in educational institutions to improve quality and increase learning outcomes. However, a shared understanding of this concept in the promotion of school health and the role of school principals in its application is limited. The education system in general and schools in particular, have been described as complex, where often human adaptation to localised circumstances is necessary to achieve success. This research focused on two important factors: the role of a principal as systems thinker in school health promotion; and the importance of systems thinking in school health promotion. Qualitative research using a single case study of a high school in the Free State province was conducted with six school management team members including one principal, one deputy and four heads of department, and seven teachers, who were interviewed individually and in a group. The findings revealed that systems thinking has a potential for capacity building and strengthening of programmes through the accessing of systems knowledge, provision of systems leadership and the establishment of a collaborative culture.