The influence of school culture on learner performance : an ethnographic case study of a rural performing school in Rekopantswe area office

Abstract

This is an ethnographic case study of a rural performing secondary school in the Rekopantswe Area office in the Ngaka Modiri molema district (North-west province). The study investigated the influence of school culture on learner performance. One of the main objectives of the study was to determine how the culture of this school contributed to the performance of learners. The case school is a Quintile 2 school which does not charge fees and is located in a poor community where parents are illiterate and unemployed. The case school had been performing consistently above 70% in the National Senior Certificate Examinations for more than three years consecutively: 20 16(96%); 2015(96%) and 2014 ( I 00%). An ethnographic case study design was used. Data collection methods included interviews (individual and focus group), participant observation and a reflective journal. Ten participants were interviewed: the principal , two teachers, two heads of department and five learner representative council members. Data analysis followed Creswell's seven parts of dividing data analysis in an ethnographic case study. The findings of the study show that the case school prioritised curriculum and instructional time was protected. Monitoring and moderation took place regularly to ensure syllabus coverage and quality marking. Staff members exhibited a high level of professionalism. The leadership style of the principal was democratic and instructional and all of the staff members were involved in decision-making. It is evident from the findings of the study that the conditions existing within the school, which is 'the way the school does things ' - its culture - has an influence on the consistently good learner performance as measured by the National Senior Certificate examinations. It is recommended that a strong, positive school culture with strong leadership should be maintained in secondary schools for learner performance to continue to excel.