Exploring the role of school leadership and management in enhancing school ethos and quality at two Gauteng schools

Abstract

This study seeks to explore the role of school leadership and management in enhancing the school ethos and quality and how these two elements can assist in improving schools in general. Two schools were selected in Johannesburg to conduct this research project, namely one public secondary school and one public primary school. The South African national education department has identified the poor quality of teaching in public schools as a key source to poor learner outcomes. Young learners require timeous guidance and direction in order to acquire the necessary skills to perform to a particular academic standard. According to this study, the concept of leadership and management is closely linked to the issues of learner achievement. Research also shows that the skills and knowledge of teachers and school leaders can be strengthened through ongoing professional development, reflection and dialogue. This study concludes that the role of leadership lies in each and every stakeholder since norms and ethos are being practiced almost every day at school. The current place for traditional management and control of schools starts from the head of the school and right down to the learners.