The role of Head of Department in enhancing Grade 12 learners academic performance: a multiple case study in Vhuronga 2 Circuit in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province

Abstract

The responsibilities of departmental heads in schools vary and encompass supporting the school managers at all costs. Many a time when the performance of Grade 12 leaners slump, the school managers are blamed because Grade 12 class remains the pride of any secondary school. The goal theory of leadership was identified and applied as the appropriate theory grounding the study. The interpretivist paradigm was placed at the center of this study. The researcher employed a multiple case study design in which several instrumental bounded cases were selected in order to develop a more in-depth understanding of the phenomena. The population of the study will comprise the heads of departments of secondary schools in Vhuronga 2 Circuit in Vhembe District. Purposive sampling will be used to select 12 HoDs from the four schools in the study area. Data will be collected through semi-structured interviews, document analysis and observation schedules. Data will be analysed thematically. Findings will inform recommendations on the role of the heads of departments in enhancing the academic performance of learners.