Reflection on the Phasing out of Commercial Subjects: A Case Study of selected secondary schools in Bohlabela District i

Abstract

As secondary school subjects in the Further Education and Training (FET) phase, commercial subjects have been in the country's firing line for the past few years. Low academic achievement among learners in the subjects was previously the primary reason for its phased-out. As a continent, Africa has seen a decline in the teaching of commercial subjects in secondary schools across many countries. The study aims to reflect on the phasing out of commercial subjects: a case study in the Bohlabela district secondary schools. The study adopted a qualitative approach. This study's population encompassed all commercial subjects teachers, all commercial subjects Departmental Heads (DHs), and all secondary school principals in the selected schools of the Bohlabela District. A purposive sampling was used to select participants for the study. The sample comprised 10 commercial subjects teachers, 5 commercial subjects Departmental Heads, and 5 secondary school principals. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and classroom observations. Data was categorised and analysed thematically. The essential suggestions emerging from this study indicated that stakeholders within the school work together. It is recommended that parents be involved in learners' learning by assisting with schoolwork, providing support, and attending meetings organised by management.