A school's staff and leadership, rather than its financial resources, play a significant role in determining its academic success. This is one of the key findings of research conducted by Peregrine Joynt, head of the Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies). Joynt recently completed his master's degree at the University of Pretoria (UP), focusing on strategic leadership and factors that promote strong academic performance in public high schools.
The research found that schools operating in challenging socio-economic circumstances can still achieve excellent matriculation results when they have dedicated teachers, experienced leadership, and strong community support. According to Joynt, one of the most significant findings was that schools must invest in good personnel. The quality and dedication of teachers were consistently cited by school principals as their school's greatest asset.
A good teacher is almost irreplaceable, particularly when they are willing to go above and beyond their expected duties. Joynt's research found examples of this at schools with limited resources, where a strong focus is placed on providing extra tuition to students. Some schools even go to great lengths to ensure that students who miss vacation school are collected and provided with additional support.
The research also found that some schools develop their own human capital from within their communities. Former students return to their alma maters to teach or mentor students, bringing firsthand knowledge of the school and the circumstances in which the students grow up. They know from experience what it takes to overcome difficult circumstances and achieve academic success.
Experience in leading a school also emerged as a critical factor. According to Joynt, some of the school principals involved in the research had years of experience at their specific schools, giving them a deep understanding of their schools, staff, students, and communities. This challenges the assumption that a school's socio-economic circumstances necessarily determine its academic performance.
While fee-paying schools have clear advantages and generally achieve higher average marks, Joynt's research showed that schools with limited resources can still achieve exceptional matriculation results through dedicated teachers, targeted support, and strong partnerships with their communities. "Academic excellence is ultimately driven by the quality of a school's human and professional capital, rather than economic capital alone," Joynt said.
Strong leadership means more than just setting targets for a school. School principals and management teams must be actively involved, lead by example, and establish a strong work ethic. A shared vision also plays a crucial role, with staff understanding what the school stands for and working towards a common goal. Joynt's research has changed his own perspective on schools in disadvantaged communities, leaving him with a deep respect for the principals and staff who achieve so much with limited resources.
Key points
- A school's staff and leadership are crucial to its academic success.
- Schools with limited resources can still achieve excellent matriculation results with dedicated teachers and strong community support.
- Experience in leading a school and a shared vision are critical factors in achieving academic excellence.
