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Principals’ capabilities to implement curriculum leadership for improving learner performance in schools

Michael Marumo

School of Commerce and Social Studies in Education, Faculty of Education, North-West, University , Mafikeng, Republic of South Africa

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0649-1640

Martha Matashu

School of Commerce and Social Studies in Education, Faculty of Education, North-West, University , Mafikeng, Republic of South Africa

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8029-283X

Abstract

Curriculum leadership principles explain that principals have the duty of ensuring that there is a curriculum of good quality in the schools, and it is effectively implemented. Principal leadership plays a crucial role in fostering an environment where the curriculum is adopted to align with the contexts of the school and the needs of the learners. Factors influencing principals´ capabilities to implement curriculum leadership for improving learner performance in schools have been underexplored in the literature.  This study applied a qualitative research approach and was guided by human capital theory (HCT) and the constructivist paradigm. Data was collected through structured interviews that involved four (4) principals from underperforming schools in the four (4) districts of the North-West province that were purposefully sampled. Collected data was thematically analysed. The results reveal variations in experience, skills, resources, division of responsibilities, and teaching passion practices influenced principals’ capabilities to implement curriculum leadership for improving learner performance in performing and underperforming schools. It was concluded that the principal’s capabilities to implement curriculum leadership were lower in underperforming compared to performing schools. It is recommended that principal leadership professional development programmes should invest in human capital formation of principals’ curriculum leadership capacities.

Keywords: Curriculum leadership, learner performance, principals, school-based curriculum, underperforming schools

How to cite this article: Marumo, M., & Matashu, M. (2025). Principals’ capabilities to implement curriculum leadership for improving learner performance in schools. African Perspectives of Research in Teaching and Learning, 9(8), 1122-1137.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.70875/v9i8article4