Assignment 4
DUE 25 August 2025
, Question 1.1: Curriculum Leadership within the School Context
[15 Marks]
In South African schools, effective curriculum leadership is crucial for promoting high
standards of teaching and learning. While curriculum leadership is best implemented
through a collaborative model, the primary responsibility lies with the school
leadership team—notably the Principal, Deputy Principal, Heads of Departments
(HODs), and in some instances, senior or experienced teachers. These individuals
must work together to ensure that the curriculum is delivered with fidelity, creativity, and
relevance to learners’ needs.
Key Role Players and Their Responsibilities
1. The Principal and Deputy Principal
As senior instructional leaders, the Principal and Deputy Principal are tasked with
providing visionary and strategic leadership to the entire school. Their curriculum
leadership roles include:
Establishing a shared curriculum vision aligned with national education goals
and the CAPS policy.
Ensuring resource allocation (e.g., textbooks, laboratory materials, teaching
aids) to support effective teaching.
Monitoring curriculum implementation through classroom visits, learner
achievement data, and performance evaluations.
Facilitating continuous professional development (CPD) by organising
workshops, subject training, and peer mentoring.
In essence, they create the enabling environment in which curriculum leaders and
classroom teachers can thrive.