Leadership development of Heads of Department in public primary schools

Abstract

It is well known that leadership plays a key role in the overall success of school and learner achievement. Therefore, this multiple case study investigates what developmental programmes and training opportunities are in place to prepare HoDs to meet the demands of a formal leadership position. How these programmes are perceived by HoDs s also be outlined and analysed. The importance of the role that HoDs fulfil in schools is explored, as well as the importance of investing in their leadership development through formal and informal leadership developmental programmes. This qualitative study used interview data obtained from eight purposefully sampled recently appointed Heads of Department (HoDs) in public primary schools in Pretoria. This study outlined the importance of middle managers, such as HoDs and what measures need to be taken into account to ensure they are adequately prepared to meet expectations.