The role of school managers in developing entrepreneurial skills of grade 9 learners

Abstract

The Department of Education in South Africa altered the concept of teaching and learning from a traditional method to a new outcome based approach. The new curriculum prescribes certain outcomes that the learners must successfully master.

One of the outcomes Grade 9 learners must manage is to become an entrepreneur and to be able to administer the small business as a profitable unit. The school managers, educators, parents and learners of the primary schools are eager participants in Market or Entrepreneur days.

However, in the secondary schools, the enthusiasm and commitment to such an event, does not exist. The teaching and learning environment between the two institutions are worlds apart and launching such a day in secondary schools, is basically impossible. As a result learners, including the Grade 9 learners, have limited opportunities, to practise their entrepreneurial skills.

Despite the various attempts made by the school managers and educators to compromise, secondary school learners are deprived of chances to exercise their skills within the school's safe environment.