Implementation of life orientation programmes in the new curriculum in South African schools: perceptions of principals and life orientation teachers

The curriculum of the Life Orientation (LO) learning area forms an excellent basis for equipping learners to respond positively to social demands, assume responsibilities, and optimise their life chances. I report on a qualitative study that focused on the extent to which schools and LO teachers succeeded in achieving the outcomes of the programmes. Teachers' views regarding their training and skills in this area were investigated and factors that determined successful implementation were probed. Data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires and interviews with principals and LO teachers from 12 secondary schools in four provinces in South Africa. Principals identified the problems they experienced in establishing the necessary climate and structures for the implementation of Life Orientation in their schools and teachers described the barriers they had struggled to overcome. The findings emphasised key challenges in achieving successful implementation of the LO programmes in schools.