Abstract
This research project is undertaken in order to investigate into the situation of principal-teachers who are both principal and teacher in multi-graded classrooms in farm schools. Possible solutions to the problem are to be found after establishing how principal-teachers construct meaning of their daily working lives.
Although it is true that the frustrations and problems of principal-teachers in farm schools are unique and diverse, an attempt is made in this research project to alert the stakeholders to the need of physical and human resources as well as a staffing model for farm schools.
The literature review indicates that there are gaps in the provision of farm schooling. There are also suggestions for possible means of overcoming these problems. The one with the challenging task is the principal-teacher who has to be trained for the “super”-work that he or she has to face on a daily basis.
The contribution of other social partners or stakeholders is also of great importance. The conditions under which the farm school children live at home should be monitored by the Department of Health to help bring about improvements which will enhance the learning ability of the child at school.
Dr. M.C. van Loggerenberg