Abstract
M.Ed.
The phenomenon of South Africa's educational development was characterised by statutory reinforced economic and political inequalities. The education system continued to be based upon ethnic and language division. The policy of centralised educational control and management of education remained firmly in place. It was the new democratic South Africa which came into being in April 1994, that challenged the whole situation by introducing the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) not only in the social, political and economic areas but also in education. The curriculum of all schools was bound to change. According to the reconstructionists, "the curriculum should meet the needs of the individual child, of society, of arts, of business and of course we must all be well versed in the sciences" (Longstreet & Shane, 1993:109), hence the need for reconstruction in education. Ornstein and Hunkins (1993:54/55) sees reconstruction as "a crisis philosophy appropriate for a society in crisis". Emphasis on society-centred education that took into consideration the needs of society, not only the individual, but all the classes, not only the middle class, is necessary. In 1995, a new curriculum which would have to cater for all the schools was to be implemented. However, it is not clear whether the new curriculum was designed according to the needs of the society. The aim of this research and study is to write guidelines on how to design a relevant curriculum for the senior secondary phase in Gauteng. The researcher will do a limited situation analysis by referring to the needs of society as perceived by learners.
There is a need for designing a relevant curriculum in the senior secondary phase. This problem is further highlighted by the following questions: What are the needs of society as perceived by pupils in the senior secondary phase in Gauteng? How can these needs be addressed in the curriculum for the senior secondary phase in Gauteng? The aim of this study is to identify the needs of society as perceived by pupils in Gauteng through focus group interviews. To formulate curriculum guidelines for the senior secondary phase that would address the needs of society as perceived by pupils in Gauteng.