Abstract
The overall aim of this study is to explore the management of retention and promotion of learners at-risk in the Foundation Phase. This study also highlights various factors that contribute to the learners being at-risk. Finally, this study discovers and analyses the views of teachers on the impact of retention and promotion of learners at-risk in the Foundation Phase. It is evident that the lack of human resources from the district contributes greatly to the perpetuation of the phenomenon of being at-risk. However, this is not the only catalyst of this perturbing phenomenon. Furthermore, the study recommends the accessibility of vocational schooling in order for learners at-risk to be in environments where they can bloom. I hope that this study is used in the final decision taken on the currently discussed 'automatic' promotion in the Foundation Phase. Those learners who are not experiencing severe barriers to learning can be retained and those who are should be assessed and referred, be sent to functional vocational skills that will cater to their learning style. ..
M.Ed. (Educational Leadership and Management)