School-based Curriculum Development: Experiences from the North-West schools

This study explores the impact of School-Based Curriculum Development (SBCD) through the Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in selected secondary schools of the North West province of South Africa. The research was based on a survey design, because the objective was to collect information on recipients' opinions and attitudes towards SBCD. All 70 students who completed the programme also completed the questionnaire. Seven of them were randomly selected for a semi-structured interview, the results of which were used to triangulate the responses from the questionnaire. Findings revealed that 75% of the respondents did not use any teaching media in their teaching. Eighty-one per cent made the point that their mentors were supportive. It was recommended that teachers' training institutions should fully appreciate the needs for training of teachers and be cognizant with the various challenges encountered.