Factors affecting grade 12 learner’s performance in life sciences at Luvuvhu Circuit
The challenge of underperforming learners undermines the intention of the government to see that each and every child is educated. Underperformance in some subjects, including Life Sciences, in Grade 12 in the Luvuvhu Circuit is still a problem. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting performance of Grade 12 learners at Luvuvhu Circuit. The performance of the learners is not acceptable to the level of contributing to quality overall results. A qualitative research design was used in this study and data was collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Interviews were tape-recorded and notes-taking done to add the interviews. Purposive sampling procedure was followed in selecting participants for this study. Data was collected from teachers who teach Life Sciences in Grade 12 at Luvuvhu Circuit. The results showed that learners’ performance was due to lack of labs, late arrival of the common tasks, absenteeism, substances abuse, location of schools and others. It is recommended that the Department should make provision of laboratories at various schools within the circuit, common tasks to be distributed and administered simultaneously at various circuits. The findings provided recommendations that will be shared not only at Luvuvhu Circuit but also throughout the entire education system to reduce the high failure rate in Grade 12 learners in Life Sciences. Areas of focus identified might also be shared with the subject advisors at district level.
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