Learner Performance and Achieving One's Full Potential, a Dramatic Rendition

This critical qualitative study focused on what are the factors that contribute to high learner performance at a public school in South Africa. Purposive sampling was used and the data was produced via interviews with the participants (the principal, ten teachers, five ex learners and two parents) as well as observations of various school activities. Artistic license was used and the data presented in a three act play. A triptych theoretical approach (Marx, Bourdieu, Bronfenbrenner) underpinned this study. The literature reviewed focused on the public school system. The key finding was the fetish for excellence and the study concludes that nurturing learner potential is a factor that influences learner performance.