Investigating The Effects Of Redshirting On The Academic Performance Of Primary School Learners In Windhoek, Namibia

ABSTRACT

This research study endeavoured to introduce the term and practice of redshirting to local discussions related to school readiness and the best age to send a late birthdate learner to formal schooling. The main objective was to determine whether the practice of redshirting leaners made a significant difference in their academic performance when they are compared to those who went to school according to their age. A quantitative research methodology was used, and secondary data, namely school report cards from public and private schools in the boundaries of Windhoek, were employed as a research instrument. The data revealed that a large number of learners in Grades 1, 3 and 5 were overaged. Moreover, at Grade 1 level, both redshirted girls and boys seemed to have a significant advantage in terms of academic performance over those learners who went to school at the age-appropriate time. Additionally, the data suggest that the difference in average academic performance, although still apparent in Grade 3, was substantially smaller, and this difference in academic performance was almost non-existent in Grade 5. Based on the outcome of the study, the matter of redshirting in Namibia requires further investigation, in order to determine how potential extraneous variables would impact the academic performance of learners with last quarter birthdates. Additionally, the research revealed that more should be done in terms of investigating the reasons for the large number of overaged learners in the various primary school Grades.