School Focus: Cannons Creek Independent School

Cannons Creek Independent School was started in 1997, and is a co-educational private school for Grade RR - Grade 12 pupils, in Pinelands (Cape Town). Cannons Creek Independent School is a safe community school with a Christian ethos, staffed by passionate professionals who endeavour to educate confident, trustworthy individuals who are encouraged to reach their full potential.

Academically, Cannons Creek is the leading small school in the province and continuously strives for excellence by nurturing the highest academic standards. Alongside several top schools in Cape Town, we write the NSC Matric exams. Our Matric results have consistently been excellent - with a 100% pass rate achieved each year. Some of our subject marks are in the top percentile of the Cape Peninsula. 

At Cannons, we aim to make the subject matter relatable and interesting, with real-world application. Pupils are encouraged to be curious and to investigate for themselves, learning and practising many wonderful skills such as critical thinking, peer-teaching, research techniques and creative presentations. This new way of teaching promotes a growth mindset and is child-centred, meaning that pupils learn from their mistakes and can proceed at their own pace. Core subjects are a focus and a strong foundation, established in the lower grades, is built on as the pupils progress through school. 

We believe in developing the ‘soft skills’ for our pupils, by allowing them opportunities to participate in outings, camps and Adventure Weeks away. These develop grit, cement friendships, and build camaraderie amongst the peers in the group. Qualities like kindness, empathy, accountability and respect are modelled and instilled.

At Cannons Creek, we believe in the holistic development of the child, and therefore we encourage participation in Music, Drama, and Art at all levels. Practical Music tuition is offered by specialist teachers in Piano, Violin, Flute, Recorder, Fyfe, Guitar, Drumkit, and Singing. Music is offered as a subject for Matric. Class Music is offered weekly as part of Creative Arts from Grade RR - Grade 9. Drama is taught from Grade 1 - 9, as a co-curricular in the Primary and High School, and as a matric subject from Grade 10. We host termly Music recitals where individual musicians can perform. The High School hosts an annual play, and house plays are a popular event where the Drama students direct and an opportunity is created for any pupil to take to the stage. Every two years, the Primary School puts on a production where all pupils Grade 1 - 6 have an opportunity to be on stage.

We value the role that sport plays in the holistic development of our pupils. We strive to give each child the opportunity to develop his/her physical and sporting ability. Our pupils are expected to do one hour a week of Physical Education during school as well as an afternoon Sport. 

We establish a firm foundation in the Pre-Primary years, where we focus on body mechanics and developing a love for being active. Our ultimate goal is to promote a lifelong commitment to an active and healthy lifestyle. Our team sports on offer provide a valuable opportunity to learn new skills, interact with peers and staff outside the classroom and form friendships across different groups. Experienced and qualified staff coach our sport teams, and we compete in the local schools’ league with many of our pupils going on to represent the school at provincial trials for the various codes.

Our House events are an opportunity for pupils across all grades to collaborate and work together in a truly cohesive environment, reminding them that age is no barrier to teamwork or friendship. It promotes leadership amongst our seniors and provides an opportunity where pupils can take on more responsibility, lead and serve, should they choose to do so.