Cannons Creek Independent School is pleased to share the news that Mr Angus Morton has taken over the reins from Mr Mike van Haght, as High School Principal and Executive Head. The recruitment process was rigorous, and several excellent candidates from top schools across South Africa were interviewed.

The announcement was made to staff by Mr Jan de Waal (Transitional Board Chair) towards the end of the academic year, and Mr Morton was fortunate to spend six weeks at the school, which enabled him to gain some insight.  Mr Morton has spent the largest part of his career in the independent school sector. He was a founding staff member of Somerset College in 1997. As a Deputy Head at Somerset College, he oversaw the academic and pastoral programmes.

Angus left Somerset College at the end of 2006 and spent two years as a Chemistry teacher at The Leys School in Cambridge, United Kingdom. On his return to South Africa in 2009, Mr Morton joined Elkanah House High School as the Head of the Physical Sciences Department. His leadership role in the school developed and he was appointed Head of Elkanah House High School in 2020. Since 2022, Mr Morton has been Head of Physical Sciences at Somerset West Private School.

He describes himself as a passionate educator who is deeply committed to the holistic, relevant and values-based education that is common to all the schools that he has served in. His approach to education goes beyond academic achievement and focuses on the acquisition of skills, attitudes and values. He believes that all schools should remain at the forefront of authentic innovation and challenge as they prepare their matriculants for the changing world they will face.

Mr Morton’s family is central to who he is and they spend much time together in the mountains or around a fire or pool. Relationships are key to him and this is no less true in his school life. Mr Morton matriculated from Westerford High School and completed his Bachelor of Sciences degree and Post Graduate Higher Diploma in Education at UCT. When asked why he had applied for the post, he responded, “I have always taught in schools that emphasise the development of whole young people, helping them to reach their full potential with a broad holistic curriculum. I believe that this is most likely to be achieved in an environment where pupils believe they are respected and cared for. Cannons Creek is a small community school, a nurturing environment conducive to building healthy relationships and offering a broad, full programme. It is just the right fit.” When asked about his opinion of Cannons Creek, Mr Morton shared the following:

“I had the privilege of being able to begin my journey at Cannons Creek with a six-week handover period at the end of 2022.  This proved to be a wonderful opportunity to meet with each of the staff members and to get a real feel for the workings of the school. I was immediately struck by the very high value that each of the staff members places on teaching at Cannons Creek. There is always an element of uncertainty when one makes a change and starts at a new school, but that disappeared within the first few hours here. I have witnessed the genuine care and concern that the staff have for the pupils. The family ethos of the school is tangible and is seen in the way the staff and pupils interact with one another..

I also had the opportunity to look at the various curriculum programmes that are already well- established. Outstanding academic standards are maintained, with a broad range of extra- mural activities. Some changes ahead are that isiXhosa will be taught to Grade 7s, and our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) programme will extend from Grade 7 to Grade 9. We are also very excited to be taking part in an Inter-schools’ Racing Drone League. Some highlights to look forward to are the annual Fun Run (10 February), Open Day (11 March), High School Play (May), and Carnival (28 October), and of course Adventure Week which is taking place mid-term in the 1st term. Cannons celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022.  In those 25 years, a solid foundation has been laid.  The school is well-resourced, financially in a very stable position and well-positioned for the future. I feel privileged to lead the school in the next stage of its development. I am excited by the journey that has already begun.”