St George's...setting the pace

Foreword by Michael Ashley

The Launch of "Setting the Pace"

Towards the end of 1989, as a result of having heard the Headmaster being interviewed on radio by Nigel Murphy, Graham Elliot of Arrow Publishing asked Mr Cannon to write a short booklet on the educational philosophies that were being followed at St. George's and the changes that had been introduced here.

Pressure of work made it impossible for Mr Cannon to take on this task in time required. However, ex-schoolmaster Mr Alan Cliff agreed to write the book if provided with the relevant papers and if given access to staff and pupils.

St. George's is most grateful to him for the work he spent on the project. The book was launched at a cocktail party in the William Gore Hall on St. George's Day, 23 April 1990 - at which the Deputy Mayor of Cape Town, Councillor Frank van der Velds was guest of honour. The Headmaster of Bishops, Mr John Gardner, addressed the gathering and conveyed best wishes to the St George's community.

When the book was launched it cost R20.

What the press said about St George's Grammar School:

"South Africa's oldest grammar school, St George's in Cape Town, is taking the lead in a new approach to schooling. 'We believe we must keep pace with the technological, management and organisational styles that have changed all our lives over the last decade', explains Paul Cannon, the headmaster."

"Twice a year, the whole school is taken out of the classroom and into the Cape Peninsula for a few days of integrated teaching outdoors."

Personality Magazine, 13/11/1989

"A Group of very young children dressed in civies and looking a tiny bit anxious, sits in the foyer of St George's Grammar School.

"Isn't that a lovely sight?" says headmaster Paul Cannon, pausing in his healthy stride. The children he is referring to are next year's Sub A's in a glorious range of colours from rose pink, through coffee, to ebony - and both sexes."

The Cape Times, 19/11/1988

"Next year, matrics at the non-racial school will regularly meet Mr Cannon to discuss 'ways and means of bringing about a self-regulating school environment.' "

"The new order would bring less regimentation and compulsion in games and peer-group authority, and give greater opportunity for individual choice."

The Augus, 24/9/1988