St Bonaventure's

St Bonaventure's School
Address
Boleyn Road Upton, Forest Gate , Greater London , E7 9QD England
Information
Type	Voluntary aided comprehensive
Motto	In Sanctitate et Doctrina (In Holiness and Learning)
Religious affiliation(s)	Roman Catholic
Established	1877 (in Forest Gate)
Founder	Franciscans
Local authority	Newham
Department for Education URN	102787 Tables
Ofsted	Reports
Chair	Timothy Campbell (MBE)
Head teacher	Mr Paul Halliwell
Staff	148 (approx.)
Gender	Boys
Age	11 to 18
Enrollment	1318 (approx.)
Houses	Atkinson, Bell, Coleman, Forest, Gregory, Heath, Wall
Colour(s)	Brown, Gold and Black
Diocese	Brentwood
Former pupils	Bon's Boys
Website	www.stbons.org

St. Bonaventure's, known informally as St. Bon's, is located in Forest Gate, London Borough of Newham, England. It is a voluntary-aided Catholic comprehensive secondary school for boys aged 11–18. St Bonaventure's has a co-educational sixth form in partnership with a local Catholic girls' school, St Angela's Ursuline School.

St Bonaventure's has been judged as Outstanding by Ofsted since November 2000 The school motto is In Sanctitate Et Doctrina, which means In Holiness And Learning. The school also has a mission statement of Live, Love & Learn In The Presence Of The Lord.

History

Plaque honoring Old Bonaventurians killed in both world wars, St Antony's Church, Forest Gate.

St Bonaventure's was originally founded as a private Roman Catholic school in 1875 by Franciscan monks based in the Stratford area of London. They moved to the St Antony's parish of Forest Gate in 1877, when they needed more space to build a larger school. Following the Education Act 1918 control of the school was taken over by the newly formed West Ham Education Authority and the school changed its name to West Ham Grammar School (St Bonaventure's).

Following the Education Act 1944, the school reverted to full control by the Franciscan Order as a Grammar school and became a Comprehensive school in 1960 with a Tripartite nature (on the site there was Grammar, Secondary Modern and Technical lessons taught). The current school jumper reflects this past, as the three stripes of colour were initially used to identify the three types of student in the school.

St Bonaventure - patron of the school

The school is named for Saint Bonaventure, a Doctor of the Church. Aged 22, he joined the Order of St Francis and promised to lead a life of poverty, chastity and obedience. He was made a Cardinal by Pope Gregory X in 1273.

The Feast day of the Patron is 15th July. This day is always cause for celebration in the school and is often used as an opportunity to give thanks to long serving members of staff.
In 2012 a Mass was given to Mr Kevin Casey and Mrs Therese Smith. The latter also received a Benemerenti medal for her services to the youth of Newham.
In 2014, a Mass was given to thank Mr Frank Grattan and Mr Nick Christie.

Grammar school

It became a state secondary school following the Education Act 1902 in 1904, when schools with a religious nature could gain access to public funding, then in 1918 changed its name to West Ham Grammar School. In 1944, it became St Bonaventure's Grammar School again. The school has a strong relationship with St Antony's Church, which is adjacent to the site, and whole school masses are held there on a regular basis. It is governed by the Diocese of Brentwood and strongly encourages and incorporates liturgical worship in all aspects of school life.

Comprehensive

The School was called a "Multilateral" in the Tripartite system of education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 1960 & became a boys' comprehensive for ages 11–19. The change to a comprehensive school was very successful, as illustrated by the Ofsted reports and the position of the school in the annual Attainment and Achievement Tables. The school gained Technology College status in 1994 and later it gained Language college status. As a High Attaining school is was also able to select a 3rd specialism and chose Applied Learning. In the 2012 results St Bonaventure's was the highest performing school in Newham. The admissions criteria has shows that the school has a comprehensive intake, however due to over-subscription, priority is given to Year 6 students that are practicing Catholics.

School prayers

St Bon's with the Pope at Hyde Park 2010

St Bon's students at Hyde Park for the Papal visit

St Bon's students present a wreath of poppies at the Cenotaph in East Ham Central Park

Prayer before lessons
O God, grant me a calm mind,
a quiet disposition
and an attentive ear.
So that through this lesson
I may learn to come to your truth.
St Bonaventure,
Pray For Us
Amen

Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace"'
Lord, Make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be
consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen

Admissions

Pupils at St Antony's Church, Forest Gate

The vast majority of pupils are Roman Catholic; ethnic minorities represent the socio-economically deprived local catchment area. It is traditionally heavily oversubscribed for entry to Year 7 and accepts 186 students each year.

Houses

7 Houses were given names in 1969;
Atkinson
Bell
Colman
Forest
Gregory
Heath
Kolbe
Wall
prior to that they were named after the 4 Saints on the school badge.;
Catherine
Clare
Francis
Mary

In 2014, a new House called Kolbe will be introduced.

• Atkinson - Venerable Paul Atkinson (confessor), died 1699. A Franciscan, ordained in Douai Abbey and imprisoned in Hurst Castle for 30 years for being a Priest.

• Bell - Blessed Arthur Bell (martyr), died in London on 11 December 1643. He became a Franciscan in Segovia, Spain, then founded the Franciscan order in Douai Abbey. Convicted for being a Roman Catholic, he was held in Newgate Prison and later hanged, drawn and quartered.

• Colman - St Walter Colman, died 1645. A Franciscan friar convicted of being a Roman Catholic and held in Newgate Prison, he was condemned to be hanged, drawn and quartered, but died of starvation before the sentence could be carried out.

• Forest - Blessed John Forest, died 22 May 1548. Franciscan friar held in Newgate Prison. He was tortured and burned over a fire while being hung by a chain around his waist.

• Gregory - Pope Gregory X, Cardinal Protector of the Franciscan Order, he made St Bonaventure a Cardinal.

• Kolbe - Maximillian Kolbe O.F.M. died 14 August 1941. Franciscan Friar that gave up his life in Auschwitz for a stranger. He was trapped underground, starved and dehydrated. He was given a lethal injection of Carbolic Acid by Nazi guards.

• Heath - Blessed Henry Heath (martyr), died 1643. He was convicted of being a Priest and a Roman Catholic, held at Newgate Prison and hung, drawn and quartered at Tyburn.

• Wall - St John Wall (priest), died 1679. A Franciscan friar ordained in Douai Abbey, and convicted for being a Priest and a Roman Catholic. He was beheaded on 22 August.

School uniform and colours

Pupil wearing a St Bon's Black Blazer

The students in Year 7 & 8 wear a brown blazer to retain the old link with the Franciscan order. Students wear a white, collared formal shirt with the school tie. The trousers are black and black leather shoes are worn. The schools coat is black with the school badge. A brown pullover V-necked jumper is also compulsory.

Pupil wearing a St Bon's Brown Blazer

The students in Years 9-11 wear a black blazer with gold edging to the lapels. Students wear a white, collared formal shirt with the school tie. The trousers are black with black leather shoes worn. A black pullover V-necked jumper is an optional extra.

The standard tie in solid Gold in colour with a black diagonal stripe going down from right to left. A selection of ties are available for the boy's to be awarded with when they excel in particular subjects. These are given following excellence shown in the areas of Sport (an additional green stripe), Technology (an additional red stripe), Languages (an additional blue stripe) and Art (an additional purple stripe). In September 2011, a new tie for excellence in English and Mathematics was awarded.

As with all other ties, the main colour of gold with the traditional black stripe. Adjacent to this, there is a pink stripe. In 2013 a new RE tie was introduced, this will have an additional white stripe. In 2014, ties have been awarded for excellence in Science and Humanities. The boys in 6th Form wear a dark coloured business suit with a formal shirt and tie. As the 6th form students move between St Bonaventure's and St Angela's, they wear photo-identification at all times, in order to gain entry into the two schools. In September 2011, a new formal uniform for girls in the 6th Form was introduced.

School Crest

St Bon's Crest

The school Badge and crest has existed in the present format since the school was founded by the Franciscan Order in the 19th Century. The red hat represents the fact that St Bonaventure was a Cardinal in the Roman Catholic church. The white Fleur De Lys symbolises St Mary, the Mother of God. Illustrating that the school and all Bonaventurians have a particular devotion to Our Lady.

The Franciscan Cross on a brown background symbolises the Franciscan heritage of the school. This is also demonstrated in the uniform and the names used for the Tutor Groups. The Wheel symbolises St Catherine of Alexandria, also known as Saint Catherine of the Wheel. Even in Medieval times she was the Patron Saint of educators. The yellow shield on black background symbolises St Clare of Assisi. She was greatly influenced by the teachings of St Francis of Assisi. She eventually started the order of Poor Clares.

The Motto at the base of the Coat of Arms states In Sanctitate Et Doctrina.
This translates as In Holiness and Learning. Showing that all Bon's Boys should be faithful at all times and always try to discover something new each day. This should continue throughout their lives.
The motto has changed during the time that the school first opened.
During the period as West Ham Grammar School through to the end of the Second World War the motto was Anime Et Fide - In Courage and Faith.

Headteachers

Mr. Paul Halliwell

• Paul Halliwell, 2010–present
• Paul C. Doherty (interim; 2009–10)
• Stephen Foster (2003–09)
• Sir Michael Wilshaw (1985–2003)
• Owen Craddy (1974–85)

Academic performance

The school does very well in the local and national league tables at GCSE level, and in 2012 over 99% of Year 11 Pupils achieved five or more A*-C passes, well above the national average.
As a Roman Catholic school, all pupils are entered for a compulsory GCSE in religious studies as well as English, Maths and Science. In 2005, the school became a Language College, meaning that all pupils are also entered for a GCSE in a modern foreign language in French Spanish or German.
At the end of Year 9 students choose their options from a wide range of different GCSE subjects, including History, Geography, PE, Business Studies, Sociology, Art, Music and a selection of Design Technology subjects.

Sixth Form

St Bonaventure's: A Specialist College

St Bonaventure's has a large co-educational sixth form in partnership with its local all-girls sister school, St Angela's Ursuline School, which also attracts a considerable number of students from other schools in the borough, and often beyond, wishing to continue their education post-16. St Bonaventure's and St Angela's are the only 11-18 schools in Newham, and are the two top ranked schools at GCSE level in the borough.

The sixth form offers various qualifications, from the traditional GCE A-levels to GNVQ courses, and has a good tradition of preparing pupils for admission to prestigious UK higher education institutions such as Oxbridge, Imperial College London, University College London and London School of Economics. Many of these students go on to read subjects such as medicine, law, engineering and economics.

The director of sixth form studies is currently Wayne Templeman. Due to the limited space and resources, as well as the large number of students, sixth form teaching is usually split between St. Angela's and St. Bonaventure's campuses. Sixth form teaching was also shared with St. John's Catholic School in Green Street as part of the 'Sixth Form Consortium' of Catholic secondary schools until its closure in 1990.

Sport

Pupil sporting a St Bon's Physical education (P.E.) Kit

In 1967 the School team won the Thomas Lipton Trophy ( London & S.E Schools Cup) winning the Final 7 -0 against Beaufoys at The Spotted Dog Ground. Their Manager was Father Benedict who was the only person ever to have played for both Oxford & Cambridge at Wembley. The Headmaster Father Howard was also a keen sportsman. St. Bonaventure's RC School has an excellent Physical Education department. Over the past few years the school's football and basketball teams have reached numerous national finals, such as the London Cup Final in football and the Essex Cup Final in both football and basketball. The school's cricket team have also won the Newham Cup several times. Many representatives of the school's football team have gone on to forge careers as professional footballers.

In 2008 St Bonaventure's became English Schools Basketball Association Under-14 boys national champions, and in doing so became the first team to achieve such a feat in the school's history. In 2013 the Year 10 team won the Prestigious Dewar Shield The school P.E. kit is traditionally a light blue collared rugby top with a white horizontal stripe, combined with plain white shorts and plain white football socks.

Notable Bon's Boys

See also: Category:People educated at St Bonaventure's Catholic Comprehensive School

The following list consist of notable former pupils of St Bonaventure's Catholic Comprehensive School, who are known as Bon's Boys:

Name	Birth	Death	Achievements
Chuba Akpom	1995		Current Arsenal Striker. Chuba Tekkers Video.
David Amess MP	1952		British Conservative Member of Parliament.
Chuks Aneke	1993		Current Arsenal footballer on loan to Crewe Alexandra playing in the midfield position. Stunning goal for Crewe Alexandra.
Alex Bailey	1983		Winner of the FA Youth Cup with Arsenal in 2001, then went on to play for Chesterfield, Halifax Town and St Albans City.
Charles Babalola	1990		Actor. Winner of the prestigious Alan Bates Bursary 2014. Interview following announcement of Charles winning the Alan Bates Bursary 2014
Peter Bakare	1989		Men's Indoor Volleyball Competitor for Team GB Peter Bakare Video For Northumbria University.
Tim Campbell MBE	1980		The Apprentice 2005 series winner and businessman. Current Chair of the Governing Body of St Bonaventure's.
Voltaire Taiwo de Campos	1996		Social campaigner, charity worker and winner of Youth Compassion Award from the Dalai Lama
John Chiedozie	1960		Former footballer with a distinguished career playing for Spurs and Nigeria amongst others.
Ted Childs OBE	1934		Film and television producer (The Sweeney, Inspector Morse, Sharpe and Soldier Soldier). He was Chair of BAFTA from 1993 to 1995. Ted Childs on IMDB. Ted Childs' Nottingham Alumni video
George Chukwuma	1988		Former England footballer, current Sports Community Officer for West Ham, star of film made by 1000londoners.com and honoured for his work with 'Grass Roots' football. George on 1000Londoners
David Christie	1984		Labour Councillor for Beckton, Newham
Fr Andrew Cloonan O.F.M.	1917	2008	Franciscan priest and teacher.
Jermain Defoe	1982		Current Toronto, former Spurs and England, Portsmouth and West Ham footballer.
Clint Dyer	1968		Actor, Director, Producer including Sus (film) Clint Dyer on IMDB.
Anthony Edgar	1990		Current Dagenham & Redbridge, Former Barnet, Yeovil, and West Ham footballer.
Sir Peter Fahy QPM	1959		Chief Constable Of Greater Manchester Police (GMP)
Sir Edward (Ned) Fennessy	1912	2009	Electronics Engineer, developer of radar & Deputy Chair of the General Post Office
Aron Galabuzi	1986		Visual effects artist and Creative Director for films such as Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Men in Black 3 and BAFTA and Academy award winning Gravity (film)
Darren Hart	1989		Stage, film and television actor. Darren Hart profile, IMDb.com; accessed 6 May 2014.
Chris Hughton	1958		Former Norwich, Newcastle and Birmingham manager and former Spurs, West Ham and Ireland footballer and coach.
Lewis Iwu	1986		First Black President of the Oxford Student Union. World University debating champion and winner of the English Speaking Union School Mace.
John Junkin	1930	2006	Film, television and radio actor.
Fr John King	1937	2012	Priest at Our Lady of Compassion, Upton Park.
Terry Lawless	1933	2009	World famous boxing promoter/manager. Funeral on Sky TV.
Martin Ling	1966		Current Torquay manager and former Leyton Orient manager and footballer.
Bill March	1941	1990	Mountaineer, adventurer and educator. He led the successful Canadian 1982 ascent of Mount Everest, Director of Plas-y-Brenin and academic at Calgary University.
Fr James Mackay	1979		Priest/youth coordinator for the Diocese of Brentwood; St John Bosco Camp Brother.
Mickey May	1937	2014	Boxing Coach at West Ham Boxing Club. ABA coach of the year 2012. Mickey on the opening day of UEL SportsDock
Christian McNeish	1997		Represents Team GB for Taekwondo, previous WAKO Junior European & World Champion. Has since transferred from Kick Boxing to Taekwondo to compete for Gold in Rio 2016.
Stephen Mulhern	1977		British television presenter, entertainer, and former magician.
Glenn Murphy MBE	1957		Film and television actor
Billy Murray	1941		Actor (The Bill, EastEnders, Call Of Duty)
Kevin Myers	1956		Acting CEO of the Health and Safety Executive since August 2013.
Bondz N'Gala	1989		Current Portsmouth, former Yeovil, Plymouth Argyle and West Ham footballer.
Tolulope Ogunmefun	1994		Actor Known professionally as T-Boy and Don't Jealous Me.
Teddy Okereafor	1992		Current Rider Broncs basketballer, previously with VCU Rams. While at St Bon's he was part of the England Under 18 team, he moved to USA to pursue a career in basketball.
John Okusi	1968		Current RBA Global Executive headhunter and sports agent.
Clement Okusi	1972		Currently at the Potters House Christian Church, Croydon (theologian, senior founding pastor and social commentator)
Terry Paul	1967		Labour Councillor for Stratford, Newham
Tommy Seagull	1994		Won Scholarship to study A Levels at Eton, winner of the English Speaking Union School Mace 2012 Winning The Times Advocacy Competition 2013
Kiell Smith-Bynoe	1989		Actor.
Alex Stavrinou	1990		Current Cray Wanderers, former Ebsfleet, Charlton and Cyprus footballer.
Kwasi Danquah III	1986		Musician, business manager (known professionally as Tinchy Stryder)
William Sharp	1986		Winner of the English Speaking Union School Mace with Lewis Iwu
Steve John Shepherd	1973		Actor
Pat Stack MBE	1954	2001	Head boy, teacher.
Alton Thelwell	1980		Footballer (Spurs, Hull City and others).
Gordon Tucker	1968		Managing Director & CEO of GT Law Solicitors
Jonathan Woodhouse	1986		Actor, director, producer.
Thomas Humfrey	1962		Lecturer of Educational Technology, first independent CD-ROM publisher in the UK in 1993, co-author of the ICT exemplar schemes of work for the National Curriculum and lead education consultant on the National Strategies. Now a professional Stamp Dealer and owner of Postal Pursuits.

External links

• Profile, EduBase.gov.uk; accessed 6 May 2014.