St Bonaventure's Catholic Comprehensive School
Encyclopedia
St. Bonaventure's Roman Catholic Comprehensive School, also known informally as St. Bon's, is located in Forest Gate
, London Borough of Newham
, United Kingdom
. It is a voluntary-aided Catholic
comprehensive secondary school for boys aged 11–18. The school has had Technology College status since 1994 and Science College status since 2004. St Bonaventure's has a co-educational sixth form in partnership with another local school, St Angela's Ursuline School
.
monks based in the St. Antony's area of Forest Gate. It became St Bonaventure's Grammar School in 1890.
, a saint in the Catholic
church and a Doctor of the Church
. At the age of 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. He was hard working, intelligent and always put the needs of others before himself. The characteristics that the school wants from all of its students.
reports and the position of the school in the annual Attainment and Achievement Tables. The admissions criteria has shown that the school has a comprehensive intake, however due to over-subscription, priority is given to Year 6 students that are practicing Catholics.
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 dark brown coloured with a brown pullover V-necked jumper as an optional extra.
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. The coat is also dark brown coloured with a black pullover V-necked jumper as 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.
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.
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.
Being a Catholic
school, all pupils are entered for a compulsory GCSE in religious studies. In 2006, the school officially became a Language College
, meaning that all pupils are also entered for a GCSE in a modern foreign language (normally French
or German
).
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 Sarah Siaw, following the previous incumbent Dr Andrew Stone's departure to take up the headteacher's post at Holy Family Catholic School. Due to the limited space and resources, as well as the large number of students, sixth form teaching is usually split between the 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.
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.
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.
Forest Gate
Forest Gate is a residential area in the London Borough of Newham, 7 miles northeast of Charing Cross. It is bordered by Manor Park to the east and and to the west lies Stratford town centre. The northern half of the busy Green Street runs through it.-History:...
, London Borough of Newham
London Borough of Newham
The London Borough of Newham is a London borough formed from the towns of West Ham and East Ham, within East London.It is situated east of the City of London, and is north of the River Thames. According to 2006 estimates, Newham has one of the highest ethnic minority populations of all the...
, United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. It is a voluntary-aided Catholic
Catholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
comprehensive secondary school for boys aged 11–18. The school has had Technology College status since 1994 and Science College status since 2004. St Bonaventure's has a co-educational sixth form in partnership with another local school, St Angela's Ursuline School
St Angela's Ursuline School
St Angela's Ursuline School is a Catholic secondary school for girls located in Forest Gate, East London, United Kingdom. Its recent GCSE pass rate of five or more A* - C grades is 93.0%. The school was ranked by The Guardian as 37th out of 423 comprehensives and academies in England and has been...
.
History
St Bonaventure's was originally founded as a private Roman Catholic school in 1875 by FranciscanFranciscan
Most Franciscans are members of Roman Catholic religious orders founded by Saint Francis of Assisi. Besides Roman Catholic communities, there are also Old Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, ecumenical and Non-denominational Franciscan communities....
monks based in the St. Antony's area of Forest Gate. It became St Bonaventure's Grammar School in 1890.
St Bonaventure - Patron Of The School
The school is named after BonaventureBonaventure
Saint Bonaventure, O.F.M., , born John of Fidanza , was an Italian medieval scholastic theologian and philosopher. The seventh Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor, he was also a Cardinal Bishop of Albano. He was canonized on 14 April 1482 by Pope Sixtus IV and declared a Doctor of the...
, a saint in the Catholic
Catholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
church and a Doctor of the Church
Doctor of the Church
Doctor of the Church is a title given by a variety of Christian churches to individuals whom they recognize as having been of particular importance, particularly regarding their contribution to theology or doctrine.-Catholic Church:In the Catholic Church, this name is given to a saint from whose...
. At the age of 22, he joined the Order of St Francis and promised to lead a life of Poverty
Poverty
Poverty is the lack of a certain amount of material possessions or money. Absolute poverty or destitution is inability to afford basic human needs, which commonly includes clean and fresh water, nutrition, health care, education, clothing and shelter. About 1.7 billion people are estimated to live...
, Chastity
Chastity
Chastity refers to the sexual behavior of a man or woman acceptable to the moral standards and guidelines of a culture, civilization, or religion....
and Obedience
Obedience
The term obedience can refer to:* Obedience ** The educational film Obedience about the Milgram experiment on obedience to authority figures* Vow of obedience as an evangelical counsel* Obedience training for dogs...
. He was made a Cardinal
Cardinal (Catholicism)
A cardinal is a senior ecclesiastical official, usually an ordained bishop, and ecclesiastical prince of the Catholic Church. They are collectively known as the College of Cardinals, which as a body elects a new pope. The duties of the cardinals include attending the meetings of the College and...
by Pope Gregory X
Pope Gregory X
Pope Blessed Gregory X , born Tebaldo Visconti, was Pope from 1271 to 1276. He was elected by the papal election, 1268–1271, the longest papal election in the history of the Roman Catholic Church....
in 1273. He was hard working, intelligent and always put the needs of others before himself. The characteristics that the school wants from all of its students.
Grammar school
It became a state secondary school in 1904, then in 1908 changed its name to West Ham Grammar School. In 1944, it became St Bonaventure's Grammar School again on Upton Lane. The school has a strong relationship with St. Antony's Church, which is adjacent to the site, and whole school masses are held here at the end of each term. It is governed by the Diocese of Brentwood and strongly encourages and incorporates liturgical worship in all aspects of school life.Comprehensive
St Bonaventure's eventually became a boys' comprehensive for ages 11–18. The change to a comprehensive school was very successful, as illustrated by the OfstedOfsted
The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills is the non-ministerial government department of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools In England ....
reports and the position of the school in the annual Attainment and Achievement Tables. The admissions criteria has shown that the school has a comprehensive intake, however due to over-subscription, priority is given to Year 6 students that are practicing Catholics.
Admissions
The vast majority of pupils are Roman Catholic, but mostly from ethnic minorities and represent the socio-economically deprived local catchment area. It is traditionally heavily oversubscribed for entry to Year 7 and on average accepts 180 new students each year, although in recent years the school has started to substantially reduce its intake of students from other faiths and denominations.Houses
- Atkinson - Venerable Paul AtkinsonPaul AtkinsonPaul Atkinson was a 17th and 18th Century English Roman Catholic who is viewed as a martyr.One of the notable confessors of the English Church during the age which succeeded the persecution of blood. Having been condemned to perpetual imprisonment for his priesthood, about the year 1699, he died in...
, died 1699. A FranciscanFranciscanMost Franciscans are members of Roman Catholic religious orders founded by Saint Francis of Assisi. Besides Roman Catholic communities, there are also Old Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, ecumenical and Non-denominational Franciscan communities....
, ordained in DouaiDouai-Main sights:Douai's ornate Gothic style belfry was begun in 1380, on the site of an earlier tower. The 80 m high structure includes an impressive carillon, consisting of 62 bells spanning 5 octaves. The originals, some dating from 1391 were removed in 1917 during World War I by the occupying...
Abbey and imprisoned in Hurst Castle for 30 years for being a PriestPriestA priest is a person authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and deities. They also have the authority or power to administer religious rites; in particular, rites of sacrifice to, and propitiation of, a deity or deities...
.
- Bell - Blessed Arthur Bell (martyr), died in London on 11th December 1643. He became a Franciscan in Segovia, Spain, then founded the Franciscan order in Douai Abbey. Convicted for being a CatholicCatholicThe word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
and held in Newgate PrisonNewgate PrisonNewgate Prison was a prison in London, at the corner of Newgate Street and Old Bailey just inside the City of London. It was originally located at the site of a gate in the Roman London Wall. The gate/prison was rebuilt in the 12th century, and demolished in 1777...
and then Hung, Drawn and Quartered.
- Colman - St Walter ColmanWalter ColmanWalter Colman was an English Franciscan friar.-Life:Colman was born in Cannock, Staffordshire, to a noble and wealthy family. His father was also named Walter Coleman. His mother's family, the Whitgreaves, later gave asylum to Charles II in 1651 at Mosley Hall near Wolverhampton.Young Colman left...
, died 1645. A Franciscan FriarFriarA friar is a member of one of the mendicant orders.-Friars and monks:...
convicted of being a Roman Catholic and held in Newgate Prison, he was condemned to be Hung, drawn and Quartered, but he died of starvation while awaiting his punishment.
- Forest - Blessed John ForestJohn ForestJohn Forest was an English Franciscan Friar and martyr.Born in the Oxford area, John Forest became a Franciscan Friar Minor of the Regular Observance in 1491. He went on to study theology at the University of Oxford, later becoming confessor to Queen Catherine of Aragon, first wife to King Henry...
, died 22 May 1548. Another Franciscan Friar killed for his Roman Catholic beliefs. He was held in Newgate Prison, tortured and burned over a fire whilst being hung by a chain around his waist.
- Gregory - Pope Gregory XPope Gregory XPope Blessed Gregory X , born Tebaldo Visconti, was Pope from 1271 to 1276. He was elected by the papal election, 1268–1271, the longest papal election in the history of the Roman Catholic Church....
, Cardinal Protector of the Franciscan Order, he made St BonaventureBonaventureSaint Bonaventure, O.F.M., , born John of Fidanza , was an Italian medieval scholastic theologian and philosopher. The seventh Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor, he was also a Cardinal Bishop of Albano. He was canonized on 14 April 1482 by Pope Sixtus IV and declared a Doctor of the...
a CardinalCardinal (Catholicism)A cardinal is a senior ecclesiastical official, usually an ordained bishop, and ecclesiastical prince of the Catholic Church. They are collectively known as the College of Cardinals, which as a body elects a new pope. The duties of the cardinals include attending the meetings of the College and...
.
- Heath - Blessed Henry Heath (martyr), died 1643. He was convicted of being a Priest and a Roman Catholic, held in Newgate Prison and hung, drawn and quartered at TyburnTyburnTyburn is a former village just outside the then boundaries of London that was best known as a place of public execution.Tyburn may also refer to:* Tyburn , river and historical water source in London...
.
- 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 22nd August.
School uniform and colours
The students in Year 7 & 8 wear a brown blazerBlazer
A blazer is a type of jacket. The term blazer occasionally is synonymous with boating jacket and sports jacket, two different garments. A blazer resembles a suit coat cut more casually — sometimes with flap-less patch pockets and metal buttons. A blazer's cloth is usually durable , because it is an...
to retain the old link with the Franciscan
Franciscan
Most Franciscans are members of Roman Catholic religious orders founded by Saint Francis of Assisi. Besides Roman Catholic communities, there are also Old Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, ecumenical and Non-denominational Franciscan communities....
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 dark brown coloured with a brown pullover V-necked jumper as an optional extra.
The students in Years 9 - 11 wear a black blazer
Blazer
A blazer is a type of jacket. The term blazer occasionally is synonymous with boating jacket and sports jacket, two different garments. A blazer resembles a suit coat cut more casually — sometimes with flap-less patch pockets and metal buttons. A blazer's cloth is usually durable , because it is an...
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. The coat is also dark brown coloured with a black pullover V-necked jumper as 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.
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 coat of arms
The school coat of armsCoat of arms
A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield or escutcheon or on a surcoat or tabard used to cover and protect armour and to identify the wearer. Thus the term is often stated as "coat-armour", because it was anciently displayed on the front of a coat of cloth...
and crest
Crest (heraldry)
A crest is a component of an heraldic display, so called because it stands on top of a helmet, as the crest of a jay stands on the bird's head....
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
Cardinal (Catholicism)
A cardinal is a senior ecclesiastical official, usually an ordained bishop, and ecclesiastical prince of the Catholic Church. They are collectively known as the College of Cardinals, which as a body elects a new pope. The duties of the cardinals include attending the meetings of the College and...
in the Roman Catholic church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
.
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
Our Lady
As a general concept, Our Lady may refer to:*Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mary, the mother of Jesus of Nazareth*Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary in Roman Catholic teachings...
.
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
Catherine of Alexandria
Saint Catherine of Alexandria, also known as Saint Catherine of the Wheel and The Great Martyr Saint Catherine is, according to tradition, a Christian saint and virgin, who was martyred in the early 4th century at the hands of the pagan emperor Maxentius...
, also known as Saint Catherine of the Wheel. Even in Medieval times she was the Patron Saint
Patron saint
A patron saint is a saint who is regarded as the intercessor and advocate in heaven of a nation, place, craft, activity, class, clan, family, or person...
of educators.
The yellow shield on black background symbolises St Clare of Assisi
Clare of Assisi
Clare of Assisi , born Chiara Offreduccio, is an Italian saint and one of the first followers of Saint Francis 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
Coat of arms
A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield or escutcheon or on a surcoat or tabard used to cover and protect armour and to identify the wearer. Thus the term is often stated as "coat-armour", because it was anciently displayed on the front of a coat of cloth...
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.
Headteachers
- Mr.Mr.Mister, usually written in its abbreviated form Mr or Mr. , is a commonly used English honorific for men under the rank of knighthood. The title derived from master, as the equivalent female titles, Mrs., Miss, and Ms, all derived from the archaic mistress...
Paul Halliwell, 2010–present: Paul Halliwell former Deputy head teacherDeputy head teacherA deputy head teacher, deputy headmaster or deputy headmistress is the second most senior teacher in a school in the United Kingdom and elsewhere....
at OFSTEDOfstedThe Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills is the non-ministerial government department of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools In England ....
outstanding De La Salle Acadamy, in LiverpoolLiverpoolLiverpool is a city and metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and was granted city status in 1880...
, and as an outstanding yet professional man within his profession, the current Head teacherHead teacherA head teacher or school principal is the most senior teacher, leader and manager of a school....
should bring his outstanding skills from Liverpool and show them currently here at St Bonaventure's. - DrDoctor (title)Doctor, as a title, originates from the Latin word of the same spelling and meaning. The word is originally an agentive noun of the Latin verb docēre . It has been used as an honored academic title for over a millennium in Europe, where it dates back to the rise of the university. This use spread...
. Paul C. Doherty (Temporary), 2009–2010 - Mr.Mr.Mister, usually written in its abbreviated form Mr or Mr. , is a commonly used English honorific for men under the rank of knighthood. The title derived from master, as the equivalent female titles, Mrs., Miss, and Ms, all derived from the archaic mistress...
Stephen Foster, 2003–2009 - Sir Michael WilshawMichael WilshawSir Michael Wilshaw is a former teacher and headmaster who was announced as the next Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools In England and head of Ofsted in October 2011. He will take up this post in January 2012....
, 1985–2003 - Mr.Mr.Mister, usually written in its abbreviated form Mr or Mr. , is a commonly used English honorific for men under the rank of knighthood. The title derived from master, as the equivalent female titles, Mrs., Miss, and Ms, all derived from the archaic mistress...
Owen Craddy, 1974–1985
Academic performance
The school generally does very well in the local and national league tables at GCSE level, and in 2007 over 80% of Year 11 Pupils achieved five or more A*-C passes, well above the national average.Being a Catholic
Catholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
school, all pupils are entered for a compulsory GCSE in religious studies. In 2006, the school officially became a Language College
Language College
Language Colleges were introduced in 1995 as part of the Specialist Schools Programme in the United Kingdom. The system enables secondary schools to specialise in certain fields, in this case, modern foreign languages...
, meaning that all pupils are also entered for a GCSE in a modern foreign language (normally French
French language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
or German
German language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
).
Sixth form
St Bonaventure's has a large co-educational sixth formSixth form
In the education systems of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and of Commonwealth West Indian countries such as Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Jamaica and Malta, the sixth form is the final two years of secondary education, where students, usually sixteen to eighteen years of age,...
in partnership with its local all-girls sister school, St Angela's Ursuline School
St Angela's Ursuline School
St Angela's Ursuline School is a Catholic secondary school for girls located in Forest Gate, East London, United Kingdom. Its recent GCSE pass rate of five or more A* - C grades is 93.0%. The school was ranked by The Guardian as 37th out of 423 comprehensives and academies in England and has been...
, 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
Oxbridge
Oxbridge is a portmanteau of the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge in England, and the term is now used to refer to them collectively, often with implications of perceived superior social status...
, Imperial College London
Imperial College London
Imperial College London is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom, specialising in science, engineering, business and medicine...
, University College London
University College London
University College London is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom and the oldest and largest constituent college of the federal University of London...
and London School of Economics
London School of Economics
The London School of Economics and Political Science is a public research university specialised in the social sciences located in London, United Kingdom, and a constituent college of the federal University of London...
. Many of these students go on to read subjects such as medicine, law, engineering and economics.
The director of sixth form
Sixth form
In the education systems of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and of Commonwealth West Indian countries such as Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Jamaica and Malta, the sixth form is the final two years of secondary education, where students, usually sixteen to eighteen years of age,...
studies is currently Sarah Siaw, following the previous incumbent Dr Andrew Stone's departure to take up the headteacher's post at Holy Family Catholic School. Due to the limited space and resources, as well as the large number of students, sixth form teaching is usually split between the 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
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.
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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Amess David Amess David Anthony Andrew Amess is a British Conservative Party politician. He has been a Member of Parliament since 1983, first for Basildon, and since 1997 for Southend West.-Early life:... |
1952 | British Consertive Party Conservative Party (UK) The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House... MP. |
|
| Timothy Campbell | 1980 | The Apprentice 2005 series winner and businessman. | |
| Jermain Defoe Jermain Defoe Jermain Colin Defoe is an English footballer who plays as a striker for English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, and the England national football team.... |
1982 | Current Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane.... and England national football team England national football team The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first... footballer and former Portsmouth F.C. Portsmouth F.C. Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Portsmouth. The club is nicknamed Pompey. Portsmouth's home matches have been played at Fratton Park since the club's formation in 1898. The team currently play in the Football League Championship after being relegated from... and West Ham United F.C. West Ham United F.C. West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current... footballer. |
|
| Anthony Edgar Anthony Edgar Anthony James Edgar is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Yeovil Town.-West Ham United:... |
1990 | Current Yeovil Town F.C. Yeovil Town F.C. Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05... footballer and former West Ham United F.C. West Ham United F.C. West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current... footballer. |
|
| Chris Hughton Chris Hughton Christopher William Gerard "Chris" Hughton is a professional football manager and former player who is currently the manager of Birmingham City F.C.... |
1958 | Current Birmingham City F.C. Birmingham City F.C. Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the... manager, former Newcastle United F.C. Newcastle United F.C. Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger... manager and former Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane.... footballer and coach. |
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| Martin Ling Martin Ling Martin Ling is an English football manager and former player, who is currently manager of Torquay United in League Two. He played in over 100 Football League matches for Exeter City, Southend United, Swindon Town and Leyton Orient, before moving into management where he led Orient for over five... |
1966 | Current Torquay United F.C. Torquay United F.C. Torquay United Football Club, nicknamed the Gulls, are an English association football club based in the tourist resort town of Torquay, Devon. They played in the Conference National in 2008–09, but were promoted to Football League Two after a 2–0 win over Cambridge United on 17 May 2009 at Wembley... manager and former Leyton Orient F.C. Leyton Orient F.C. Leyton Orient F.C. are an English professional football club in East London. They currently play in Football League One and are known to their fans as the O's.Leyton Orient have spent one season in the top flight of English football, in 1962–63... manager and footballer. |
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| Bondz N'Gala |
1989 | Current Yeovil Town F.C. Yeovil Town F.C. Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05... footballer and former Plymouth Argyle F.C. Plymouth Argyle F.C. Plymouth Argyle Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Plymouth, Devon, that plays in Football League Two.Since becoming professional in 1903, the club has won five Football League titles, five Southern League titles and one Western League title. The 2009–10 season was the... and West Ham United F.C. West Ham United F.C. West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current... footballer. |
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| Dennis Oli Dennis Oli Dennis Chiedozie Oli is an English footballer of Nigerian and Jamaican descent. He currently plays for Gillingham, but has previously spent time at Queens Park Rangers, Gravesend & Northfleet, Farnborough Town, Swansea City, Cambridge United and Grays Athletic.-Career:Oli came through the youth... |
1984 | Current Gillingham F.C. Gillingham F.C. Gillingham Football Club is an English professional football club based in the town of Gillingham, Kent. The only Kent-based club in the Football League, they play their home matches at the Priestfield Stadium... footballer and former Swansea City A.F.C. Swansea City A.F.C. Swansea City Association Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Swansea, Wales. One of the most successful clubs in Welsh football, it has won 10 Welsh Cups and led the English Football League First Division in December 1981, before finishing the season in 6th position... and Queens Park Rangers F.C. Queens Park Rangers F.C. Queens Park Rangers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in White City, Hammersmith and Fulham, west London. As the 2010-11 Football League Championship champions, they now play in the top tier of English football the Premier League, for the first time in 15 years... footballer. |
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| Alex Stavrinou Alex Stavrinou Alexander "Alex" Michael Stavrinou is an English professional footballer, who plays as a midfielder for Ebbsfleet United. He has also represented Cyprus youth at international level.-Club career:... |
1990 | Current Ebbsfleet United F.C. footballer and former Charlton Athletic F.C. Charlton Athletic F.C. Charlton Athletic Football Club is an English professional football club based in Charlton, in the London Borough of Greenwich. They compete in Football League One, the third tier of English football. The club was founded on 9 June 1905, when a number of youth clubs in the southeast London area,... footballer. |
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| Kwasi Danquah III Tinchy Stryder Kwasi Danquah III , better known by his pseudonyms Tinchy Stryder and Star In The Hood, is a Ghanaian British recording artist, music executive, A&R executive, and businessman... |
1986 | Musician Musician A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession.... and business manager Business manager In a general context, a business manager is a person who manages the work of others in order to run a business efficiently and make a large profit... . |
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| Stephen Mulhern Stephen Mulhern Stephen Daniel Mulhern is a British TV presenter, entertainer, and former magician. He began presenting in the studio on CITV in May 1998 and became a leading presenter until he left in August 2002. He has presented a number of shows, including SMTV Live, Holly & Stephen's Saturday Showdown and... |
1977 | British television presenter, entertainer Entertainment Entertainment consists of any activity which provides a diversion or permits people to amuse themselves in their leisure time. Entertainment is generally passive, such as watching opera or a movie. Active forms of amusement, such as sports, are more often considered to be recreation... , and former magician Magic (illusion) Magic is a performing art that entertains audiences by staging tricks or creating illusions of seemingly impossible or supernatural feats using natural means... . |
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| Steve John Shepherd Steve John Shepherd -Career:Shepherd first became known in 1996, when he played the role of Jo, the law clerk, in the critically acclaimed BBC drama This Life. He remained in the role for two series... |
1973 | British Actor Actor An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity... , Eastenders EastEnders EastEnders is a British television soap opera, first broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 19 February 1985 and continuing to today. EastEnders storylines examine the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work in the fictional London Borough of Walford in the East End... . |
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External links
- www.stbons.org - alternative website
- EduBase