We are a friendly, co-educational school where boys and girls mix and our dedicated staff in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. We aim to develop resilient, resourceful, and capable young men and women prepared to continue their journey of growth beyond school.
Our students have space to play, grow, and learn, with our campus set on 33 hectares of natural bush. Our school's unique bushland environment provides a relaxing and natural environment that enhances the well-being and learning of our students.
Our school is small enough for students to be known as individuals, yet large enough to offer comprehensive choice in subjects and opportunities. Our Boarders enjoy unique Secondary boarding facilities, with cottage style accommodation and a supportive study program. By nurturing our students and making them feel happy and safe at school, we enable them to flourish as individuals and achieve their potential.
Our school offers comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs and opportunities found nowhere else in the South West. We instill high academic standards and encourage students to do their best within a stimulating academic environment. Alongside teaching and caring for your child, we provide many diverse and challenging co-curricular activities that encourage students to pursue their interests.
The origins of Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School can be traced to Bishop Hawkins' establishment of a Provisional School Council in 1967 to pursue his vision of a cathedral school for the children of the Diocese. Classes commenced with 73 students in 1972, and a strong foundation was provided by the leadership of Bishop Hawkins and Mr. Val Lishman, a prominent local surgeon.
The school has often been at the forefront of educational innovation. The first co-educational boarding school in Australia that offered both Primary and Secondary education, the school developed firm structures under the first Headmaster, Mr. Eric Speed. Committed foundation teachers and the strong support of the school's parents and friends combined to enable the school to flourish.
Mr. Tony Brooker became Headmaster in 1978, and his leadership helped establish further tenets central to the school's ethos. Positive relationships between staff and students thrived, and the giving of service to others was celebrated. The school's unique bushland was enhanced by provenance planting and revegetation. Campus development continued with the building of Richard Palmer Oval, additional hardcourts, the Gymnasium, the Practical Arts complex, and the Auditorium. Boarding progressed with the world-leading conversion to vertically-integrated cottage accommodation.
The Headmastership of Mr. Simon Murray saw significant developments in the use of technology in education. The Design and Technology Building was part of a vision that included an inquiry-based approach to education and the use of Information Technology in all subject areas. The Music program also developed significantly, strengthening Music's role within the school.
The extension of the co-curricular program and the strengthening of pastoral care through a restructured House system were new priorities for the fourth Headmaster, Dr. Bruce Matthews. During this era, joining the Round Square Organisation provided terrific opportunities for students and staff to grow, and Pastoral Care became a feature of the Year 7 transition program implemented in 2010. Our ongoing building program saw the Lishman Library, Father Brian Newing Café, Irene Bourne Centre, Eric Speed Early Childhood Centre, and Tony Brooker Pavillion and Playing Fields provide further high-quality facilities, representing the school's commitment to the best opportunities for students of all levels of the schooling spectrum.
Mr. Michael Giles commenced as Head of School in 2012 with significant priorities that look to the future, yet build on our past. Upgrading and innovating through ICT, a focus on Positive Psychology and Positive Education, and adopting the latest research to enhance the well-being of our community continue to deliver an excellent environment and education for students. The school aims to maintain the provision of high-quality education in the South West, which allows all students to thrive and engage with a dynamic mindset.
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