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The origins of Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School can be traced to 1967 when a small group of volunteers, led by Bishop Ralph Hawkins, took the first steps to establish an Anglican, co-educational day and boarding school for primary and secondary students in the Diocese of Bunbury. It was a bold and exciting plan that became reality when the School enrolled its first 78 students in 1972.
The founding Headmaster, Mr Eric Speed, had a clear vision for the School. He wanted to build an outstanding educational community based upon Christian principles and best practice in teaching and learning. Mr Speed employed teachers who shared his sense of purpose, dedication and commitment to hard work in what were often modest and trying circumstances. Their enthusiasm, and the generosity of the parents, saw the School take a firm footing.
Mr Anthony Brooker took over as Headmaster in 1978 and led the School through an exciting period of development. New classrooms and boarding facilities were constructed, science facilities improved, new playing fields established and practical arts areas created. As student numbers grew, the curriculum expanded to offer a greater range of subjects. A special programme of activity-based learning and an Outward Bound camping programme were introduced for secondary students. By 1990 the School population was approaching 400 students.
The third Headmaster, Mr Simon Murray, took up his position in 1991 and under his leadership the School continued to prosper. Clear strategic directions were set and pursued, resulting in major reviews and reform of curriculum and improvements in levels of staffing. Good management and the dedicated support of the community resulted in further physical growth. The Performing Arts Centre and Gymnasium, the Creative Arts Centre, extensions to the Primary wing, and renovations in Boarding and classroom facilities all contributed to what became an outstanding educational environment. A new Design and Technology Centre was opened in late 1997. The Centre has become a major resource for teaching and learning in many subject areas. The life of the School was also enriched through expansion of the music programmes and the installation of modern computer technology.
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In July 1998, Dr Bruce Matthews started work as the School’s fourth Headmaster. The pivotal role of pastoral care in the education of students at the School was emphasised and in order to ensure that the growing School maintained the quality of its pastoral care, the vertical House system was strengthened and extended. Heads of House replaced Year Teachers and monitored the progress of students, who are each in a vertically integrated Home Group and, where possible, are with the same Home Group Teacher for their five years in Secondary School. Clear Strategic Planning continued and the creation of progressive Master Plans ensured that the School developed its facilities in response to growing student numbers and the changing educational world in which the School operated. The beautiful Chapel of St Francis and St Clare was consecrated in 2001 and it is the spiritual home to both the School community and the Gelorup Parish. The Lishman Library was opened in 2003 and this outstanding learning facility for both primary and secondary students has become a learning hub for the School community.
New Science Laboratories were completed early in 2005, while the Irene Bourne Early Childhood Centre was officially opened later in the same year, as part of our focus on the Reggio Emilia approach to the education of students in their early childhood. Refurbishment of the Secondary Administration building, the Staff Centre and the Boarding Houses has also taken place during this time.
The Grammar School is currently in its 37th year and can reflect with pride on its short history. The Christian foundation and heritage of the School have been central to its success and good standing in the region. The high quality of spiritual involvement and pastoral care offered to every student is one of its distinctive characteristics. The atmosphere of the campus reflects the positive spirit of both the students and staff. It is a happy and purposeful place, where good relationships and a common sense of purpose combine to form a strong community.
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