Curriculum Statement
The motto of St Bonaventure’s is “In Sanctitate Et Doctrina” – “In Holiness and Learning”.Beliefs and Values
As a result we do not have a view of curriculum as merely the teaching of a syllabus or academic programme but as something that includes all aspects of a child’s learning experience, allowing them to develop into the best version of themselves – the people God created them to be.
In the words of Pope St John Paul, “Catholic schools must aim at bringing their students to that Human and Christian maturity which will enable them to fulfill their calling in the Church and contribute to the common good of society”. Thus, St Bonaventure’s aims to help develop young people with love, care and compassion, who have a deep sense of hope, who appreciate beauty and wonder and who will serve the world with their gifts.
St Bonaventure’s Curriculum Intent:
- To place Gospel Values at the living centre of the school so to impact and shape all that is said and done. This is underpinned by our distinct Catholic identity.
- To create an environment where pupils are able to find the inspiration and freedom that will encourage them on a path of service to God and their neighbours in line with Gospel, as well as British Values.
- To deliver a genuine education that seeks to do more than simply impart knowledge; or to train how to pass examinations; our aims are to develop the whole person.
- To provide a broad and balanced, yet focused, experience that enables students to develop to their full potential. Students experience appropriate rigorous challenges in their learning environment based on personalised learning that meets the needs of, and is relevant to each individual learner.
- To meet the requirements of the National Curriculum through a 3 year Key Stage 3 where students are given time to develop a life-long love of learning in a range of subjects. This enables a more informed option process for Key Stage 4 and beyond.
- The pursuit of academic excellence where students are able to progress to the next stage in their education or employment. Thus affording our learners enhanced life chances and opportunities through both academic progress and moral, ethical, social and spiritual growth.
- To help develop relationships where students know they are loved and feel valued as members of our St Bonaventure’s community and of the wider local, national and global communities.
- Complementing our academic curriculum, students are offered a rich array of extracurricular opportunities in sport; music; STEM; debating; subject enrichment activities; recreational visits; spiritual retreats and faith formation; participation in charity work; involvement in a range of local community initiatives: and many more experiences that holds learning as a lifelong pursuit greater than the achievements students secure in public examinations.
The Curriculum
Personalised Learning is at the heart of our curriculum content and structure. Our curriculum provision enables boys to study a balanced challenging programme of studying which ensures they achieve their full potential.
We believe that our curriculum significantly enhances the learning experiences of our boys and the community and gives them the best possible chance of progression and to succeed in their lives.
We were recognised as Outstanding (OFSTED 2009) in relation to our curriculum, teaching and learning, and care guidance and support. We continually strive to improve our service to the boys through regular self-evaluation.
“Pupils develop a highly detailed knowledge of their subjects.”
(OFSTED 2022)
Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
Boys study a broad curriculum in a 25 period week. Opportunities for extended learning and cross curricular work occur throughout the academic year. This includes drop down days on Citizenship and Sex and Relationship Education. Students will also get the opportunity to attend extended assemblies and visit the Houses of Parliament as part of their Citizenship studies.
Key Stage 3 Subjects
| Art | Maths |
| Computer Science | Modern Foreign Languages |
| Design Technology | Music |
| English | Physical Education |
| Geography | Religious Studies |
| History | Science |
For more information on the Citizenship and Sex and Relationships education please see the relevant policies.
“Teachers are experts in their subjects.”
(OFSTED Nov 2022)
Key Stage 4 (Years 10 – 11)
All pupils study Religious Education, English Literature, English Language, Maths, Science and a Modern Foreign Language. There are four curriculum routes through Key Stage 4, each aimed at allowing our pupils to fulfil their true potential . All students will study at least eight GCSEs with the opportunity to gain a number of future qualifications based on ability. Students will also be offered additional literacy support if identified as needing so.
Key Stage 4 Subjects – GCSE
| Art | Maths |
| Business Studies | Media Studies |
| Computing | Music |
| English | Religious Studies |
| French | Physical Education |
| Geography | Product Design |
| German | Science |
| Graphic Products | Sociology |
| History | Spanish |
We also run Vocational Qualifications in: Business & Enterprise, Sport Studies and Music Technology
6th Form
Our 6th Form is a real strength of our school and the majority of our Year 11 boys stay to pursue their Post-16 education with us.
There is a wide range of subject choice including 2 Year A’ Level linear courses and Level 3 BTEC qualifications.
Key Stage 5 Subjects
| Art – Fine Art | Geography |
| Art – Graphic Communications | German |
| Biology | History |
| Business Studies | Mathematics & Further Maths |
| BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma’s in Business and Sport | Media Studies |
| Cambridge Technical in IT | Physics |
| Chemistry | Politics |
| Computer Science | Product Design |
| Extended Project | Psychology |
| Economics | Religious Studies |
| English Literature | Sociology |
| French | Spanish |
In addition to this students receive information, advice and guidance enabling progression to University, apprenticeships and the employment opportunities available. Progression rates into Higher Education are excellent, in 2018 100% of our students progressed successfully into university, apprenticeships or employment.
6th Form makes many contributions to school life e.g. mentoring younger students, fundraising, delivering assemblies and acting as positive role models to the boys. 6th Former’s complete a wide range of activities relating to their personal, spiritual and social development, which contributes greatly to the school and wider community.
For further information on the 6th Form please see the 6th Form web pages, request a 6th Form Prospectus:
The 6th Form prospectus contains all the information about our Post-16 courses and the entry requirements. You can request a 6th Form Prospectus by sending an email to the 6thform@stbons.org
