Imagine a medieval shield. It has three divisions and a scroll. This is the badge of Campion School.
Hello. Welcome to Campion School in Mumbai. I am excited to share its story.
Campion School is a private Catholic school for boys. It teaches primary and secondary students. The school stands on 13 Cooperage Road. This is in the Fort neighborhood of Mumbai. Campion School is across from Cooperage Ground. Cooperage Ground is a major soccer stadium. Oval Maidan is also nearby. It is a city landmark.
Campion School was founded on January 20, 1943. Father Joseph Savall S.J. founded it. He was a Jesuit. The school is named for Saint Edmund Campion. He was a 16th-century English martyr. He died for his Catholic faith.
The school began with just 23 children. It operated out of a rented ground floor. This was at 45 New Marine Lines. As the year went on, 70 boys enrolled. Campion School moved to Wellesley House in January 1948. Wellesley House was the school’s original intended location.
Father Savall started Campion School. Father Conesa helped it grow. Father More gave it a unique culture. His contribution is special in Campion School’s history.
In 1956, Campion School became a full high school. There were 382 students. Cambridge University recognized it. The S.S.C. Board in Pune also recognized it. That year, the first students took the Senior Cambridge Overseas Examination. All eight passed. Five got Grade I. One got Grade II. Two got Grade III.
The school year has two terms. They run from May to April. October is the middle of the year. Classes range from preparatory to Class 10. The courses prepare students for the ICSE Examination. This exam is run by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations.
English is the main language of instruction at Campion School. Hindi is taught from Class 1. Marathi is compulsory from Class 1 to Class 8. Marathi is the regional language of Maharashtra.
Students are divided into houses. There were originally three houses. Britto, Loyola and Xavier. Berchmans was added in the 1990s. Each house has its own motto. Britto’s motto is “Unity is strength.” Loyola’s is “Now or Never.” Xavier’s is “Never Give in.” Berchmans’ is “Service before self.” Since 2016, junior school houses have different names. They are Gandhi, Raman, Nehru and Tagore. They also have different colors.
The school badge has a medieval shield. It is divided into three parts. Each has a different color. The scroll shows the motto: “Joy in Truth.” The left side shows a rope noose. It stands for St. Edmund Campion’s death. He died for his love of truth. The right side shows three birds and a star. The birds stand for joy. The star stands for truth. The base has the Jesuit logo.
Campion School has many clubs and activities. These include the Cub Packs and Scout Troop. There is also the NCC Air Wing and Naval Unit. The Road Safety Patrol trains students. The Junior Red Cross teaches health care. The Interact Club promotes social concern. The Nature Club raises awareness of India’s resources. Elocution, debating, and dramatics develop public speaking skills. The Campion Review publishes student writing. The school band plays at events. There are also many sports.
Campion School has produced many notable alumni. These include Akash Ambani, Kumar Mangalam Birla and Ratan Tata. Politicians like Praful Patel and Shashi Tharoor also attended. Film personalities such as Randhir Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor are alumni.
Salman Rushdie mentions Campion School in “The Moor’s Last Sigh.” He describes it as a school for boys from “good homes.”
Campion School strives to instill a love of learning. It encourages critical thinking and clear expression. Its history and traditions make it a special place. Campion School aims to prepare its students for success. It wants them to contribute to the world.