SIXTH FORM

In today's rapidly evolving job market, the importance of a robust careers programme within schools cannot be overstated. Such programmes are pivotal in equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to navigate their future careers successfully. At the heart of this initiative is the commitment to ensuring that every student leaves school with a clear, actionable plan that aligns with their interests, strengths, and aspirations. The Importance of a Strong Careers Programme A well-structured careers programme offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it provides students with exposure to a wide range of career options, helping them make informed decisions about their future paths. This exposure is crucial in a world where the job market is constantly changing, and new opportunities are continually emerging. Moreover, careers programmes often include practical experiences such as internships, job shadowing, and work placements. These experiences allow students to gain first-hand insight into various professions, develop essential workplace skills, and build valuable networks. Such real-world experiences are instrumental in bridging the gap between academic learning and the demands of the workforce. Additionally, careers programmes play a significant role in developing students' soft skills. Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability are just a few of the competencies that are nurtured through these programmes. These skills are highly valued by employers and are critical for success in any career. A Recent Success: The Careers Fair A shining example of the impact of a strong careers programme is the recent careers fair held at our school. This event brought together a diverse array of employers, industry professionals, and educational institutions, providing students with a unique opportunity to explore various career paths and engage directly with potential employers. The careers fair was a bustling hub of activity, with students eagerly visiting booths, talking with employers, and attending talks. Employers from sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, and the arts were on hand to offer insights into their industries and discuss the skills and qualifications needed for success. This direct interaction with professionals helped demystify the job market and provided students with a clearer understanding of the opportunities available to them. The Broader Impact The success of the careers fair is just one example of how a strong careers programme can positively impact students' futures. By providing ongoing support, guidance, and opportunities, schools can help students build a solid foundation for their careers. This holistic approach ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the practical skills and experiences needed to thrive in the workforce. A strong careers programme is essential for preparing students for future success. It empowers them with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern job market. Events like the careers fair are a testament to the value of these programmes, showcasing the tangible benefits they offer to students as they embark on their career journeys. Mr J Faulkner Head of PSHE/Computer Science/Careers: Associate SLT

We are thrilled to announce that our recent careers fair was a resounding success, marking our biggest event yet with over 50 exhibitors in attendance. This year's fair was designed to provide students with a comprehensive look at the diverse career paths available to them, and it certainly delivered. The fair was organized into five distinct zones, each representing a different sector of the job market. These zones included everything from the Army to games design, ensuring that there was something for everyone. Students had the unique opportunity to engage with professionals from a wide range of fields, ask questions, and gain valuable insights into their future career options. One of the highlights of the event was the opportunity on spirts and finance and trading talks. These talks allowed students and parents  to get firsthand accounts of these areas and a real feel for what each career entails. Feedback from both students and exhibitors has been overwhelmingly positive. Many students expressed their excitement about the new paths they discovered and the clarity they gained about their future aspirations. Exhibitors were equally enthusiastic, praising the students' curiosity and eagerness to learn. Overall, the careers fair was a fantastic opportunity for students to explore their future options and all the wonderful paths that are open to them. We look forward to making next year's event even bigger and better!

After 4 months and an estimated 60 hours of group rehearsal, the curtain has come down on our production of Shrek the Musical. We would like to say a massive congratulations to the 63 students that made-up our cast and crew for the show this year. Over the five performances, the students entertained a combined audience of 1,092 with many rave reviews already coming in.  From primary pupils who"loved watching Lord Farquaad waddle in"  to comments about the level of professionalism that our students have shown, we have been blown away by the collective opinion on the production. We have loved hearing the audience laughter at the many funny moments in the show (flying cows, growing noses, nods to Defying Gravity and Star Wars) and enjoyed hearing the audible gasps of 'wow' at the end of dances, songs and terrifying Ogre roars. Shrek the Musical had many fun elements to it and some great challenges too that have pushed us forward in our ability to put on such shows. This is the first show we have used prosthetics (Shrek and the Elves), puppets (Gingy, an exploding bird and the Dragon), made a mechanical growing nose (Pinocchio), used swamp haze, choreographed a 5-minute tap-dance routine, and featured a 45-second quick-change turning Princess Fiona green just out of sight of the audience!   We would like to say a massive thank you to every one that has supported the production and helped make it possible. Our biggest thanks though goes to our Creative Arts students!  "Without your enthusiasm, your commitment, your talent, your costume-making, face-painting, line-learning, singing and acting none of this is possible! You are all stars in our eyes and we look forward to working with you on our next production (September 2025 - February 2026). Thank you for making a 'Big Bright Beautiful World' and keep letting your 'Freak Flag Fly'" The Music and Drama Department  

We are excited to announce that Great Baddow High School will be hosting our annual Careers Fair on Thursday 27th February for Years 9 - 13. To avoid large queues please try and attend in the time slot allocated to year groups: Year 10 - 13– 6:00pm – 7:30pm Year 9 – 7:00pm – 8:30pm The Careers Fair aims to provide our students with valuable insights into various career paths and inspire them to explore their future possibilities. Year 9 students should all attend the fair to help them gather vital information to support their GCSE options. Year 10 and 11 students should attend the fair to help them gather vital information to support their choices after GCSE. Including A Level choices and apprenticeships. Year 12 and 13 students should attend the fair to help them gather vital information to explore careers, university and apprenticeship options.

Following an incredibly successful Sixth Form Open Evening, the application form is now open for Year 11 students to submit their subject options. Please note applications must be received by the closing date on Friday 13th December 2024. All current GBHS Year 11 students will have received a welcome email, with log in details, which will enable them to view the list of courses available and to complete their applications. If you are new to Great Baddow High School, please use the link below to enable you to register and complete your application.  APPLICATION FORM FOR EXTERNAL STUDENTS If you were unable to attend our Open Evening and would like further information, you will find more information in our Sixth Form Brochure and Course Guide here, as well as information about the application process and the different pathways available. For any additional enquiries please email: sixthformapplications.co.uk we will be pleased to answer any of your questions.  We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the Sixth Form students who supported us on the night. The evening would not have been the success it was without the unwavering commitment from our current Sixth Form cohort who acted as tour guides, subject helpers and spoke to students and their parents about life in Great Baddow High School Sixth Form and were fantastic ambassadors for our school.   

Year 12 and 13 physicists attended a great presentation from a former Baddow student, Archie.  Archie now works in an NHS radiotherapy physics department as a Trainee Clinical Scientist in the second year of the Scientist Training Program (STP). Students gained a valuable insight into different career pathways and the opportunities for scientists within the NHS. They learnt how a linear accelerator (LINAC) works and how it is used to deliver radiotherapy treatments to cancer patients. Many components were available to handle including a thyratron, multi-leaf collimator leaves and motors, tungsten targets, beam flatteners, beam bending assembly, radiation exposure monitoring badge and an ionisation detector. Our thanks are extended to Archie for delivering such a detailed and fascinating talk and for bringing along so many interesting pieces of equipment.

Year 13 students from Great Baddow High School were delighted with their results this morning and we would like to congratulate all of our students on their fantastic achievements. In line with the National average, we have again seen an increase in the number A*- A grades awarded this year. Their qualifications will open up pathways for further success and we are delighted for the students that have gained their destinations of choice as they embark on new adventures. Many of our students will now be studying degree courses at some of the most prestigious universities in the country, with a number of students selecting apprenticeships or prominent roles in employment. We are also proud of an increasing number of students who have gained highly sought after degree apprenticeships with esteemed employers. A Level and vocational results were extremely pleasing, but notable mention must be given to Matthew J (2 A* and 2 A grades), Lois B (1A* and 3 A grades), Marnie H (1A* and 3 A grades) and Beth C who achieved (D*D*D*) in her Level 3 BTEC Sports Extended Diploma. Matthew has secured his place at Southampton University to study Mechanical Engineering, Lois has secured a place to study Politics and International Relations at Bath University, Marnie will be studying a Diploma in Art at Colchester Institute and Beth will be going on to a teaching degree at Anglia University. "We are extremely proud of our wonderful students and their achievements, and we wish them every success for the future." Mr P Farmer, Headteacher   More photos from A Level results day at GBHS can be found in our School Gallery here.