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Current Vacancies 2024

Current Vacancies

Vacancies at Great Baddow High School are split into two categories - teaching staff and non-teaching staff. The positions currently available can be viewed in the drop down list under this section.

Teaching vacancies within the school are usually advertised in TES jobs and all vacancies are advertised on Essex School Jobs.

Please see the Recruitment Packs for further information.

Apply here

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

For any enquiries about the posts please contact Yvette DeFeo by email,

Yvette DeFeo, HR Manager at:

Downloads

Page Downloads Date  
Equality and Diversity in Employment Policy 28th Jun 2024 Download
Safer Recruitment Policy 04th Jul 2023 Download
Current Vacancies Date  
Application Form GBHS 16th Nov 2023 Download
Recruitment Monitoring Information 16th Nov 2023 Download
Learning Support Assistant Recruitment Pack 2024 24th May 2024 Download
Administrator Behaviour for Learning 2024 05th Jul 2024 Download

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Personal Development Day 2024
12th Jul 2024
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Personal Development Day 2024

Students completed another successful personal development day this week with students off timetable all day as they completed a series of themed sessions to further support their own development and build on valuable lessons learnt throughout the year. Year 7 students spent the day celebrating cultures from all over the world as they designed and created their own costumes. The music department introduced them to Samba music which rang out across the school. Students learnt some other languages from our very own students to further highlight the wonderful mix of cultures and background our students have. They got to stretch their legs and dance with an hour of Capoeira. The while day rounded off with a parade through the sports hall to show off their creations. Year 8 deepened their understanding and awareness of different disabilities. Students spent the day planning and filming their own documentary as well has a session on deaf awareness. They got the opportunity to learn to sing in BSL with a class run by our very own Resource Base for Deaf Students. Our PE department ran a Paralympic games tournament throughout the day so student could experience some wonderful and different sports. Year 9 learnt valuable lessons on the important to consent and practising safe sex. They looked at the realities of pornography and the damaging image it can present. Then, to get them up and moving, a local karate school came in to run an introduction workshop on basic self-defence. Year 10 completed their mock interview day. We welcomed 20+ visitors into the school for the day from local business to give every student a realistic experience of a real interview. They started the day with a talk from the Department of Work and Pensions before practising their interview techniques with their form and tutor. After their interview they reflected on their feedback, looked ahead to their futures and the dreams and goals they have for themselves. The day ended with our visitor’s recognising the students who really impressed them as we handed out careers excelled awards. It was a truly wonderful day, and all the students did themselves proud. Mr J Faulkner Head of Computer Science,PSHE & Careers
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Activities Week: Sensational Day at Stubbers Adventure Centr...
28th Jun 2024
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Activities Week: Sensational Day at Stubbers Adventure Centre

The long-anticipated day arrived, and the weather could not have been more perfect for a day at Stubbers Adventure Centre. Year 9 students gathered with excitement at the adventurous day ahead and they were all in great spirits. After arriving a little late to Stubbers, students set their belongings in the safe haven of their group numbered hub hut and immersed themselves in the ‘big kids’ adventure playground apparatus: the fun filled tone was set for a sensational day ahead. With a range of activities planned throughout the day the students showed enthusiasm, engagement and energy in every activity whether it was on land, on the water or in the air; safely harnessed and protected of course! Despite initial apprehensions, it was a delight to see the camaraderie and teamwork of the students as they encouraged, supported and celebrated their groups achievements. The heights that some achieved on the vertical walls was impressive, the precision and accuracy of the rifle shooting and axe throwing was to be wary of…and by far the most enjoyable activities were the ones on the water. Canoeing, paddle boarding, kayaking and raft building activities were a welcome cooling break from the beautiful June sunshine. Regardless of their skills, every student had a great time splashing, swimming and paddling in the water; even some staff members could not resist the chance to cool off, splashing the students and getting absolutely drenched. "Suffice to say the day was an enormous success, and, even though the return bus journey was delayed on the A12, every student voiced their feelings and opinions of how much they had enjoyed their day – many asking if it can happen again next year?"   Mrs C Tucker, Head of Year 9
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Activities Week: Baddow on the Naze
28th Jun 2024
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Activities Week: Baddow on the Naze

On Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th June, Year 8 students visited Walton-on-the-Naze. The weather was certainly on our side during the two days and it did not rain! Unfortunately, this year the tide on both mornings was not on our side, however this gave us an opportunity to walk around the headland to the sand spit and identify coastal features and sea defences we have recently studied in the classroom.  The deposition to form the spilt was evident and the salt mash was clearly identified. We also looked at the embryo sand dunes and the different types of vegetation growing. Across the two days 223 students took part in fieldwork on the beaches at two different sites along this coastline. They were able to try out different geographical experiments including measuring the angle of the beach, field sketches and wave counts. Students had a great opportunity to see first-hand the erosion, sea defences and most importantly the impact these are having on the local area. "This was a fabulous introduction to the type of fieldwork that they could be doing in GCSE geography. This is the six year I have run the trip and again I would like to congratulate all the children on their excellent behaviour and thank all the staff who accompanied the trip." Mrs Sweeting Geography Teacher
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Activities Week: Year 8 Display Knowledge and Respect at Bha...
28th Jun 2024
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Activities Week: Year 8 Display Knowledge and Respect at Bhaktive...

Year 8 attended Bhaktivedanta Manor over two days during our Lower School Trip Week in June. This is a sacred temple that is run by the Hindu community and they host schools from all of the counties each and every day. They have had thousands of visits over the years and continue to host schools and other festivals throughout the year. "The trip was a huge success and we have had some lovely feedback from staff, students and parents and we will certainly be looking to run this annually. " Mr J Bailey The students attended a day of activities that started with a visit to the Shrine and listening to mantras and music being played, to give them a sense of what Hindu worship is like. They go on to explain what the instruments used are and how they are played. Splitting the students up into two groups, half stayed inside the manor house and the others went outside. Inside the house, they took part in a lecture/seminar which was covering the main aspects and beliefs of the Hindu culture. The students were expectational during this activity as they have completed a module at school on Hinduism and so the questions and level of knowledge was a delight to see from both the staff and the temple staff. They regarded us as one of the more knowledgeable and respectful groups they have seen.  This session also involved a look at sacred objects used within the religion and a chance to use them and see how they work, such as a Puja tray and garland to wear around their necks. This also involved a dress-up section where the students could try on traditional Hindu attire and dress like their Gods/Goddesses. Everyone getting involved and really enjoying themselves during this activity.  Meanwhile, the outside group had four smaller activities to explore. This involved: A tour of the Geroge Harrison gardens - a peaceful and tranquil walk around the gardens dedicated to George Harrison. If the students looked closely, they would see lyrics to famous songs and work out how they applied to real life. A tour of the greenhouses and how they look after certain plants used within their worship A cart ride pulled by Oxen/Bulls from the sacred cow sanctuary. Cows are considered sacred in Hinduism and these animals are treated like royalty. The short cart ride acts as exercise for these enormous creatures, who nearly weigh in at a Tonne.  Lastly, the ride drops us off at the cow farm where we can see the other cows within the sanctuary. This was an opportunity to learn about why they are sacred and how they are looked after. Also, to pet and feed these majestic creatures. These animals have an exceptional life and are looked after to the highest of standards.  After all of the activities had been completed by both groups, we all reconvened for lunch, which appears to be have been the hit of the trip and the high expectations were met by all. Lunch was provided for all who attended (roughly 124 each day) and this consisted of a traditional vegetarian curry with rice, crackers and a home-made bread. The staff provided everyone with plentiful portions and continually rotated around the hall so all staff and students had the opportunity for 2/3 portions of everything. Following the curry, they then provided everyone with portions of chips to ensure that all had something to eat and that they all had the opportunity to try traditional food first.  The last activity following the lunch was a gift shop and some extended time to try on the clothes for those who missed the chance earlier in the day.  We were also delighted to receive some great feedback from the Manor,  and would like to thank all the students that attended on their excellent behaviour. "We were saying how happy we were to see everyone eat so well. Overall the students asked lots of questions and showed a lot of open mindedness about faith and beliefs which is lovely for us as well." ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor - Hare Krishna Temple  
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Year 9 Trip to Valencia
18th Jun 2024
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Year 9 Trip to Valencia

Year 9 have returned this week from a fantastic trip to Valencia. Accompanied by 5 members of staff, the students enjoyed a variety of cultural enrichment opportunities and can be highly commended on their Spanish speaking skills. On Wednesday, they visited the famous City of Arts and Science and had a guided walking tour of the city and its beautiful cathedral. On Thursday, two teams competed to create the best paella at a paella workshop and the staff had to blind taste to judge the winning team (the green team!). After a boat ride down the river and a visit to the town of Albufera, the home of paella rice, they then headed off to a flamenco show. Some of the students and staff even got put through their steps after the spectacle. On Friday, they had the opportunity for a bit of souvenir buying and shopping and then they headed off to the Mestalla football stadium, for a tour of the stadium, the press room and changing rooms. "Our students were regularly complimented on their superb behaviour; it was an absolute pleasure to accompany them." Mrs Barkway Head of Spanish and Trip Leader VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE TRIP IN THE SCHOOL PHOTO GALLERY HERE
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Sports Day 2024
14th Jun 2024
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Sports Day 2024

Our annual Sports Day week commenced on Monday 3rd June with Year 8 tournaments. These consisted of girls’ basketball, boys’ tag-rugby, mixed rounders and mixed badminton.  Year 8 displayed excellent teamwork and talent across all four events and 8H2 took the lead. On Tuesday we held the Year 7 tournaments with everyone taking part and contributing towards their first experience of GBHS sports day with 7H1 taking the lead after the tournaments. In the afternoon, for the first time, Year 10 had the opportunity to compete in the sports tournaments as well. Almost all Year 10 students signed up to the sports tournaments and A2 took the lead. On Wednesday 5th, it was the turn of Year 9 for the sports tournaments with almost all students taking part with 9H2 taking the lead. On Friday 7th June, our annual Sports Day took place, this consisted of field events throughout period 1, 2 and 3. Students competed in long jump, high jump, triple jump, shot and javelin to represent their tutor group. There were some excellent individual performances. The girls 1500 m and 800 m took place in the morning, and it was great to see so many students taking part in these events and testing themselves and their endurance. In the afternoon it was the turn of the boys with the 800 m, 300 m, 200 m, 100 m and relay team event. All students were out on the fields supporting their tutor group, Mr Huartson was on the microphone and tutors were cheering on their tutees. The atmosphere was excellent and it was great to see so many students volunteering to compete. The end results were announced, H2 came first,  E2 closely followed and  A2 were third place. The day was a huge success and students enjoyed the day. Well done to all! View the photos from Sports Day in our School Photo Gallery here.  
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GBHS Students Achieve Arts Ambassador Status
23rd May 2024
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GBHS Students Achieve Arts Ambassador Status

Two years ago, we set-up an initiative where students are rewarded for attending extra-curricular activities for Music, Drama and Art under the Creative Arts umbrella. Many of our students have earnt Bronze, Silver and Gold Arts status during their time at Baddow by collecting stamps every time they attend a club. Each stamp represents roughly one-hour of activity in the Arts beyond the classroom and the cards continue for the student each academic year. We do not give stamps for involvement in the school productions due to the vast amount of rehearsals these entail. Bronze Arts Award = 25 stamps/hours Silver Arts Award = 50 stamps/hours Gold Arts Award = 100 stamps/hours This week, Grace K and Harrison H (Year 9) achieved the final award in this initiative and are the first students to be awarded Arts Ambassador status in recognition of the 150 stamps/hours they have put into the Creative Arts.   Harrison and Grace are an excellent example of students going the extra-mile to embrace the arts and the opportunities we offer here at Great Baddow High School. Both students have also been heavily involved in music concerts, drama performances, workshops, trips and the school productions. We congratulate them both on their fantastic achievement! Mr N Bentley, Head of Music.    
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Northern Lights May 2024
16th May 2024
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Northern Lights May 2024

Our Head of Physics, and some of our Sixth Form students, managed to capture images of the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) across Chelmsford and Chelmer Park on Friday 10th May.  "The giant sunspot region AR3663 could clearly be seen by projecting an image of the sun onto some card. At more than 15 times the diameter of the Earth, this region was responsible for the huge coronal mass ejection (CME) which resulted the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) being visible in Chelmsford. During solar flares charged particles are ejected from the sun’s corona and travel towards Earth at speeds between 0.2% and 0.6% of the speed of light. Although these particles are very fast they are not as fast as light so it can be a day or two after a flare is observed that the charged particles arrive at Earth. The Earth’s magnetic field affects the movement of the charged particles. The charge particles travel rapidly along helical paths around magnetic field lines eventually entering the Earth’s atmosphere near the poles If charged particles collide with atoms and molecules in the atmosphere they ionising them. This produces the coloured lights that we call the aurora. The colours of the aurora depend on the element that has been ionised. Oxygen produces green and nitrogen produces red, blue and purple. The stream of charged particles disturbed the Earth’s magnetic field and can severely affect radio communications, satellite electronics and electrical transmission systems. The phone camera was set to a 2 second exposure with an ISO1000 and Exposure Value (EV) of -3.0." Dr T Ghoneim, Head of Physics The site AuroraWatch UK status (lancs.ac.uk) has a good app that can be used to set up alerts for when auroras are likely to be visible over the whole of the UK. SpaceWeatherLive.com | Real-time data and plots auroral activity | SpaceWeatherLive.com is a good site for seeing the sun’s activity.
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Spellcasters 2024
10th May 2024
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Spellcasters 2024

On Thursday 9th May, Year 5s from Baddow Hall, Barnes Farm, Beehive, Larkrise, Mildmay and St Andrews schools came to GBHS for our annual spelling competition: Spellcasters. Some of our student librarians helped by marking, scoring, serving refreshments and helping them feel welcome. There were 7 rounds, including team, individual, quick fire and book and sport related, in preparation for the sporting events coming this summer. All students tried their best and enjoyed themselves, no matter what place they came in. Every team demonstrated great teamwork and perseverance from beginning to end with amazing confidence in spelling in front of everyone. Student Report: Izzy Year 9 A huge well done to our winners, Baddow Hall!  All the teams did an amazing job and had clearly practiced very hard.  It was wonderful to see all the schools take part with such pride and determination and it was a very close event.  The results were: 1st Place – Baddow Hall 2nd Place – St. Andrews 3rd Place – Barnes Farm 4th Place – Beehive Lane 5th Place – Mildmay 6th Place – Larkrise   Here is an example of one of the questions from our ‘Surprise Round’ for you to try at home.  Teams were given a word wheel and asked to work out the 9 letter word and see how many other words they could make, containing the middle letter, in 30 seconds!
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Celebrating Success in the Floor and Vault Schools National...
26th Apr 2024
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Celebrating Success in the Floor and Vault Schools National Final...

Once again we are delighted to be celebrating the success of our two gymnastics teams who competed in the Floor and Vault Schools National Finals. This is an extremely prestigious competition and GBHS qualified to compete in categories that are of an extremely high standard and that we haven’t got through to before. The U19 Girls team competed on Sunday morning and were outstanding. All gymnasts performed with grace and elegance and scored well. With top scores on the Vault of 15.30 from Amelie S and some great scores on floor. All gymnasts contributed to the team finishing 5th in the country which is an outstanding achievement and the highest we have placed in this category in GBHS history. A massive well done to the U19 Girls Team, Layla D, Francessca D, Amelie S, Naiha K and Sophia W. The U14 Girls team competed later on Sunday afternoon, again an extremely prestigious and difficult competition with some well known schools all competing and scoring highly. The U14 Girls started their competition with brilliant vaults from all the gymnasts, with the top score being 15.45 from Emily B who captained the team with class and encouragement for all of her teammates. They then went onto the floor routines where, with great expressions throughout their routines, they performed skills effortlessly, gaining strong and high scores, with the top score being 15.05 from Freya P. The team made GBHS history by placing 3rd in Great Britian in the U14 Girls category, a category we haven’t made it through to before now. It was so lovely to see all of the girls cheering each other on throughout their routines and was a display of a real team performance. They were also complemented by the judges at the end on how excellent their skills were performed. A huge well done to the U14 Girls Team, Emily B, Florence B, Aaliyah P, Freya P and Poppy P. "Overall, an outstanding weekend and incredible results for our gymnastics squads this year. I am extremely proud of all of the work they have put in throughout the last couple of years to build to reach the top categories and places in these National Schools Gymnastics Competition and myself and Miss Freeman are delighted to have supported both U14 and U19 Girls team to these successful positions." Miss S Smith
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The Brilliant Club Scholars Programme
26th Apr 2024
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The Brilliant Club Scholars Programme

Twenty-one students from Years 7, 8 & 9 have worked extremely hard since the project commenced in October. This group of more able students visited Jesus College in Cambridge in February, had face to face tutorials from a world class PHD tutor over the winter and wrote a dissertation (approx. 1500 words each) to answer; ‘The Anthropocene vs Deep Time: An investigation of climate change” Comparing different eras and a multitude of data, geological & atmospheric factors, they independently and effectively researched the impact of humans on the natural world and what measures can be taken to slow climate change. They have developed their resilience, up-skilled their critical thinking, verbal communication and essay writing, they have additionally developed their time management, their ability to work with new people, their understanding of plagiarism and copyright, how to create a bibliography and acknowledge the sources used in their research. Our students each produced a short university level piece of work and have been awarded grades accordingly. The Brilliant Club charity graded the work and our results were very pleasing. 5 graded 3rd, 7 graded 2:2, 7 graded 2:1 and 2 First Class grades. GBHS students produced high quality work and when compared to The Brilliant Club national average (1800 students) the progress they demonstrated over the three month course was outstanding. Such standards of excellence are hard won and we are truly proud of every one of them. QUOTES FROM THE BRILLIANT CLUB “This is a lovely cohort of students, really nice young people who have worked very hard.” Happiness ( PHD Tutor) “It was particularly pleasing to see your pupils make significant progress in all three academic competencies (written communication, subject knowledge and critical thinking). In addition ……….impressive growth in their university knowledge and understanding.”  Adam Kerr(Scholar’s Programme administrator) QUOTES FROM STUDENTS “I really enjoyed The Scholar’s Programme and it’s made me want to work harder and aim for a more ambitious choice in higher education. Now it feels like a realistic goal and I’m hopeful I can challenge myself to do better.” “The programme has helped me to understand how to be an independent learner and our tutor has given great assistance and feedback to my work.”
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Geography Field trip to Sicily
22nd Apr 2024
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Geography Field trip to Sicily

On Wednesday 10th April, 25 excited Year 10 students and 3 staff (Mrs Dawson, Mrs Sweeting and Mrs Burdon) left GBHS at 3.30 a.m. bound for Catania, Sicily for the geography field trip. On arrival in Sicily the group were met by their driver and began their first day at the Alcantara Gorge with a quick lunch, after which they explored the river and volcanic basalt columns. Students learnt about Sicilian (lunar) lemons which fruit 5 times a year. After a day of travelling, the lure of the beach and river was too enticing and so many of the students enjoyed a quick paddle and skimming stones before heading back to the coach and hotel to unpack and enjoy their first typical Italian dinner. Day 2 saw another early start to catch the Hydrofoil to the island of Vulcano. A quick wander round the town of Milazzo, a boat trip over and they were soon listening to Manuelo the guide and trekking to the top of the 800m volcano. Looking across the 500m wide crater gave the students a breath-taking view of all the volcanic islands in the distance (over 200) and the sulphur gases at the summit. The students bought themselves a well-earned gelato when they descended to the base and some had a walk on the black sand beach and investigated the sulphurous thermal baths. Friday was Mount Etna day. Everyone was excited about the prospect of seeing the mountain that dominated the view from the hotel. A coach to the Lava Fields first, followed by honey and olive tasting, then a further drive north to the base camp for the cable cars. After the cable cars, they boarded jeeps to the next level to meet an Alpine Guide who walked the group the final 100m. With snow all around, standing 3000m high, the students were eager to learn that the last lava eruption in December had left areas where the rocks were almost too hot to handle! They were all in awe of this magnificent volcano. They then returned to the hotel for some much-needed down time and a football game on the beach. The last day dawned bright and sunny for some beach time and a delicious granita (sorbet) at Giardini Naxos. and then a drive to Taormina where the students all enjoyed making pizzas for lunch. The guide took the students through the history of the town and showed them the spectacular view from the Greek Amphitheatre overlooking the bay. Some free time for shopping was then on offer for those wanting to buy gifts after the final part of the itinerary.  The town even put on a parade for everyone to enjoy before the journey back to Catania airport. “Sicily provided the group with a fabulous opportunity to test their geography knowledge, learn what else the island had to offer and try new food. The students were superbly behaved and a credit to the school (we had lots of favourable comments from hotel guests). They were fun to be with and a pleasure to support. We have all brought back memories that will last a lifetime.   Arrivederci Sicily – until next time.” Mrs Burdon
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Great Baddow High School - Most Popular School of Choice for...
25th Mar 2024
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Great Baddow High School - Most Popular School of Choice for Year...

As we receive details of our new 2024 Year 7 student admissions, we are delighted to see that the upward trend in the number of students choosing GBHS as their first choice has continued this year with our school becoming the most popular school in Chelmsford. A ‘Good’ Ofsted report is always important, and we received excellent feedback following their visit in 2022 and it endorsed the hard work, dedication and commitment that our school community has made to make Great Baddow an incredibly special place. ‘Pupils are proud to attend Great Baddow High School. They feel happy and safe as tolerance and respect are the norm.’ ‘A culture of safeguarding is rooted in the school ethos.’ ‘Leaders have an ambitious vision for providing pupils with a high-quality education.’  However, becoming the ‘parents school of choice in Chelmsford’ is an amazing validation that the work we do at our school offers a curriculum that stretches and challenges our students, delivers outstanding teaching and learning and that we have created a vibrant and welcoming community that parents are eager to join. We have amazing students, wonderful staff and an important and valued partnership with parents and stakeholders that allows us to create a happy, safe and successful environment for everyone. We take pride in being the preferred secondary school for many parents, and we look forward to supporting our students’ academic adventures as they embark on this exciting next step! Great Baddow High School was the fourth hardest in Essex to get into and the most popular in Chelmsford with 362 putting it down as a first choice with 227  of those being offered a place. “I am really pleased to see that, once again, we have been able to offer so many pupils their parents’ preferred secondary school place this year. “Starting secondary school is a hugely important milestone in a child’s life and I hope those embarking on this exciting next step enjoy their last few months at primary and junior school before starting their next academic adventure.” Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability. Secondary School offers 2024 | Essex County Council  
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Inter-Primary Music Competition 2024
18th Mar 2024
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Inter-Primary Music Competition 2024

On Saturday 16th March, to conclude our week of music competitions at Great Baddow High School, we hosted our 3rd consecutive Inter-Primary Music Competition. All Primary school pupils from the local area were invited to participate with 16 of them joining us on the day for a friendly competition. There were many outstanding performances and all pupils were a credit to their schools. A fantastic mix of instruments made it incredibly difficult for the judges (Mr Nolan and Mr Herbert) however the results were as follows: Awards for Musical Connection: Most Energetic Performance - Callum C (Drums) Most Accurate Performance - Edie D (Recorder) Most Emotional Performance - Lotte M (Voice) Category Winners: Beginner (Preliminary Grade) Category Winner -  Anika S (Voice) Intermediate (Grade 1) Category Winner - Linden C-B (Cello) Advanced (Grade 2-3) Category Winner - Hailey K (Piano) Congratulations to all that took part and we look forward to welcoming you back next year either as a Baddow Student or for another year of the competition.    
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British Science Week
15th Mar 2024
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British Science Week

British Science week has been celebrated at GBHS in many ways this week. The science department have been continually linking the theme of ‘Time’ into lessons and topics across all year groups. In addition, there have been after-school activities taking place which have engaged and intrigued our students. The STEM club have been completing their propeller cars and were hoping to hold a drag race with them this week, but it has been postponed to allow further build time. Many of the groups are still problem solving the issues surrounding opposing forces preventing the car from reaching the desired speed. On Thursday 14th March, a large group of KS3 students opted into the activities run by the science department. One challenge was for students to design the slowest ‘marble run’ course down a table with only limited materials. Students successfully managed to record a time of 30.15s. The second group were investigating how concentration effects rate of reaction. The iodine clock worked really well and students mostly managed to achieve the reactions to take place at the correct times to make the clock face work. The final group were undertaking rat dissections. The aim here was to understand how mammals achieve effective digestion by having very long intestines. This allows a longer time for nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream. I think lots of students were amazed to see approx. 2m of intestines removed from a rat that is only 20cm long. All students thoroughly enjoyed the activities over the week. A big thank you to the science department and in particular Dr Pratt, Mr Becker & Mrs Richardson for hosting activities.
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Fantastic Performances at the GBHS Annual Music Competition
15th Mar 2024
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Fantastic Performances at the GBHS Annual Music Competition

The music department hosted it's annual music competition week with the most entries from students ever. 34 students took part in the heats over the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday competing in the three categories: Beginner (Grade 1-2), Intermediate (Grade 3-5) and Advanced (Grade 6-8). The standard of entries was fantastic and it was very difficult to decide who progressed from the Heats to the Final. Congratulations to our students who did progress to the Final: Beginner Category: Max L - Y8 (Piano), Liz H - Y10 (Flute), Martin Z - Y7 (Classical Guitar), Rose N - Y9 (Voice and Guitar), Grace K - Y9 (Clarinet) Intermediate Category: Reuben R - Y10 (Piano), Iris O - Y10 (Voice), Shaun R - Y9 (Violin), Chloe A - Y10 (Voice), Hazel K - Y8 (Flute), Adelaide B - Y9 (Voice) Advanced Category: Isabella R - Y10 (Voice), Jack B - Y11 (Piano), Julien H - Y10 (Saxophone), Ben M - Y10 (Voice), Hazel K - Y8 (Piano) The final was judged by Mr Barton, Mrs Fox, Mr Kellett, Mrs Pickwick and Mr Sheldon. They were delighted to award the following results: Awards for Musical Connection: Most Accurate Performance: Hazel K (Y8) Most Energetic Performance: Max L (Y8) Most Emotional Performance: Isabella R (Y10) Category Winners: Ensembles Category Winners: Noah P (Y9) and Isaac B (Y9) performing their rendition of Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' Beginner Category Winner: Grace K (Y9) performing the 'Theme from Wallace and Gromit' on Clarinet Intermediate Category Winner: Shaun R (Y9) performing 'Via Dolorosa' on Violin Advanced Category Winner: Jack B (Y11) performing 'New Kid' on Piano  Congratulations to everyone involved and we look forward to seeing you all compete again next academic year!
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Milano Gymnastics Schools National Finals
14th Mar 2024
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Milano Gymnastics Schools National Finals

On Friday 8th March, four teams travelled to Stoke on Trent to compete in the Milano Gymnastics Schools National Finals. We had four teams competing, U13 Mixed, U16 Mixed, U19 Mixed and U19 Girls. In this high level competition teams must perform an individual floor piece, 2 vaults and a group trio routine. All teams performed brilliantly and put everything they could into their pieces at this prestigious competition. On Friday, the U13 and U16 Mixed teams competed, and all scored well. The U16 mixed team were part of coming 3rd in the country as an East Region. The U13 mixed team placed 2nd Region in the country in their category and were also part of the East Region team and came 3rd in the country as a whole region. On the Saturday, the U19 Mixed and U19 girls teams were ready to compete, and all students showed outstanding performances with some extremely high scores from Layla on vault of 15.45. The U19 Girls team placed 3rd Region in the country in their category and were also part of the East Region team and came 2nd in the country as a whole region. The U19 Mixed also performed excellently and were also part of the East Region team and came 2nd in the country as an East Region. Overall, a hugely successful weekend and a massive congratulations to all 4 teams who competed at the National Finals with all teams bringing home a medal either as a team or region.
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Floor and Vault Gymnastics Competition
6th Mar 2024
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Floor and Vault Gymnastics Competition

On Sunday Great Baddow High School competed in the Regional Round of the Floor and Vault Gymnastics Competition. This is an extremely prestigious competition and one in which we have never won before with only the team that places 1st going on to represent East Region in the National Finals.  We had 3 teams entered, U14 Girls, U19 Girls and U19 Boys. This involved 15 students and all had to perform a floor routine and two vaults. All students performed exceptionally well and to an excellent standard. The boys had a brilliant competition and finished 2nd in their age group. Both the U14 Girls team and the U19 Girls team performed exceptionally making little mistakes only which meant for a real team performance. The students sat together supporting each other as they waited anxiously for their results and were beyond ecstatic to find out the results. The scores were super close in both girls sections however both teams finished with a fantastic team score resulting in them coming 1st in the Region. This means our school will go through to the National Finals in both of the girls sections for the first time in Great Baddow gymnastics history.   "This was an overwhelming and proud moment for all members of the team and myself as the teacher. I am super proud of all the students who participated and excited for the National Finals. Miss S Smith, Physical Education Teacher
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Careers Fair 2024
4th Mar 2024
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Careers Fair 2024

We were pleased to offer one of our largest and most successful Careers Fairs last week with 300 students attending and exploring over 40 exhibitors. Students were able to explore a wide range of employers as well and different higher education pathways. Ex-students now completing apprenticeships with TELEDYNE E2V impressed as they returned to give a talk and pass on their experiences. Year 9 students used their careers booklets to explore the five careers’ zones and open their eyes to a wider range of possible careers. Both parents and exhibitors praised the school stating: "It was the best careers fair we have attended." We would like to thank all our exhibitors for their time and expertise in guiding our students on the options that are available to them, and our parents and students for their enthusiasm and support for our annual careers event. The Careers Fair is part of an on-going Careers Education and Guidance programme, where students are supported to make informed choices and decisions about their futures. This includes impartial careers guidance from our Independent Careers Adviser from Directions IAG ltd, who was in attendance on the night. As our Year 9 students approach the time for picking their GCSE options for the following years, our Options Evening is the next event in the calendar, giving students and parents a chance to meet and discuss with all the subject areas what the course involves and the skills developed and required to succeed in it. The Year 9 Options Evening takes place on Monday 18th March 2024.
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Year 13 Final Musical Theatre Performance
1st Mar 2024
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Year 13 Final Musical Theatre Performance

On Tuesday 28th February, our Year 13 students took part in their final live performance to an audience in Primmer Assembly Hall. The evening was dedicated to their musical theatre performances for their penultimate unit of the course. The evening was full of lights laughter and exceptional harmonies, featuring extracts from hits such as Guys and Dolls, Hairspray, Les Miserables and Rent. Many students also chose to perform solo performances of their favourite musical theatre songs. The evening was fantastic with an audience full of parents, friends and students (past and present). We would like to thank the students for all their hard work and dedication to the department, with many being involved in the department's productions since Year 7. With one solo unit to go, we all wish them luck as they fly off to pastures new in a few months' time.
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Media Live and Business Live Conference
1st Mar 2024
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Media Live and Business Live Conference

On the 24th February, 37 Media and Business students took a trip to Paris to attend the Media Live and Business Live conferences. On the first day, students toured around Paris, climbed up Sacre Coeur and enjoyed the Sunday morning walking around the beautiful and very Parisienne Montmartre, followed by a tour of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and on to the Arc de Triomphe, taking in sights such as Pont Neuf and the Louvre along the way Students went on a behind the scenes tour of the famous Le Grande Rex cinema and were able to make their own action film as well as see behind the workings of a 3,000 seat cinema where premieres take place. On the second day, students attended the Media live and Business live conferences at the Gaumont cinema in Disneyland Paris.  During the conference students heard from impressive Media industry professionals who presented media topics and career advice, using their own first hand experience and a little background on their careers. Students were also able to meet the inspirational speakers and ask questions.   Speakers included: Remel London - facilitator Remel London is an award-winning British TV, Radio presenter and host. Since graduating with a BA Degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Leeds, Remel’s high energy, fun and thoughtful style has resulted in her becoming the lead presenter on SKY One’s Unmuted, the host of the Saturday Afternoon show on CAPITAL XTRA and a highly sought after voice-over artist working with the BBC, CBBC, BET, UKTV and BT Sports to name a few.  Remel London is very passionate about her local community and young creatives. She is the founder of The Mainstream, which is a creative platform offering networking opportunities, live events, workshops, seminars, Q&A’s and a podcast to support individuals that would like to launch and develop their career into the mainstream media and entertainment world.  Stevie White is a Digital Creator and co-host of one of the UK's most listened to podcasts on Spotify, Happy Hour with JaackMaate. He is also a content creator for Guild Esport and frequently streams on Twitch with an audience of over 15,000 followers. In 2014, Stevie launched his personal Youtube channel after the success of his collaboration with JaackMaate on their song 'Hip to be a Hipster' which reached number 1 in the iTunes comedy chart.  Gemma Hunt has been working in TV since 2003 when she graduated with her 1st Class Media Performance Degree.  Having met an agent through a careers day at the University, Gemma’s showreel was sent to CBBC who met her for an interview, invited her for a screen test and then offered her a contract with CBBC, as one of their live on-air presenters working on CBBC1, 2 and then on the CBBC Channel - and all before she had graduated. Gemma has presented a huge variety of shows and has thousands of live hours of TV experience presenting magazine shows, on-air links and hosting coverage from huge live events. Gemma has presented 8 series of the hit BAFTA winning CBeebies pirate gameshow series SWASHBUCKLE and also performs in the Cbeebies Christmas shows and Shakespeare adaptations each year for the channel. In 2020 Gemma was delighted to join the regular presenting team of BBC1’s Songs of Praise. Bobby Seagull is a television personality (University Challenge and the Monkman and Seagull Genius Guides), author (The Life-Changing Magic of Numbers) and vocal advocate of the importance of maths and numeracy. He teaches maths at his local school in east London. 
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History trip to the Suffolk WW1 Trenches
1st Mar 2024
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History trip to the Suffolk WW1 Trenches

Last week, 100 Year 10 students left school at 7.30 a.m. to make their way to Suffolk to visit the Great War Huts at Brook Farm Camp. When they arrived, everyone changed their shoes into wellies, so they were ready to go in the muddy and waterlogged trench! Luckily, the sun shone, and it wasn’t too cold for February. The groups rotated around 5 different activities. Walk around a mock WW1 trench: Students and staff tentatively made their way around the trench, looking at the dugouts, fire steps, duckboards, tight corners, and facilities. The guide told us about the soldiers’ day-to-day life. A talk about medical provision with artefacts: One of the guides spoke about how medical care developed over the course of the way, bringing it to life with the use of props and real artefacts! A talk about the progression of the war: In the small hall, a guide showed us how the army equipment developed over the course of the war in response to the different conditions the soldiers faced. A WW1 soldier modelled the uniform and changes in equipment with the occasional jump scare! Rifle handling: The WW1 soldier taught us how to hold, load and shoot a WW1 (without bullets, of course). They are surprisingly heavy! Military parade: Students and staff were taught a few commands and eventually how to march in formation. The coaches then took us to Bury St Edmunds Cemetery. As a group, students looked at the distinctive commonwealth war graves and laid a wreath on behalf of the school. The guides recited a poem, and paid tribute with a one-minute silence. They returned to school at 5.20 p.m. after a brilliant day for students and staff alike. The students behaved impeccably and were a credit to the school.
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World Book Day 2024
29th Feb 2024
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World Book Day 2024

Thursday 7th March is World Book Day and at GBHS this year, we will be celebrating by; holding our annual ‘DECORATE YOUR TUTOR ROOM DOOR' competition, challenging groups to decorate their door to represent a book aimed at teenagers or focus on an aspect of reading which is important to them.  running a ‘SHELFIE’ competition throughout the week, with students guessing whose bookshelf it is.  having different book related activities each day in the library, ranging from book bingo to a book knowledge quiz. hosting a special ‘Conversation with …’ event with staff sharing their reading journey with students. But why is reading so important?  ‘Read your Way’ is the theme this year with the aim of encouraging teenagers to enjoy their reading by choosing what and how they read and finding opportunities to have fun with reading. Some key elements to encourage reading for pleasure: Having trusted help to a help select a book – there are plenty of book recommendations on our library system (accessed via the portal) and in the library.  Try our Book of the Moment, always a good read! Having a choice in what to read and using the library – the library has a large and varied book stock which is constantly being updated, so always worth investigating.  No need to buy books, just borrow from the library. Having books at home and at school – use the £1 World Book Day vouchers to purchase one of the special World Book Day books or for a £1 discount on a regular priced book.  Vouchers have been given to tutors for them to distribute to their students. The vouchers are valid until 31st March. Finding time to read – students have regular library lessons and should read at home. Being read to regularly and reading to others  - an integral part of library lessons. Making reading FUN! – Try some of the activities organised by the library. Remember reading includes fiction books, information books, brochures, newspapers, magazines, website reports and even timetables! If have a moment this week, try reading along with your child and talking about books and how and when you read. 
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Thinking Reading Programme
28th Feb 2024
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Thinking Reading Programme

We are delighted to announce that our first Year 10 student has graduated the Thinking Reading Programme. This is a whole-school literacy strategy with an intensive, one-to-one intervention at its heart. It is a rigorous, research-based systematic programme designed for students who have a significant gap (more than two years) between their reading age and chronological age. Students remain on the programme until the deficit has been closed. Students are selected based on diagnostic tests and then work with a tutor on a 1:1 basis three times a week. The lessons are personalised so that individual needs and specific areas of learning are addressed, resulting in visible rapid progress. Lessons focus on techniques and skills to decode words and build upon recognition and fluency of reading sounds. Students are also exposed to vocabulary and comprehension. Highly detailed assessment tracks their progress. The methodical and systematic approach to lessons allows positive reading habits to be instilled in the student and within each lesson there are stages for progression and opportunities for attainment. We are proud of our Year 10 student, whose decoding ability has increased in such a short amount of time and has reported now reading at a faster pace with a greater feeling of confidence. We look forward to announcing more successful graduates soon.  
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'Things I Know to be True'
15th Feb 2024
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'Things I Know to be True'

On Tuesday 13th February our Year 12 performing arts students performed their Frantic Assembly inspired pieces to a live audience. This was their first performance to a live audience, since beginning the course in September. The piece ‘Things I Know to be True’ centres around a family, and the struggles they face individually, and together. It is about love in many of its forms. At times comforting and supportive. At others suffocating and destructive. The students have been working incredibly hard in lessons, and in their own time, to produce a moving performance that uses movement and music to symbolise emotions and relationships. They were fantastic and should feel very proud of the work they have created.
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British Sign Language Outreach Activities
15th Feb 2024
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British Sign Language Outreach Activities

Last week, a member of our RBDS department was out undertaking outreach with Year 5 pupils at our primary feeder schools teaching British Sign Language. Sue has been part of the resource base for a number of years and not only works tirelessly with our students at Great Baddow High School, but she has also taught baby sign to parents and babies in order to raise the profile of sign language and support early communication. Her passion doesn't end here,she also wanted to support deaf students coming to GBHS by reaching out to our feeder schools and providing them with deaf awareness and basic sign language. Her presence in the primary schools has been greatly appreciated and she is regularly invited back. In visiting the primary schools we hope to encourage pupils to have deaf awareness and a love of sign language, enabling communication barriers between deaf and hearing students to be broken down. Sue’s visits to the primary schools has been growing and she has visited more feeder schools this year than last. To support this initial introduction into BSL we also run a BSL sign language club during early lunch to enable the many students who attended her session in primary school to develop their sign language skills and bridge gaps in communication.
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Student Leadership Council
15th Feb 2024
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Student Leadership Council

The Student Leadership Council met this week and voted in the Make Your Mark ballot for the Youth Parliament by choosing the topic they cared about most. The were picking from the following topics: Education & learning; international relations; health & wellbeing; rights, equality & democracy; jobs, the economy and benefits; crime & safety; culture, media, sports; climate change and the environment; transport; youth work and young people’s services.  They also discussed and provided feedback about using the school library. This included when and how students use it and what they would like to be able to see/do at the library and improvements they would like to see made. Finally students worked in groups based on their Houses to work on projects relating to differences we can make around the school and local community. Attenborough house are looking at possible green initiatives we can introduce in the school. Ennis -Hill are looking at fundraisers and community pay back around the school. Hawking are working on outreach and using their voice to make a change. The next meeting is set for 27th March.  
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Drama Students Gripped by Production of 'Witness for the Pro...
8th Feb 2024
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Drama Students Gripped by Production of 'Witness for the Prosecut...

On Wednesday 7th February 2024, the drama department took 43 performing arts students from Years 10, 12 and 13 to see Agatha Christies ingenious courtroom drama ‘Witness for the prosecution’. We stepped inside the magnificent surroundings of London County Hall and truly experienced the intensity and drama of Agatha Christies gripping story of justice, passion and betrayal in a unique courtroom setting – we were summoned for jury service. The plot features Leonard Vole who is accused of murdering a widow to inherit her wealth. The stakes were high, and as the accounts of the night in question unfold, we begin to act as detectives and make our own minds up on what we believe the truth to be. All the students were completely gripped throughout the immersive experience and were stunned at the multiple, amazing plot twists at the end. The entirety of the coach journey home was full of theories and opinions of the characters in the production. The students were impeccably behaved, and we even received feedback from the public relaying how well the students represented Great Baddow High School. It was fantastic to be able to offer our theatre loving students a unique theatre experience and will definitely be a repeat trip for our younger students when they reach KS4/5. Thank you to all involved.
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International Women & Girls in Science Day 2024
7th Feb 2024
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International Women & Girls in Science Day 2024

To celebrate and mark International Women & Girls in Science Day 2024 the GBHS science department are running a host of events over the course of the week to emerse our women and girls into the world of science. Students should also keep an eye on the screens around school for ‘surprising science’ profiles as teachers share information about what made them choose a career in science! Although Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields are widely regarded as critical to national economies, so far most countries, no matter their level of development, have not achieved gender equality in STEM. This day is a reminder that women and girls play a critical role in science and technology communities and that their participation should be strengthened. Find out more about the International Women & Girls in Science Day on the United Nations website here.  YEAR 7 On Wednesday 14th February Year 7 will undertake a lesson where they will look at the life and work of Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock. Their objective is top understand the forces at play and the escape velocity required to send a rocket into space to launch a geo-stationary satellite. YEAR 8 Year 8 will have a session on ‘smashing stereotypes in science’ delivered in tutor time. The interactive session will look at why there are preconceived ideas of what a scientist looks like vs the reality. YEAR 9 A select group of Year 9 students will have the opportunity to work with out very own Dr Pratt and Sixth Form science students. The session will be aimed at investigating the untimely death of some pet rats. Students will employ a variety of investigative skills to solve the reasons behind the unknown deaths. YEAR 10 Year 10 are encouraged to enter the artwork competition for prominent women in science. Keep a look out for further information on the posters in tutor rooms and the screens around school for entry details. Winning entries will be displayed in the science department.  
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Train to Teach with Essex Schools ITT
7th Feb 2024
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Train to Teach with Essex Schools ITT

Great Baddow High School works closely with Essex Schools ITT to provide a very special, school-based teacher training experience, in partnership with Tes Institute, for those that are thinking about becoming a teacher. If you would like to join a profession which will engage you in the most challenging and interesting way with the clear worth and the moral objective of educating the future of our locality, Essex Schools ITT will provide the very highest opportunity to be an outstanding practitioner. To learn more about the programme, we host small-group or individual ‘Coffee, Cake & Chat’ sessions every Monday and Tuesday between 9 am and 10 am, although we can arrange other times on request. To arrange a drop-in just email gbn@gbhs.co.uk. Alternatively you can register to learn more about teacher training - hear from current and past trainees and ITT experts at the next virtual event on Tuesday 5th March at 7.30. Register to join the Virtual Information Event here.
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GBHS Students Raise the Roof at the Stratford and East Londo...
6th Feb 2024
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GBHS Students Raise the Roof at the Stratford and East London Mus...

On Monday 5th February, 38 of our students from across the school represented Great Baddow High School at the Stratford and East London Music Festival singing as members of Choir 16. The competition was held at St Mary's Church, South Woodford and the Adjudicator was Ben Costello (BMus, PGDip, MA, FRSA, FISM). The choir competed in the U18 Youth Choir Category and placed 2nd with a rarely awarded Distinction grading. Mr Bentley and Mr Herbert are incredibly proud of how our students conducted themselves and for the clear joy they took in their singing and the overall experience. We look forward to entering more competitions in the future and continuing the high-level work Choir 16 is achieving. Particular thanks go to Rosie B and Jasmine A of Year 13 who have been helping prepare the choir by leading sectionals and to the staff that accompanied the trip. The full adjudicators comments for our two performances were: Seasons of Love (from RENT the Musical) Lots of energy in your rousing rendition of this RENT classic Great Baddow. Committed focus, with warm speech quality, energy emerging. Some stylish riffs along the way too. You harnessed some of the later gospel fervour too, and can enjoy this further if you like! Rise Up (Andra Day) Well done for being so quickly "in the zone" with so little intro DSL (down-stage Left) group [the Alto section]. Another vivid response to a classic track here, with promising vocal agility, energy through the angular vocal writing. Well-prepared upper (tilt) work too, added suitable warmth to the lyric objectives. Good coordination with the backing track in both numbers.  
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Magnus - The Termly Newsletter of Great Baddow High School
20th Dec 2023
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Magnus - The Termly Newsletter of Great Baddow High School

As we come to the end of term, we would like to share our December issue of Magnus, our termly newsletter, which is now available to read on our website. "As 2023 draws to an end we can look back with pride at a term filled with amazing experiences and successes for our whole community. As a school we saw record GCSE results that place us with the very top schools in Essex and indeed the country. Our Year 13 students were all successful in securing places in the further education establishments of their choice or in the vocations they have decided to pursue. We are proud of these achievements and will work hard to build on them and to drive our high levels of achievement even higher. As this edition of Magnus testifies, we have delivered an educational experience for our students that is exciting, varied and comprehensive, taking excellent learning from the classroom to the local community and further afield. We can all be proud of the way our community has embraced and relished the challenges and opportunities outlined in this round up of the year so far." Mr Paul Farmer, Headteacher Enjoy a very much deserved rest over the holidays and have a great Christmas and a very happy and successful New Year and we look forward to seeing our students back and ready to commence the Spring term on Thursday 4th January 2024. Read more here: Magnus December 2023
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Pupil Librarian Reward Trip
15th Dec 2023
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Pupil Librarian Reward Trip

Our pupil librarians are very hard working, they give up their break and lunch times to help out in the library as well as help out with primary school visits and activities such as our Chatterbooks sessions and our Spelling Bee competitions.  We have a group of wonderful Sixth Formers who have helped us every year since Year 7 and they will be leaving us in the summer, after their exams.  We didn’t want them to miss out on the reward trip for this year and so we decided to take them all on a special day out to the Harry Potter Studios for the ‘Hogwarts At Christmas’ event.  The trip not only acts as a reward but as a team building session for our newer students to get to know our team better and see just how helpful and friendly the older students are. During our trip, students were able to learn about the hundreds of different careers that are involved in the making of a film.  A lot of people only think of acting as a career when talking about the film industry but there are so many others such as directors, casting crews, hairdressers, costume designers, prop designers, make-up artists, choreographers, music composers, caterers and more!  Students also had a chemistry lesson by learning how they made different types of snow for different scenarios when filming, for example paper snow for the ground and polymer snow for the actors.  It was quite amazing watching the snow come to life in front of us. We hope that students were inspired by the different careers and hope they enjoyed the day as much as we enjoyed taking them. “Everyone had an amazing time at the Harry Potter sets, seeing the winter themed castle was especially magical and I learnt so much about the reality behind the filming process. It definitely made me want to rewatch the films! Thank you to everyone who organised the trip!” – Grace, Year 13
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Hope is Here School Tour
14th Dec 2023
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Hope is Here School Tour

On Tuesday Great Baddow High School had a visit from the Charity Made for More, as part of their Hope is Here School Tour.   We got the chance to do several activities based around the Nativity and how we can use the story of the nativity to help us in our every day lives, my favourite was the “light” activity we talked about how we can bring light to someone who is struggling or in a dark place. We coloured in a touch and wrote down things we can think about or say to bring light. I also enjoyed the Hopes and dreams task, we all wrote our own hope and dreams on strips of paper and then we joined all our paper together to make a huge paper chain. We talked about how we can use God to help us have hope.   Student Report: By Neve B (Year 8) "I really enjoyed the Made for More experience that was arranged for us. There were five different activities that were all crafty and had a message about God. Afterwards we got to ask questions to the team about the nativity side of Christmas. I had a lot of fun and want to do it again." Freya P (Year 8)
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Student's Inspired by the Real World Applications of Maths
8th Dec 2023
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Student's Inspired by the Real World Applications of Maths

Our Sixth Form and selected Key Stage 4 students took part in the “Maths Inspiration” show on Monday 4th December 2023 at Saffron Hall in Saffron Walden The show was a unique opportunity to participate in a national programme of interactive maths lectures aimed at teenagers. Inspiring speakers such as Collin Wright (Patterns predictions and juggling), Alison Kiddle (Risk and Reward) and Matt Scroggs (Maths and the video game arcade), ran the lectures who present mathematics live, in a context of exciting real-world applications! Collin Wright’s very entertaining talk showed us how spotting patterns can help in a surprising number of situations, including the invention of new juggling tricks. But beware, patterns aren’t always as predictable as they seem! Alison Kiddle’s talk introduced us to micromorts (the unit of risk defined as a one-in-a-million chance of death) When we make decisions, we have to weigh up the risks of our choices and decide whether the potential rewards make it worthwhile. But when it comes to assessing risk, humans are notoriously bad at estimating how likely events are. Students were led to discover the ways probability and statistics help us to find certainty in an unpredictable world. Matt Scrogg made us ask: How can I do a Pac-Man speedrun? Was Pac-Man the first 3D video game? Do any retro video games take place on the surface of a sphere? And did Asteroids enter another dimension?  This talk answered these questions and more, as we took a look at some maths related to classic arcade machine games. Students were enthused and amused, very inspired to be shown a fun side of maths and everyday applications! Mrs Hrabak, Mr Atkins Mrs Wood and Mrs Wallbank escorted our students, with Mrs Wallbank on the spotlight signing on stage!
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