Science Specialism

Science as a second specialism for the school celebrates students’ success in this area and aims to promote excellent opportunities for young scientists both in and outside the classroom.

Science is part of the core national curriculum and over the last few years, Great Baddow High School have achieved exam results in the sciences over and above the national average

The sciences are popular subjects at Great Baddow High school.

We are fortunate to have an excellent team of teachers supported by experienced lab technicians.  All the expertise of our teaching staff is also used to support local primary schools. Primary schools are also invited to attend enrichment activities at GBHS (e.g. Forensic science workshop)

We are also proud that one of our physics teachers, Dr Ghoneim, has been recruited by the institute of Physics to support the development of physics teaching in our locality.

We have 11 teaching laboratories, several of which have been recently refurbished. Every pupil has access to a rich programme of enrichment including clubs such as the Lego club and opportunities to participate in science week activities, trips and visits.

Teachers are always ready to provide information, advice and guidance so that pupils can progress further onto university courses such as Medicine.

Following A Levels many of our students choose science-based courses at university and Great Baddow High School promotes many vocational and enrichment opportunities, including STEM projects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) to enrich learning experiences. 

Destinations for some of our students in 2025 include:

Aeronautical Engineering - Loughborough University,

Aerospace Engineering - Sheffield University,

Biological Sciences - Loughborough University

Chemistry - University of Bath/UEA,

Forensic Science - Kent University,

Mechanical Engineering - Nottingham Trent/London South Bank University,

Medicine - Anglia Ruskin University,

Physics with Astro Physics - Durham

Zoology - Leeds University.

STEM Activities

STEM projects (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) are all run on a regular basis where students work with members of a large multi-national or local organisation over a period of time to produce a project.   

Working closely with large multinational companies such as Ford, Bertrandt and BAE Systems and maximising opportunities to get involved with national events.

Great Baddow High School are looking to develop the scientists of the future. 

Our well-resourced science labs have been further enhanced by improvement projects and leading edge teaching resources. Science subjects are very popular Sixth Form choices, with many students choosing science-based courses at university.

This specialism adds a further dimension to our extra-curricular and cross-curricular science programme with activities aimed at all year groups and their families.

For example, we are actively involved with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) projects, which have an interdisciplinary and applied approach, such as: British Science Association CREST award (Bronze), British Olympiads (Sixth Form) and Junior Challenges (Year 10/11) for physics, chemistry and biology.

A wide range of educational visits, including: Big Bang Fair in Birmingham, V&A museum, E2V, Colchester Zoo, Bioasis, Hanningfield Reservoir and the UCLH radiotherapy department.

Space week activities and space-themed model making competitions; science week activities and science-themed poetry competitions; author visits to inspire a passion for science; National literacy competitions - STEM; inter-house competitions e.g. bridge building and sunflower growing; STEM club; Allotment Club.

British Science Week 

The school celebrates British Science Week each year with a number of different activities.  

The activities include: 

Inter-house poetry competitions, poster competitions and quizzes (STEM).   

Author visit in the library for students and local Primary schools. 

Annual trip to the Big Bang Fair. 

World Space Week 

Great Baddow High School looks forward to the annual World Space Week with a variety of activities and themed assemblies. Activities have included model building, stories and space themed posters. 

A Level visit to the radiotherapy department at UCLH in London 

At the end of January our A Level physicists visit the radiotherapy department at UCLH in London. The trip gives them the opportunity to learn more about medical uses of physics, giving them a better understanding of the topic and hopefully inspiring some to choose careers in that area. 

Anglia Ruskin University

In February, all Sixth Form students interested in careers in health care or social care attend an event jointly run by Anglia Ruskin University and Essex Employment and Skills Board. They learn more about the type of careers available and have a chance to network, hopefully providing inspiration and opportunities for the future.