Great Baddow High School
 | |
| Motto | Semper Altiora Speramus |
|---|---|
| Established | 1965 |
| Type | Academy |
| Headteacher | Carrie Lynch |
| Location |
Duffield Road Chelmsford Essex CM2 9RZ England Coordinates: 51°42′49″N 0°29′10″E / 51.71355°N 0.48606°E |
| DfE number | 881/4390 |
| DfE URN | 136904 Tables |
| Ofsted | Reports Pre-academy reports |
| Students | 1,390 |
| Gender | Coeducational |
| Ages | 11–18 |
| Houses | North, East, South, West, Central |
| Colours | Black and Gold |
| Website |
www |
Great Baddow High School is an 11 - 18 comprehensive secondary school in Chelmsford, Essex, England. In September 2002, the school was awarded specialist Sports College status. The school then converted into academy status in July 2011 and retains its sports specialism, adopting Science as a second specialism in 2014. The school is also proud of the Resource Base for Hearing Impaired Students.
Overview
In 1965 Great Baddow High School – or Baddow Comprehensive as it was known back then - opened its doors for the first time with 16 staff and 227 children joining ‘the First Year’.[1] Since then, it has continued to expand and now has total numbers of nearly 1400. The Latin motto, which translates as "Always strive for higher things" encapsulates the aims and ethos of the school which prides itself on being happy, safe and successful. Students join the school from over 40 primary schools in Chelmsford and the wider area if they have gained one of 24 places based on ‘aptitude for sport.’ Many progress into the sixth form which offers a wide range of A Level courses as well as appropriate vocational qualifications in the sport and science subjects.
Head teachers
In its 50 year history, Great Baddow High School has had just 4 head teachers as commemorated in the main reception
- 1965: Mr James Gordon B.Sc.
- 1980: Mr Roy Baldock B.A.
- 1991: Mr Roger Hunton M.Sc.
- 2010: Mrs Carrie Lynch B.A. (Hons)
Facilities
Great Baddow High School’s reputation for sport both locally and at a national level is supported by excellent facilities which include an indoor pool and an all-weather ‘domed’ astroturf pitch. However, the school is equally committed to ensuring that all subject areas enjoy outstanding facilities and resources. For example, leading edge ICT facilities support every subject area and the school has: a well-equipped main hall for performances and public events, three drama studios, music classrooms, practice areas and a recording studio; separate dining facilities; science labs; technology areas including a professional-level catering classroom; a well-stocked library and further sixth form study areas.
Student Leadership and the House System
Each tutor group is attached to one of four houses, which enjoy sporting, performance, charity activities, quizzes and competition.
The school is committed to developing student leadership through e.g. school council, prefect systems, sports’ readers and through the BTEC Level 3 Sport course which supports many local activities in different schools.
Throughout the year, students will gain credits which will lead to bronze (25 credits), silver (50 credits) and gold awards (75 credits). To the few each year that gain over 100 credits, there is special commendation from the head teacher.