The sciences are popular A Level subjects with many students choosing science-based courses at university and Great Baddow High School promote many vocational and enrichment opportunities, including STEM projects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) to enrich learning experiences.
Working closely with large multinational companies such as Ford, Bertrandt and BAE Systems and maximising opportunities to get involved with national events such as The UK Aerospace Youth Rocketry Challenge and the Big Bang Young Scientists and Engineering Fair, Great Baddow High School are looking to develop the scientists of the future.
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.
First Lego League
A group of more able Year 9 students are involved in the ‘First Lego League’, a challenge which involves three main tasks:|
- Investigating the human water cycle (how we find, use, transport and dispose of water) and giving a five-minute presentation on how we can improve one aspect of it.
- Design, building and coding a robot to complete a series of challenges, with points being awarded for every challenge completed.
- Displaying the ‘core values’ of the competition, including teamwork and having fun.
So far our students have enjoyed making all the Lego models for the game board, which our robot will be tested on. A lot of thought has gone into the design of the robot and which challenges it will be able to do.
The imagination and teamwork demonstrated in this part of the challenge has been really pleasing and we are nearly at the point where we can start building the robot.
The team have also carried out thorough research into the human water cycle and the presentation is looking excellent at this stage.
By entering a team in this international competition we are able to stretch and challenge our students by engaging them with real-world scenarios and developing their problem-solving skills and ability to work as a team. Hopefully many of them will be inspired to follow a career in engineering after this experience.
British Science Week
The school celebrates British Science Week each year with a number of different activities.
The activities in 2017 included:
- Inter-house bridge building competition after school (STEM).
- Alchemy! Making silver and gold (after school activity).
- Author visit in the library (John Townsend).
- Trip to the Big Bang Fair.
- Making slime (after school activity).
World Space Week
Great Baddow High School celebrates World Space Week with a variety of activities and themed assemblies. Actvities have included model building, stories and space themed posters.
In December our 6th form Physics students volunteer at Physics Fest.
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. This trip will give them an 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 Event
In February, all 6th 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 will learn more about the type of careers available and have a chance to network, hopefully providing inspiration and opportunities for the future.
Bloodhound rocket car challenge.
Design, build, test and race a model car (last year’s entry reached 150mph!).
Colchester Zoo engineering project.
A group was tasked with designing a shower and feeding facility for the elephants at Colchester Zoo. At the end of the project the school with the best design have it made and installed at the zoo.
UKAYRoC build a rocket competition.
Students design, build and test a rocket to see how high it can go! GBHS have experienced a lot of success in this competition in the past.
Bridge building competition.
Another competition in which we have experienced success in the past, a group design and build a bridge with limited resources, the aim being to use their physics and engineering knowledge to make the bridge as strong as possible.