Baradene College of the Sacred Heart, located on Victoria Avenue in historic Remuera, has a century-old tradition of high-quality education for young women in a supportive, faith-based environment.
Behind a neatly trimmed hedge on a quiet street in Remuera, girls in straw boater hats are sitting under the spreading branches of a towering oak, engaged in a lively discussion with their teacher. Over their shoulders stands a statue of a woman and child, and beyond that, a wide staircase sweeps up the front of a beautiful old building to glass-fronted doors bearing an image of a heart and the motto Cor Unum (‘One Heart’).
The statue represents a young student under the tender care of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, the foundress of the Society of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ), a Catholic religious order devoted to the education of young women since 1800. The words ‘Cor Unum’ remind all who come to Baradene College that they’re part of a rich educational tradition, the essence of which is a deep concern for each student’s total development – spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social, cultural, and physical.
Since its opening in 1909, Baradene has been at the forefront of young women’s education. “Baradene’s founders were women well ahead of their time,” says Principal Sandy Pasley, an experienced educator who has helmed the college for the past decade. “Their focus was on delivering the five goals of a Sacred Heart education – goals shared by our sister schools in 42 countries around the world – which underpin the education Baradene offers today.”
These five goals, one of which becomes the college’s ‘focus goal’ each year, are:
· Believe: a personal and active faith in God.
· Love: the building of community as a Christian value.
· Care: a social awareness that impels to action.
· Grow: personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.
· Think: a deep respect for intellectual values.
‘A deep respect for intellectual values’ is this year’s focus goal, and Baradene’s strong academic standing is one the college is justifiably proud of. In the 2021 academic year, more than 97% of Baradene’s leavers gained university entrance, and over 99% of students in Years 11, 12, and 13 passed NCEA. Furthermore, over 94% received Excellence or Merit Endorsements. Students attained 50 scholarships, six of which were Outstanding Scholarships, and two students received Outstanding Scholar Awards (Top 50 students in New Zealand).
A critical aspect of a Sacred Heart education is to help students realise that every person has skills and talents which make them unique, and that it is important to make the most of these special characteristics.
“However, there is more to intellect than achieving high grades,” says the Principal. “At Baradene, we aim to challenge students to use their intellect in creative ways, to develop critical thinking and integrity, and to use their skills and talents for good.”
Baradene students are encouraged to participate in the many special character and extracurricular activities the college offers, including social services, supporting charitable causes, competitive and recreational sports, subject-specific clubs, performing arts, music, cultural groups, environmental and sustainable initiatives, and international interests. In fact, if a student has an idea about an initiative, they’ll find immediate and enthusiastic support from the staff and their peers.
“Baradene is a family,” says Abigail Mak, Head Girl for 2022. “Here, I’ve been nurtured and blessed with many opportunities to learn from my peers and teachers and to grow in both faith and character.”
A critical aspect of a Sacred Heart education is to help students realise that every person has skills and talents which make them unique, and that it is important to make the most of these special characteristics. Baradene students have gone on to stunning international success – this year the college is proud to cheer on a current student and three alumnae all competing in the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The college is regularly represented by students and alumnae in several national sports teams, musical groups, publications, art and photography exhibitions, stage and TV shows, high-profile companies, and cultural organisations.
Although thrilled that Baradene students regularly make their mark on the world stage, Principal Sandy Pasley says the college’s special character is what they’re most proud of. “Baradene’s environment fosters a sense of belonging,” she says. “Our students feel embraced by the Cor Unum spirit from their very first day of school, throughout their education here, and out into the world beyond our campus.”
“Everyone belongs here,” agrees Abigail. “We are all different, but we each have a special place in this community where we value individuality and celebrate diversity. I feel very well-loved, and for that, I am immensely grateful. I hope that every person who becomes a part of Baradene – a part of this family – will experience the same life-giving joy and love in its fullness each day.”
“When I come through the front gates of Baradene, I feel like I’m home,” says Jessikah Bell, a Year 13 student. Home, after all, is where the heart is – and Baradene College of the Sacred Heart is a school with true heart for young women’s education.
237 Victoria Avenue, Remuera
+64 9 524 6019 baradene.school.nz
