Wondering about a place where tradition meets transformation? That place is Baradene College of the Sacred Heart. It stands proudly in Remuera Auckland. Baradene is more than just a school. It is a legacy that began in 1909.
Baradene College’s story started humbly. The Religious Society of the Sacred Heart founded it. Mother Madeleine Sophie Barat’s philosophy guided them. Their first Auckland school was in a house on Mountain Road Epsom. In 1910, they moved to the Victoria Avenue property. This property once belonged to the Hon E Mitchelson. By the end of its first year, Baradene had 28 students. Initially, students were taught and housed in the original wooden house. The Sisters also lived there.
Did you know that Baradene College was both a boarding and day school? This continued until 1985. In 1983, Baradene became a State-integrated school.
Baradene’s buildings tell their own stories. The Duchesne building opened in 1911. Bishop Cleary blessed it. An extension was added in 1957. The Jubilee Wing opened in 1959. It housed the chapel and hall. The original Barat Block opened in 1975. The Centennial Building for Years 7 and 8 opened in 1980.
Fun Fact: The Duchesne building underwent earthquake strengthening in 1991. It was also refurbished to meet government regulations. Extensions to the Centennial block finished in 2001. A new Chapel Auditorium opened in 2002. Four new tennis courts and three netball courts were ready in 2005. The Jubilee building was transformed into a Performing Arts Faculty Theatre. It has Dance Drama Studios and a Music Department. The Social Sciences Faculty also moved there. The new Barat Block opened in 2009. It provided art science and technology facilities. In 2019, the new Music Block Hockey Turf and underground were opened. In July 2024, Baradene opened a new gym.
Baradene College operates with five core goals. These goals are social awareness faith intellectual values community building and personal growth. These goals are the focus of each school year.
The college has six houses. They are Amiens Barat Erskine Loreto Philippine and Stuart. Students attend a House Mass each year. Houses compete in events to earn points. The house with the most points wins the House Cup.
Baradene College of the Sacred Heart continues to evolve. It remains rooted in the values of its founders. It is a place where young women are encouraged to grow. They foster hope purpose and meaning in their lives. Baradene stands as a testament to tradition innovation and the enduring power of education.