The People Heads of Departments
Heads of Departments
Art, Design & Technology – Mr Len Green
Interview with Len Green (see link at bottom of page)
Biology – Mrs Jenny Frampton
The Biology Department is located in the NW corner of the campus near to both Physics and Chemistry. In Biology we have thirteen teaching staff and we teach Biology at GCSE level to single science, dual science and triple science pupils, and we also offer both Biology and Psychology at A level. All the staff love their subject and are fully committed to doing their part to ensure that every pupil fulfils their individual potential.
In 2006 the Biology Department refurbishment programme was completed and so now all labs and the main prep room are up to date and suitable for the delivery of the current specifications.
We always try to do as much practical work as possible at all levels and our extensive resources allow us to do that. The school grounds are used as a resource for GCSE work and we take the Upper Sixth to a Field Studies Council centre to do their Ecology unit work. We welcome students on the A level Biology course who want to take it as a lone science or in combination with other science subjects. Those who want to go on to take Medicine, Veterinary Science or are applying to Oxbridge for a Biological Science are given extra reading material, some tutorials and practice interviews to help prepare them for their University application.
In the Upper Sixth year we have a one day symposium for our pupils, where we host a series of lectures from outside speakers (mainly from Universities) and to which other schools and colleges are invited.
This summer (2007) 2 of our staff are taking 20 Lower Sixth pupils to Honduras as part of the Operation Wallacea scientific research programme. There we will be spending a week in the tropical rainforest and a week on the coral reef. It should be a wonderful and unique experience.
Business Studies – Mr Nick Williams
Business Studies is a very popular area of study both here at Millfield and further at university. I lead a large department of twelve tutors and together we offer courses in GCSE, AS and A-level Business Studies, GCSE Business and Communication Systems, GCSE Leisure and Tourism and Double A-level Leisure Studies. Many of our pupils study these subjects afresh not having come across them before and are looking for something new, fast moving, easy to relate to and possibly linked to a future career in the business world. Business Studies fits well with any other combination of subjects, keeps university and career options open and introduces new areas of study such as marketing, finance, human resources, the economy, production and entrepreneurship. Essentially we are interested in helping our pupils to improve their decision making skills through investigations into the problems that businesses face in the market place. We show pupils how to construct a balanced argument, weigh the evidence and make reasoned recommendations. Fortunately, we have a vast range of teaching material available from the daily business news, studies of changing consumer tastes and world economic events.
Chemistry – Craig Middleton
Being Head of Chemistry at Millfield is a very rewarding job especially as members of my department are fully committed to the subject and in turn enthuse and endeavour to bring the best out of each pupil. As a department our Mission is to instill an interest and enthusiasm for the subject of Chemistry into our pupils whilst preparing them for success in both internal and external examinations. We pride ourselves on the fact that Chemistry is a subject which enables pupils to learn many valuable, exciting skills through their own practical experiences which in turn can be transferred to many other subjects and interests. Chemistry is a subject which has many different strands and due to its diversity it can open many doors. We venture to make chemistry accessible to all levels of pupils through many different forms of media ensuring they all achieve the level they deserve.
Currently this is a very exciting time in the Chemistry Department as there are proposed plans in place to start designing and building a new state of the art department. The design currently proposed gives students the opportunity to study the subject within a forward thinking department with the very latest teaching aids. The new department will have 9 teaching labs with integrated ICT facilities, a sixth form study/teaching room, a dedicated IT room, a renovated open air laboratory (for the experiments too dangerous for indoors!) and a large 120 seat lecture theatre.
Computing and IT – Mrs Sally Etherington
Computing and ICT is a subject with clear links to the real world and this is reflected in the members of the department. Although well qualified specialists in the subject, we have between us a wide range of experience in many areas of life and learning which enhances the lessons we teach.. ICT based systems are on every hand and the department brings this diversity into the opportunities we offer our pupils. Project work includes computer control for our budding engineers, multimedia systems for the musical and artistic students and business systems for future decision makers. It is no small achievement that such variety is often on offer within one teaching set. We value the relationships we build with students when we work with them to solve their individual problems, helping them to realise their own ideas.
Changes occur in the field of ICT and Computing almost weekly and the willingness of the department to keep up with the times creates an exciting atmosphere of teaching and learning together which students appreciate greatly.
Drama – Mr Alex Boyd Williams
Interview with Alex Boyd Williams (see link at bottom of page)
Economics – Mr Neil Driver
The department runs highly popular courses in Economics at GCSE, AS and A level and Accounting at AS and A level.
In teaching our students, we focus on trying to achieve four main objectives:
Enthusing them about the subject through the use of real world examples; Helping them to develop a disciplined approach to studying, both in lessons and in their own time; Assisting them to achieve the highest grade that they are capable of; and Helping them to develop some of the key skills that they will need at the next stage of their academic career. For example, helping GCSE students to learn the skills needed for success at AS level, and assisting A level students to develop the skills they will need at university and for their professional careers. My staff and I have a genuine passion for our subjects. We relish the opportunity to nurture the interest of our students, all of whom have opted to take the subject. With an atmosphere of enthusiasm, combined with a disciplined approach to studying, a very high level of success is achieved with respect to our four main objectives.
English and Media – Mr Tim Nightingale
The English Department which I very much enjoy managing here at Millfield encompasses not only English but also Drama, Media, the Language Development Unit and AV.
We therefore offer,with genuine enthusiasm, a wide-ranging programme for all students of all abilities. We cultivate a working atmosphere that is encouraging, rigorous and enjoyable, establishing a lively rapport between staff and pupils and providing a rewarding experience for all involved.
Geography – Mr Chris Lane
The Geography Department at Millfield is as diverse as the subject itself! Having 9 specialist staff means that we are able to offer interests and expertise in all areas of the curriculum. My task is to harness all of these talents to offer the best possible courses to the full range of Millfield pupils, from the student with learning difficulties, to those who are most gifted. To provide for all needs, we offer two different AS and A level courses, in addition to the GCSE and our 3rd year course (which is closely integrated with those of our feeder schools). In addition, a subject as lively and topical as Geography demands outdoor experience, which is provided through work ranging from day visits to local quarries to annual overseas trips to Iceland, Morocco and beyond.
I’m really proud of the supportive environment we have created in Geography. Whilst we resist spoon feeding our students, ours is a department dedicated to our subject and to ensuring that our students achieve their best, whilst enjoying all that is so good about Geography. How could anyone not enjoy geography? It is our world!
Higher Education & Careers – Mr Paul Kelly
The Higher Education and Careers department is located in a suite of rooms in the north west corner of the Meyer Theatre block and is open throughout the school year during usual office hours. Detailed information and specialist advisers are available in all relevant areas, including Oxbridge and American applications.
What I find exciting as Head of the department is the sheer range of destinations that interest our students and never quite knowing what one will be asked next. It is fair to say that the vast majority of our students go onto university and undertake some form of higher education. Some 50% of these students would typically gain entry to the prestigious Russell Group universities. Successful applications are made to a vast range of places including Oxbridge and LSE, the elite sporting universities of Loughborough and Bath, agricultural colleges, medical schools and even Swiss hotel schools. Drama students have reached LAMDA and RWCMD, whereas artists have secured places at Central St. Martin’s and the London College of Fashion. Those few that eschew university include students who have passed the Marines’ Potential Officers’ Course and several potential professional sportsmen, including rugby players and a Grand Prix hopeful.
In none of this should our continuing American successes be forgotten. Millfield is one of only seven English schools that are currently SAT ‘Centers’ and we have been sending students across the Atlantic, including to Harvard for many years.
Please do not hesitate to come and see the Higher Education and Careers centre on your visit where we will be only too glad to offer individual advice.
History – Dr David Burton
The History Department is one of the largest in an independent school in the country, and with the size comes a considerable range of knowledge and expertise. This is manifested by the broad range of topics across one thousand years of History we offer at A Level. No school to my knowledge offers such diversity.
The staff are varied in age and experience which provides a good balance between the exuberance of youth and the wisdom of years. Many of us have examined at GCSE and A Level and some have published in journals and have written text books. Nevertheless, the prevailing attitude is one of ongoing reflection and adaptability to change. Our departmental meetings where we discuss ‘the way forward’ are always spirited and invigorating which reflects our approach to our teaching and the pupils’ learning.
We are fully committed to exposing as many pupils as possible at Millfield to an awareness of History both in the classroom and through experiences beyond the classroom.
History is a popular subject and we are proud of what we do in making pupils aware of why the world in which they live today is at it is. The teaching of Law and Government and Politics at A Level, which also fall under the banner of the department, further supports this aspiration.
Languages – Mrs Louise Wilson
I am delighted to be Head of a department which is able to offer a very broad and differentiated languages curriculum. At a time when the government is downscaling the importance of language learning at secondary level, we in our department are very aware of the need for a full and enriching programme. Pupils of all ability are strongly encouraged to take a Language, and even the weakest linguists can achieve to Entry Level Certificate standard. They have quite a choice too: French, Spanish, German and Italian represent Europe, while Arabic, Japanese and Mandarin are exciting and unusual oriental options. Latin and Greek also come under my umbrella, and are taken by a healthy number of Millfieldians. Languages come to life when used outside of the classroom: I am very proud of the fact that my department stages a play in one of the target Languages every year. Pupils can also participate in a broad range of exchange and study visit opportunities, while regular films, theatre trips and speakers further enliven our provision. A generous provision of native speaker assistants also brings an air of authenticity into the classes of all year groups.
Learning Support Centre (LSC) – Mrs Mary Morrison
As Head of the Learning Support Centre, I feel enormously privileged to be part of a long tradition in meeting the needs of pupils with specific learning difficulties.
True to the spirit and tradition of Millfield, we regard ourselves as being at the forefront of the best kind of inclusive education within which students can thrive, discovering their talents and abilities within a supportive environment.
Our LSC tutors are committed to bringing out the best in all of our students, helping them to achieve success at a level they once may not have imagined. We work closely with our colleagues throughout all subject areas in recognition of our shared responsibilities
Library – Mr David Trevis
Millfield’s Library is an outstanding resource by any estimation. The open plan building is a bright and inviting space housing some 23,000 books and over 50 computers. In recent years this has been supplemented by a wide range of academic and leisure based magazines as well as a substantial collection of DVDs . Since becoming Head of the Library in January 2006 my role has been to promote both the educational and leisure possibilities of the Library. In this I have been superbly supported by the work of our dedicated team of well qualified staff which includes two full time librarians, Dianne Upton and Brenda Baker. While Dianne maintains our excellent stock and helps me to promote reading throughout the school, Brenda has developed her role as tutor librarian developing the resources to support students in their research and independent learning. Exciting developments in recent months have included a purpose built classroom to provide a base for promoting student research as well as a number of reading initiatives including a Millfield Book of the Year Award and the creation of a number of staff reading groups.
We aim to provide a relaxed and comfortable environment in the library in which students can both work productively and pursue their own interests. The busy atmosphere at all times of the day is testimony to the library’s central importance to the daily life of Millfieldians.
Mathematics – Mr Gareth Johnson
My job here at Millfield is to run the biggest Mathematics Department in the country. With the size comes huge diversity, both in terms of what we offer and the type of pupil we teach on a daily basis. I am very proud that we offer substantial programmes for all pupils, from those with serious learning difficulties specific to Mathematics, to those who show exceptional mathematical talent.
The atmosphere here is positive, disciplined and yet, most importantly, fun. My staff are hugely dedicated to ensuring that each pupil enjoys their Mathematics – absolutely fundamental to success – and that each individual gains some sense of mathematical fulfilment during their time at Millfield.
EAL – Mr Bob Orton
As Director of EAL, I believe I have the most interesting job at Millfield; meeting overseas pupils and assessing the English language needs of those whose native language is other than English. Our intake of over 50 nationalities gives endless scope to learn from a fascinating range of individuals from a variety of cultural backgrounds. The International Student Association is one means by which Millfield celebrates this cultural diversity. The challenge of meeting pupils’ diverse language needs has created a teaching programme flexible enough to cater both for those arriving with little or no English, and for high-flying Oxbridge applicants in need of interview skills. In between, pupils of all year groups receive practice in listening, speaking, reading and writing. We offer language support for work in other academic subjects, prepare the 5th formers for the International GCSE and sixth formers for the IELTS (University Entrance) examination.
Watching the gradual transformation of our hesitant new arrivals into confident young adults discussing their future prospects and completing UCAS forms offers us immense satisfaction. The downside is that, since it is the ultimate aim of all our students to become independent of our teaching, we become the victims of their success as they concentrate more and more on their academic subjects in other departments. En route, we often discover the hidden talents of some otherwise undiscovered ‘star’ during the annual ‘catwalk’ of international costume and the accompanying performances at the International Student dinner. Millfield is a truly international community.
Music – Mr Ben Charles
Interview with Ben Charles (see link at bottom of page)
Physical Education – Mr Steve Shortland
I am fortunate to have the pleasure of leading and managing a department that prides itself on promoting high standards of effort and achievement at all levels. Success is achieved by offering a variety of teaching styles and using up to date resources and technology.
We welcome a variety of students into this ever-growing and popular subject. Some students will possess an interest in Sports Science and a willingness to improve their practical performance; some are hoping for a sports related career and others simply enjoy taking part in and value the importance of physical activity. The Chief Examiner for Physical Education (EDEXCEL) stated in a recent report that ‘The quality of the candidates at Millfield School and the marks awarded to them are excellent in both cases’.
The pupils have the opportunity to study Physical Education in year 9 which at this level is predominantly a practical subject. From this point they may choose to follow the subject further with GCSE in years 10 and 11, followed by AS and A2 in years 12 and 13 respectively. The GCSE and A level are a combination of both theory and practical work.
At present the department consists of an excellent group of well motivated PE teachers who enjoy the spoils of Millfield School with its outstanding facilities and resources. Most have achieved excellence in their chosen field of sport and all take pride in their performance and strive for excellence in the classroom.
Physics – Mr Mark Lewis
Here in Physics we aim to bring something of the excitement and wonder of physics to the pupils whom we have the privilege to teach. We are fortunate in having well-equipped laboratories and are able to enhance the teaching by practical work. We seek to stimulate interest in Physics beyond the classroom at 5th and 6th form level by encouraging pupils to take part in the Physics Challenge and Physics Olympiad competitions.
My colleagues need no encouragement from me to try to help pupils who need it by making themselves available for extra tuition outside the normal timetable.
My aim is that the Physics teaching staff (together with the technicians) work as a team to provide a strong supportive environment for all the pupils who work in the department.
Religious Studies – Miss Lucy Jackson
The Religious Studies Department at Millfield is a vibrant and friendly one with five tutors, many of whom are experienced and well established within the school. We rejoice in a variety of methods and teaching styles reflecting the diverse personalities and interests of the tutors but at each level we hope students will learn to argue rationally and think critically. Three tutors teach in A block, the Chaplain can be found in the newly refurbished Chaplaincy nearer to the tennis courts. Tutors contribute to Religious Studies and Philosophy across the age range covering AS and A2 Religious Studies, Philosophy and Critical Thinking as well as Religious Studies GCSE. Our team’s natural enthusiasm and enjoyment of the subject is infectious and laughter can often be heard. However, be prepared, Philosophy is different from many other Arts subjects in that to study it you need to do it.
All pupils are welcome to join all courses on offer. Many students go on to university too; to study these relevant and important subjects, the disciplines having captured their hearts at A level. We value: integrity, individuality, pastoral care and creativity.