Curriculum

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."
- Pablo Picasso

We believe every child is an artist and our aim is to build confidence through creative play and visual self-expression, so as to allow their potential to flourish.

Drawing underpins everything we do and is the skeleton onto which we build any body of work. An expansive range of skills and techniques are taught, which are used to develop imagination and independent creative thinking.

We are very fortunate to have fantastic facilities and to be surrounded by such inspiring natural beauty. Pupils experience and are taught the full range of both 2D and 3D processes. We have a well-equipped pottery studio and a purpose-built carving area, where pupils are taught to carve in stone.

The department is a hive of activity throughout the week, as well as weekends, with a full range of clubs and activities for all ages. Art trips are organised across the age ranges, that offer excellent learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Every pupil has the opportunity of exhibiting their work around the school and each week one piece of art is highlighted and becomes the ‘Picture of the Week’.

Creative Arts at Millfield Prep

Find out more about Art Scholarships

Whatever pupils go on to do in the future, IT skills will most probably be essential, as everyone is now expected to have sound digital skills.

Pupils are taught the following skills during their time at Millfield Prep:

·         Word Processing

·         Spreadsheets

·         Databases

·         Desktop Publishing

·         Graphical Representation of Data

·         Online Communications

·         Presentations Graphics

·         Monitoring & Control

·         Video Editing

·         Digital Imagery

·         Graphic Design

·         Programming/Game Creation

In Years 3 and 4, pupils begin to learn the basics, including sending emails, using different fonts, search engines, creating and using databases, cutting and pasting text, creating pie charts and graphs, interpreting and analysing information in graphs and simple programming & coding using Scratch, the Dash & Dot robots and Lego Spike Essential. In Year 5, they begin to use spreadsheets and sensors, collect and interpret data, use an iPad to take pictures and edit the images using Adobe Express. On top of this, they create interactive presentations/storybooks using Purple Mash and develop their programming and coding skills further through game creation in Scratch, and by using Lego Spike Essential and Sphero robots. In Year 6, pupils look at creating various graphs in some detail, as well as becoming familiar with Microsoft Office 365 and its inbuilt tools to support their learning across the curriculum. They go on to design a poster, learn more skills with a digital camera, create a slideshow and are introduced to simple video editing.

In Year 7, pupils look at digital imagery using Adobe Express and Canva, further develop their knowledge of spreadsheets, create a presentation, learn how to perform further programming functions using a BBC Microbit and Lego Spike Prime, and become more familiar with Microsoft Office 365. In Year 8, pupils develop many of the skills learnt over the previous years, including Canva, Excel and Word, as well as being introduced to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and further developing their programming skills via a Raspberry Pi and the Python programming language.

Incredible facilities at your fingertips

We have three purpose-built computer labs, each containing networked PCs running Windows 11. Each lab also has a colour laser printer, an interactive panel and a second large digital display screen.

Mobile Learning

As part of our Mobile Learning Project, our Junior Department has a supply of iPads, that are used in both ICT and subject teaching. For pupils in Years 6, 7 and 8, it is compulsory for them to purchase an iPad through our educational partner. This device is fully managed by the school to allow greater online safety/security and reduce online distractions during teaching and learning time.

Digital Learning

Design & Technology at Millfield Prep is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. 

Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. In doing so, they acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they also develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world.

Design & Technology is taught to Years 3 and 4 on a weekly basis throughout the academic year in the technology workshops. From Year 5 upwards, pupils learn Design & Technology for two terms and Food Technology for one term each year, working on a rotation carousel. After school clubs are available for all ages, as we look to provide opportunities for all those interested. This subject is growing at Millfield Prep, with Year 9 Design and Innovation Scholarships available at Millfield Senior and success being gained by the Year 6 Kit Car Club at the external Goblin Kit Car regional competition.

Coming up this year:

• Dragster car design and racing using CAD/CAM technology
• Graphic design projects
• 3D CAD drawing experience
• Electronic Kit Car Club
• Year 8 Scholarship Group

"Drama is life with the dull bits cut out."
- Alfred Hitchcock

Drama is available to every pupil at Millfield Prep and is part of the curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to find ways to express themselves, develop greater confidence, work in a team and share the ‘limelight’, fostering a love of film and stage that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.

All pupils have the opportunity to perform to an audience, be it their peers or the whole school. Each year group has a production, and if a child auditions and is willing to devote time and energy, then they will not be turned away. Auditions are used solely to assign roles. Recent productions have had casts of over 60 children, all with speaking roles.

Productions including:

• High School Musical
• Beauty and The Beast
• Dick Whittington
• The Lion King
• High School Musical

For those who enjoy the technical side of theatre, there are also opportunities to play a part. One of our ex-pupils who managed lighting and effects in several shows is now Production Manager for The Lion King.

In tandem with studying Drama, we incorporate Media Studies and introduce topics such as Audience, Genre, Narrative, Marketing and Symbolism. We have recently introduced a portable TV studio, where pupils can learn to produce, edit and manage sound and lighting for film productions. They can also create music videos and DVDs.

Pupils can also choose to take LAMDA exams and participate in Speech & Drama as a co-curricular club.

Millfield Prep's Drama lessons lead to many pupils becoming involved. Parents have been amazed at the positive effect of school drama on their children

The Good Schools Guide

Creative Arts at Millfield Prep

‘A word after a word after a word is power’ – Margaret Atwood

Our goal is to open up the world to children through understanding the power of words and the importance of how communication enriches their lives. Having something to say and knowing how best to articulate those ideas is what we want for our pupils. We believe that learning new ideas through reading and relaxing with a book are essential life skills, especially in a fast-paced digital world where children need the space to slow down, imagine, and build critical thinking skills as well as strengthen their comprehension, empathy, and resilience. Being confident to speak and present ideas, and developing the skills to listen, understand and communicate are increasingly important. We work very closely with our PCC department to ensure that all children are able to access the English curriculum at their level of understanding. Our aim is that children leave us with a love of reading, writing and a confidence in communicating.

The Curriculum

To foster their love of literature and develop the skills they will require in the Senior School, we teach an engaging mix of English topics: thematic poetry from a range of voices and time periods; a creative introduction to fundamental literary genres; an interactive study of Shakespeare; exploration of the power of language; and crafting interesting and original narratives. The emphasis within these final years at the Prep is very much to instil a passion and genuine love for English which we hope will remain within them throughout their lives.

Reading

We have a welcoming, comfortable library for pupils in Years 1–8 to read, research, and enjoy books. It offers a range of seating areas so children can settle with a book or work quietly, and it is open throughout the school day, including breaks, lunch and after school. The library is run by an experienced librarian who supports pupils in choosing books, building reading confidence, and developing their information-finding skills during their fortnightly library visits. Our collection is updated regularly with new titles, and pupils are encouraged to request books they would like added. We also hold a wide range of dyslexia-friendly books and accessible formats to ensure every pupil can find something that suits them. In reading lessons, children have the time to read independently and to check in with their teacher to discuss the books they are reading.

Whole School Events

Every year, pupils take part in national celebrations of literature. World Book Day and National Poetry Day are just a few of the events that pupils engage in, which can involve dressing up, hearing visiting writers speak, taking part in creative workshops, and joining in themed activities and competitions to help ignite and fuel their passion for English and reading. Our library also serves as the base for workshops during our author and poet visits, giving pupils the chance to learn directly from writers.

We also offer pupils the opportunity to take part in the Carnegie Medal shadowing panel each year, which involves pupils reading and reviewing the books shortlisted for this much coveted prize for Young Adult fiction.

Integration from the start

Some pupils who don’t have English as their mother tongue may find it difficult to fully access certain elements of the curriculum when they start at Millfield Prep. We neither throw them in at the deep end, nor do we segregate them from their native English-speaking friends. All of our pupils are integrated into the life of Millfield Prep from the very start of their time here. Boarding pupils live in a boarding house along with people from England and all around the world, and represent the school in sports teams alongside their British classmates. They form strong international friendships very quickly.

Catering for the individual

EAL classes are taught in small groups by qualified and experienced English Language teachers, who have a wealth of experience. Each pupil's individual language needs are quickly identified and met. Some pupils will need more EAL lessons every week than others, but regardless of whether the pupil is having six or 16 EAL classes per week, they will still have over half of their lessons with their study group, the vast majority of whom have English as their mother tongue.

Through discussions, grammar practice, vocabulary expansion sessions and other fun classroom activities, pupils are encouraged to find out how to express their opinions and ideas in English. The activities used in class will not only enable them to listen, speak, read and write comfortably in an English environment, but will also prepare them for entering their curriculum subjects, when their language level is of a suitable standard. Our aim is for children to develop self-confidence in a new environment and to ensure that all of our pupils’ English levels get to a stage from which they are able to go into their curriculum subjects with their classmates. Once in mainstream subjects, our overseas pupils can improve their English alongside their knowledge of the content of the subject, be it volcanoes in Geography, the 100-year war in History or circuits in Science.

Extra-curricular activities

Outside the classroom, all pupils can enjoy the wide range of activities and clubs including horse-riding, fencing, sailing, orchestra, archery and chess (to name but a few!).

Throughout the year, we celebrate festivals from the UK and the rest of the world, including Chinese New Year and Christmas. As a group we take five educational trips to places where the pupils can learn more about life in Britain, and use their English in real-life situations.

In addition to the busy social life at Millfield Prep, the EAL department also hosts an International Evening each year, when pupils are encouraged to bring food from their country for their friends to taste, while they enjoy the evening’s entertainment and music.
 

繁體字

简体字

Bahasa Indonesia

ภาษาไทย

International Boarding

Developing key life skills

Pupils have dedicated Food and Nutrition lessons starting in Year 5, along with taster sessions and one-off lessons as part of the International Primary Curriculum in Years 3 and 4. This allows us to lay an early foundation of basic practical skills and ensure that pupils have a love of cooking and an interest in nutrition from an early age.

Learning about cooking and nutrition

Pupils are taught the principles of nutrition and healthy eating through a very practical course. All the ingredients are provided and the ethos of 'learning by doing' is very much to the fore. Pupils leave us at the end of Year 8 with a good grounding in a range of cooking techniques that they can use to prepare meals for themselves from scratch. Pupils are taught the importance of understanding seasonality, buying local produce where possible and why the provenance of food are all key factors in today’s world.

Building design and marketing skills

During the course, pupils will undertake a design and make task – this is an open-ended brief that allows pupils to demonstrate their creative skills and how well they are able to translate their knowledge of the flavours, textures, properties and look of ingredients, in order to make a delicious new product. During the task, they will learn about how food is marketed and have some appreciation of the business aspects of making and selling a food product.

Geography is not only up-to-date and relevant, but also one of the most exciting, adventurous and valuable subjects to study today. So many of the world’s current problem’s boil down to geography and need the geographers of the future to help us understand them. (Michael Palin, CBE).

Geography equips young people with the knowledge and understanding to be informed citizens in the 21st century, providing them with the skills to pursue a range of careers.

Geography:

• Stimulates an interest in places, people and the environment.
• Helps young people make sense of a complex and dynamically changing world and how society, the economy and environment combine to bring about change.
• Explains where places are, how places and landscapes are formed, how people and their environment interact.
• Explores how a diverse range of economies, societies and environments are interconnected.
• Examines natural resources and their sustainable use.

(The Royal Geographical Society, 2025).

In the Pre-Prep and Junior Department, geography is delivered in a topic-based approach, alongside other subjects, through the International Primary Curriculum. Units of work are selected each year. Single-subject lessons are taught in Years 7 and 8. Topics include: What is Geography? Living with Volcanoes and Earthquakes, Kenya, Settlements, Coasts, Tourism, Environmental Issues and Transport and Industry. Atlas skills, Ordnance Survey map reading and Locational Knowledge are taught and reinforced throughout the year.

Work in the classroom is supported by field trips, enabling pupils to witness and experience, first-hand, the significance of geography in the real world. Examples of field trips include the Jurassic Coast visiting Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, a walk across the Mendips, local Somerset industries, Shapwick Heath Nature Reserve, Carymoor Environmental Trust, Weymouth beach, local farm visits and Weston-Super-Mare.

"History is everything that has ever happened.”
- Dan Snow

We believe that the discipline of History is so important to understand who we are and where we are going. In our Prep School history curriculum, we want our pupils to:

• Connect with the past and help pupils make sense of the world around them.
• Be curious, and to leave at the end of Year 8 with a passion for the subject.
• Teach both depth and breadth over time and location providing our pupils with a clear chronology.
• Creatively use curious, unusual, and rich sources.
• Be accessible and enjoyable for all.
• Show history is dynamic and alive by going beyond the textbook to work with the latest scholarship and historians in our field.
• Leave our pupils with more questions about the past, some answers about the present and being prepared for the future.

Topics studied include -The Anglo Saxon World, 1066 and the Norman Conquest, Eleanor of Aquitaine, the Black Death and Peasants' Revolt, the Hundred Years' War, Henry VIII and the Reformation, the Inkas and other worldwide historical events.

Pupils in the Junior Department are taught History through enquiry based learning, whilst pupils in Years 7 and 8 receive specialist teaching. History up until the end of Year 6 is combined with Geography and RS, and taught as Humanities, as part of the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Pupils are encouraged to acquire an in-depth knowledge and skills as well as develop their thinking, analytical and literacy skills through discussion, independent research and project work, extended writing and source analysis.

Their work in the classroom is supported by a varied programme of visits and speakers. Pupils in Year 6 visit the Roman Villa, at the Newt, while Year 7 pupils visit Chepstow Castle.

History helps us better answer the question ‘how did we get here,’ and we want our pupils to be young historians, challengers, and to ask brilliant questions.

Pupils begin to learn Latin in Year 5. At this stage they use the Minimus Course book, which provides a lively introduction to the Latin language and the culture of Roman Britain. They begin to read simple Latin and use games and challenges to consolidate their manipulation of the language, and link this with familiar English, French and Spanish vocabulary.

Broadening experience

All pupils study Latin in Year 6, apart from some pupils who may access the Personal Curriculum Centre at this time. They will study the Cambridge Latin course, where the vividly portrayed lives of Romans living in Pompeii in AD 79 at the time of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius bring the language to life. A carefully structured programme of study allows pupils to learn the key skills of translating passages of Latin text and answering comprehension questions on them. Pupils also explore the topics of Roman daily life, the Roman villa and the Roman forum, as well as using interactive games and multi-media to reinforce their learning. We are lucky to be able to visit the replica Roman villa at the Newt in the summer term, which brings to life the topics that have been studied during the year.

Developing technique

Pupils can also begin to learn Latin in Year 7, following an accelerated programme of study for the first term in order to catch up with those who have already completed a year of the language. Those who are in their second year of learning the subject, as well as newcomers, follow an adapted course from the ISEB syllabus.

Gaining cultural and historical knowledge

Pupils study various aspects of classical civilisation that include vivid insights into the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, from the legendary heroes of their myths to the everyday lives of ordinary people. Through exploring these famous myths, Roman domestic life and entertainment, they gain a deeper understanding of how these societies worked and how they continue to influence us today, nurturing curiosity, critical thinking and lasting appreciation of the ancient past.

'Mathematics is a beautiful, open, creative, and multi-dimensional subject. But school mathematics is often uninspiring, procedural and one-dimensional – it is all about memorizing methods and procedures. The narrowness of the mathematics taught in schools is one of the reasons so many students disengage from mathematics. One-dimensional mathematics is not the mathematics of the world and it is not the mathematics of our 21st century workplace.'
- Jo Boaler

Maths at Millfield Prep aims to establish confidence and engagement with the subject at every ability level and gives access to multi-dimensional mathematics. Precise thinking is produced by using creativity, openness, visualisation and flexibility to bring the subject alive for pupils. Inspiring teachers, small class sizes, one-to-one support, small group work and many competition opportunities help to achieve this.

We believe that everyone can do well in Maths and we apply a growth mindset approach to promote learning and improvement for all in this fascinating subject.

“The limits of my language are the limits of my world.”
- Ludwig Wittgenstein

Evidence suggests that learning new languages can improve listening and writing skills, boost creativity and sharpen the mind. It can broaden horizons and open doors to all sorts of opportunities. Our Language Department aims to:

• Inspire all pupils to be curious and to develop a love of learning another language.
• Give each pupil the chance to learn at least one foreign language.
• Trial different languages from an early age, instilling confidence in pupils to have a go and not to be intimidated by learning a foreign language.
• Foster cross-cultural understanding.

Our language options are:

Juniors (Years 3 to 5)

The ‘Introduction to Languages’ programme allows all pupils to have a ‘taster year’ of each of the three languages offered to introduce them to the basics of French in Year 3, Spanish in Year 4 and Latin in Year 5.

Year 6

Latin and either French or Spanish are offered to all pupils in Year 6.

Years 7 & 8

A choice of two out of Latin, French and Spanish for double band pupils, with French or Spanish offered to single band pupils.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Mandarin, French and Spanish are available to all years by private arrangement.

We offer Spanish and French for Life clubs in Year 7. In Year 8 we presently offer extension clubs in French, Spanish and Latin, whilst also providing a Spanish for Life club in Year 8.

An essential element in the education of the whole child

At Millfield Prep, the Music Department inspires pupils to enjoy their music making at all levels, whether that be within the classroom or leading the school orchestra. We offer excellent facilities, tuition on a wide range of instruments, a lively and positive atmosphere and endless opportunities for performance.

Music is regarded as an essential element in the education of the whole child and plays a very important part within the life of the school. All pupils from Year 3 to Year 8 have Music timetabled on a weekly basis and every pupil is encouraged to either learn an instrument or sing in a choir.

Gifted and talented pupils are taught in a parallel programme to further their development as advanced musicians. The Edgarley Ensemble is a ‘scholarship’ chamber music and general musicianship group for selected Year 8 pupils to meet and enjoy learning beautiful advanced level chamber repertoire for performance. This offers exceptional opportunities as an extension to the existing programme.

Throughout pupils’ time here, the key focus is on the understanding of music, which is supported by development of aural skills, using instruments and voice. Pupils are introduced to the concepts of pitch, rhythm, dynamics, tempo, duration, timbre, texture and beat. They also learn good singing technique, developing composition and performance skills. Music from different periods of history and different cultures are also explored.

Outstanding facilities and opportunities

There is a purpose-built Music Department where all class Music lessons and individual tuition takes place. The department has 22 teaching/practice rooms across two floors, which are used for individual music lessons and small group rehearsals. There are also two large classrooms, which are used for group teaching, and are well-equipped with instruments, including a large number of tuned and untuned percussion, keyboards and music software. The department has a large Recital Hall within the block, which seats around 200 people, and this is used regularly for smaller concerts and recitals. The Music Department stage their larger ensemble concerts and productions in the newly refurbished Assembly Hall/Theatre.

Individual music tuition is offered on the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp and guitar (classical and electric), flute, recorder, oboe, bassoon, clarinet and saxophone, trumpet, cornet, euphonium, French horn, tenor horn, trombone and tuba, drum kit, orchestral percussion, piano, organ and singing.

Twenty visiting music teachers work in the department alongside the Director of Music and Assistant Director of Music.

A huge number of extracurricular activities are available to pupils on a weekly basis, including junior and senior choirs, guitar group, keyboard club, ukulele club, orchestra, wind band, jazz and blues band, string group, junior and senior rock bands, harp, flute, brass and percussion ensemble, music theory groups, aural training sessions and boarders' practice sessions.

Weekly support is also offered to relevant pupils with aural training, music theory and music scholarship preparation. Pupils are currently entered for exams with The Associated Board of Music, Trinity/Guildhall School of Music, London College of Music Musical Theatre and Pop/Rock Exams.

Many Millfield Prep pupils go on to achieve Music Scholarship awards each year. In the last five years, pupils have gained 54 Music Scholarship Awards to independent senior schools and last year, eight of our pupils were awarded full music scholarships at senior level, with two being awarded exhibitions.

An exciting array of opportunities to perform

All pupils are given numerous opportunities to perform both within the school and at external venues throughout the year. There are several concerts each term and these vary enormously in style from classical recitals, through to Rock and Pop concerts. House music competitions, school assemblies and school productions provide further performance opportunities for pupils and these are put on regularly, either in the Recital Hall or in the Assembly Hall/Theatre. The department also hosts Tea and Music Concerts, which are more informal occasions in which pupils can perform. The larger formal concerts take place once a term and feature the numerous musical groups that rehearse on a weekly basis. Pupils also perform externally in festivals and competitions on a regular basis and the highlight of each Autumn Term is the school Carol Service which takes place at Wells Cathedral.

Find out more about Music Scholarships

The Religious Studies Department aims to create an understanding of religious concepts at an age-appropriate level, looking at the key areas of beliefs and values, worship and symbols, festivals and celebrations, world religion, origins and founders, sacred texts, mystery and meaning, and people of faith.

Some of the key aims of the subject are to:
•    Help pupils in their search for a meaning and purpose to life
•    Create an awareness and respect for the religious side of life
•    Discuss some of the basic moral issues in life
•    Encourage pupils to be tolerant and to respect others
•    Introduce pupils to other religions and cultures

A diverse and stimulating programme
Throughout the Junior Department, Religious Studies are taught within the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), with a focus on religion around the world, and with a topic-based approach.

In Year 7, pupils study Abrahamic faiths – Christianity, Islam and Judaism, look at places of worship, key festivals and, most importantly, at what unites the three major world religions. In Year 8 we study Philosophy and ask big questions, such as, ‘Is there a God?’ and ‘Why is there suffering in the world?’. We develop our debating skills and study important religious leaders.  

Pupils' views:

‘Religious Studies is important because we need to understand everyone, so that we can help in our world’

‘There is often no right or wrong, so we can think for ourselves’ 

‘It is about you and others, and it makes us think!’

"Science makes sense of the world"

The Science Department’s aims are to:

• Stimulate curiosity, interest in and enjoyment of science
• Help pupils to acquire a systematic body of scientific knowledge and to develop an understanding of science, recognising connections between different areas of science
• Enable pupils to use scientific ideas and models to explain phenomena and events, and to understand applications of science
• Develop an awareness of the impact of developments in technology on the environment and in other contexts
• Develop experimental and investigative abilities, paying due regard to safe practice
• Develop an ability to evaluate and communicate scientific evidence, and to understand the importance of experimental evidence in supporting scientific ideas
• Develop an awareness of science as a social and cultural activity, which has strengths and limitations
• Enable pupils to acquire a sound foundation of knowledge and understanding for future studies, and to facilitate the smooth transfer between schools

In the Pre-Prep and Junior Department, Science is taught by class teachers, whilst pupils in Years 7 and 8 are taught by subject specialists.

A diverse and wide range of fascinating subjects

Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics cover these key areas:

• Energy, electricity and forces
• Chemical and material behaviour
• Organisms, behaviour and health
• The environment, Earth and the universe

Outstanding facilities and opportunities in a beautiful environment

The Science Department is located in five large, purpose-built laboratories, surrounding a grassed courtyard. We have regular visits from our local ducks and the area includes a large, well-stocked preparation room and a greenhouse.

The department has four teachers and a laboratory technician to ensure that each pupil has the opportunity to experience the positive and dynamic approach that Science offers.