Curriculum

Millfield is totally committed to the Arts and offers all our students opportunities to explore their creative side. We have invested in some of the very latest facilities, housed in our purpose-built Fine Arts Centre. This means those who opt to take Art or Art & Design as an examination subject have access to outstanding resources seldom seen outside of university, including printmaking, sculpture, printing and photography studios.

14 members of staff within the department are experts in their own field with the flexibility to teach across all disciplines. This allows us to offer a range of vocational and Fine Art courses to suit all interests and levels of ability, where students can engage in everything from drawing and painting to photography and computer aided design.

Courses offered:

• GCSE Art and Design - Fine Art
• A level Art and Design - Fine Art
• A level Art and Design - Photography
• BTEC Level 3 Extended National Diploma in Art & Design

Enrichment and trips:

Our nationally recognised Atkinson Gallery holds major contemporary art exhibitions, which promote and stimulate debate and provides students with access to the artists to talk about their work. The Millfield Arts Project has commissioned a number of large-scale sculptures which form a sculpture trail on the school campus, providing an excellent learning experience for students. In support of students' A level studies, we arrange stimulating and thought-provoking visits to the major art galleries in the UK, Europe and America.

Read our Art flyer

Biology at Millfield is very ‘hands-on’. We believe in doing as much practical-based study as possible in our well-resourced and state of the art laboratories. Students are encouraged to conduct experiments to learn new concepts and ideas by observation. Our approach develops their ability to evaluate and relate to previously learned principles – a biologist’s foremost skill.

Courses offered

• GCSE Combined Science (Biology component)
• GCSE Biology
• AS level Biology
• A level Biology

All students study Biology to GCSE level.

The department has a wealth of resources to engage students in the wonder of the living world. We have 13 teaching laboratories aas well as stocked prep rooms, greenhouses, a library and archive of preserved organisms. Our 13 dedicated and inspiring teaching staff make excellent use of these resources and our beautiful campus to create an exciting, dynamic and illuminating learning environment.

Enrichment and Trips:

We run a variety of extra-curricular activities to foster a love of biology and the natural world, including clubs, trips and competitions. Upper Sixth students take part in a field work exercise on the Somerset Levels where they investigate the effect of using nitrate fertilisers on the biodiversity of fields as well as learning some fundamental ecology skills. In addition, we hold an annual Biology Symposium where Sixth Form students enjoy lectures and take part in workshops from a number of prominent researchers, professors and scientists to further expand and explore their interests in the field. We also run an annula Biology Photography Competition, inviting students at both Millfield and Millfield Prep, staff and the wider community to submit photographs on a chosen theme.

Not only does the Business Department look to provide outstanding teaching and learning, but we look to inspire students with phenomenal access to business enterprise and enrichment. We provide an innovative environment where our passionate students bring their business theory to life.

Our business students actively engage with fantastic educational trips, guest speakers, employer workshops, business mentoring and enterprising enrichment. We continue to strive to build upon these excellent foundations to create a dynamic platform for students to succeed in the business world. Business Studies complements many other courses and is attractive to employers as the skills learnt are useful in many different careers such as marketing, accountancy, sales and consultancy. It also enables budding entrepreneurs to put their ideas into action by learning how to set up their own business.

The department is made up of 14 teachers, from a mix of commercial backgrounds, providing a dynamic, interactive learning environment with varied teaching and learning strategies. They inject a huge amount of time and effort to provide numerous opportunities for our students.

Courses offered:

• GCSE Business
• A level Business 
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Business
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, in partnership with Peter Jones Enterprise Academy
• BTEC Level 2 Technical in Enterprise, in partnership with Peter Jones Enterprise Academy

Students studying Business will have access to lots of extra-curricular activities including:

• Tycoons in School National Competition
• BASE Competition
• Tenner Challenge
• Student Investor Challenge
• Coca-Cola Real Business Challenge
• Business Enterprise Days 
• Numerous enterprise Flash Challenges throughout the year
• Launching and running their own businesses
• Business Enterprise Christmas market stalls

We run a number of Business trips throughout the year, including visits to local businesses, Business in Action in London and an international trip to Japan and San Francisco.

The department brings business to life through external speakers and workshops at the school.

 Business Twitter

At Millfield we’re passionate about Chemistry. We have a team of nine teachers who encourage an interest in students by adopting a very ‘hands-on’ approach to learning.

We have modern, purpose-built facilities including laboratories with 'wet and dry' areas to enable practical work to run alongside the teaching of theory. In addition we have a 120-seat lecture theatre with a three-dimensional projector, used for talks and presentations from external speakers.

Chemistry students develop mathematical, problem-solving, analysis and evaluation skills alongside the chemical content valuable to our everyday lives. Chemistry is a well-respected qualification that is essential for Higher Education professions including Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Chemical Engineering, Medical and Biological Sciences. It is also sought after in in other subjects such as Business Management, Law and Finance.

Courses offered:

• GCSE Chemistry
• GCSE Combined Science (Chemistry component)
• A level Chemistry

Enrichment and Trips:

Sixth Form students can develop their problem solving skills be taking part in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge and the Chemistry Olympiad. Students are also invited to the Chemistry Symposium in collaboration with other local schools to share their interest in a particular chemistry topic. In addition to this, chemists of any age can take part in the global experiment; a way of collaborating with many other chemists from around to world to collect data and analyse it in a way that real scientists do.

 Chemistry Twitter

Computing is constantly evolving. Today’s technology and theories can be quickly superseded or even become obsolete within a few years. At Millfield we ensure our teaching is always contemporary by combining a talented teaching team with ongoing investment in technology.

The Computer Science and ICT Department features four teachers from a wide range of backgrounds. From scientific programmers to project managers with major organisations, they combine theory with industry experience. This allows them to readily share the practical applications and benefits of their subject.

All students study ICT throughout Year 9 as part of the Digital Skills programme. Students can choose to study IGCSE Computer Science or BTEC IT in Year 10 and may also continue these subjects into the Sixth Form.

Courses offered:

• IGCSE Computer Science
• BTEC Level 1/2 Tech Award in Digital Information Technology
• A level Computer Science
• BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Information Technology

Drama is very popular at Millfield and is at the heart of our community. We have a vibrant number of students involved across all the year groups. All Year 9 students receive approximately eight hours of drama lessons on a rotational basis, which are taught during English lessons by our drama specialist staff. Students can choose to study Drama at GCSE level and Drama & Theatre Studies at A level.

The department has an excellent track record of getting Sixth Formers into top accredited UK and US Drama Schools such as the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and Central School of Speech & Drama. We coach students thoroughly for auditions and provide references.

Courses offered:

• GCSE Drama
• A level Drama

Enrichment and trips:

Trips are an essential and exciting part of studying drama. We seek out a variety of opportunities for students to witness some of the most powerful, engaging and imaginative theatre in the land. A level students will visit the theatre at least twice every term. GCSE students will visit the theatre at least once a term. In addition to this we also bring touring theatre companies into the school. The department arranges trips overseas including a visit to Broadway, New York and the Edinburgh Festival.

 Drama Twitter

Drama flyer 2022-23

Through the study of decision-making by consumers, businesses and governments, students gain a fantastic insight into the world around them. Economics is an internet-paced, dynamic subject. The world has changed irrevocably over the past ten years; during this time we have experienced the credit crunch, a global recession and the referendum decision to leave the EU. The study of Economics can help us understand these changes as well as helping us understand what the future might look like.

The enthusiasm the department’s staff have for their subject is infectious and our facilities are exceptional. With many tutors who have worked successfully in the world of commerce, economics at Millfield is both challenging and contemporary.

Courses offered:

• IGCSE level
• A level

Enrichment and trips:

We are regular participants in the Times/Bank of England Target 2.0 national schools’ competition. This competition challenges students to demonstrate their understanding of the UK economy and how monetary policy impacts upon it. Participants (in teams of four) analyse the UK and global economy, presenting their findings to a judging panel from the Bank of England. The department has a strong track record in this competition.

All students can take part in the Student Investor Challenge, which involves share trading with a virtual £100,000 portfolio. Outside the classroom students take part in the BASE competition, which is a fun interactive and worthwhile experience where students complete an online challenge which requires them to analyse, debate and arrive at a conclusion. Subsequent rounds involve presenting back to a panel of highly regarded accountants. Those students who have aspirations to study at top universities, are encouraged to submit entries to essay competitions including the ones run by The Royal Economic Society and The Marshall Society.

 Economics Twitter

We have a knowledgeable and passionate teaching team, whose work is dedicated to developing students’ confidence, competence and creativity. Discussion and collaboration are key features of English teaching at Millfield; we want our students to develop socially as well as academically, so that they are equipped for the world beyond school.

Courses offered:

• IGCSE English Language
• IGCSE English Literature
• International A level English Literature

Enrichment and trips:

We run a debating team and enrichment programme for Year 9 upwards. This has included trips and visits from exciting poets like Holly McNish, as well as participation by our young Millfield writers in the Wells Festival of Literature.

 English Twitter

The EAL Department supports international students in all year groups, providing help with their English for other subjects as well as preparing them for external qualifications such as the Cambridge B1 Preliminary for Schools, B2 First for Schools and iGCSE in English as a Second Language, as well as for university entrance requirements in the IELTS examination.

All students are assessed prior to arrival so that appropriate support can be provided from the outset. We try to cater for individual needs, learning styles and cultural backgrounds, and tuition is in small groups, occasionally even on a one-to-one basis.

Cambridge Suite ESOL Exams

In Year 9, and sometimes in Year 10, international students who attend EAL in place of English or a modern language will prepare for the B1 Preliminary for Schools test (CEFR B1) or the B2 First For Schools test (CEFR B2) which they can sit in June. These are general English courses which and provide opportunities for students to grow in confidence with their spoken English in everyday situations, as well as developing the grammatical accuracy and breadth of vocabulary needed for life in the UK.

Higher ability students in Lower Sixth will typically follow the challenging Advanced course (CEFR C1). If successful, they will gain an internationally recognised qualification accepted by thousands of employers around the world and all UK universities, a qualification that demonstrates that they have the English language skills needed to follow any undergraduate academic course, participate in academic tutorials and seminars, carry out complex research and communicate effectively both orally and in written assignments.

IGCSE English as a Second Language

The International GCSE in English as a Second Language is taught in Years 10 and 11 for those students who attend EAL classes in place of First Language English GCSE classes. This qualification is better suited to many overseas students than the standard GCSE in English; there is no coursework and no expectation of a literary background or knowledge of British culture. A grade ‘B’ (or a 6 on the numerical scale) suffices for entry into many courses at British universities - although further qualifications, such as a satisfactory IELTS score, may also be needed. The IGCSE exam, which students take at the end of Year 11, includes modules in listening, reading, writing and speaking through a short interview.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Students in Lower Sixth will typically follow the challenging IELTS course (CEFR C1). This is an internationally recognised qualification accepted by all British, Australian and most US universities, employers and colleges around the world. Some universities insist on the IELTS as opposed to other qualifications. Students who sit this qualification are awarded a level and this will demonstrate to universities and agencies that they have the English language skills needed to follow an undergraduate academic course, participate in academic tutorials and seminars, carry out complex research and communicate effectively both orally and in written assignments. This qualification will also be accepted for student visa purposes. Some students who have gained a GCSE in First Language English outside of the UK may still be advised to take this qualification in their first term of Lower Sixth to ensure they meet university entrance and student visa requirements. For more information click here.

Welcoming overseas students

We have a special interest in the pastoral care of all overseas students and we aim to help them to settle happily and smoothly into their new environment. The International Students' Association exists to promote the interests of international students and enriches the school by drawing upon the cultural diversity within the student population.

This BTEC course is available to Sixth Formers and encourages students who have a drive and passion for the subject to develop their research skills, personal business interest and initiative. Students will study enterprise and entrepreneurs, business decision making, marketing, finance, launching and running an enterprise along with strategies to continue its growth and survival.

This course requires ambitious students who will engage with the innovative environment the qualification provides. It is a hands-on business course that will equip you with the skills and attributes to follow your business dreams.

Course offered:

• BTEC Level 3 Diploma

 Business Twitter

All Year 9 students undertake a term and a half studying Food and Nutrition. Within the department we have four members of teaching staff who have designed the course to equip students with the nutritional knowledge necessary to make informed food choices wherever they are, by explaining the role of nutrients in the body and the effect they have on wellbeing and performance.

Courses offered:

• WJEC Level 2 Hospitality and Catering
• WJEC Level 3 Food Science and Nutrition
• Leith’s Introduction to Confident Cooking

The WJEC Level 2 Award in Hospitality and Catering has been designed to support students who want to learn about this sector and the potential it can offer them for their careers or further study. This structure has been designed to develop students with the knowledge and understanding related to a range of hospitality and catering providers. There is the opportunity to learn about diet, nutrition, menu planning and students will also have the opportunity to develop knowledge of food safety, food preparation and cooking skills within practical lessons. 

In Sixth Form, the Level 3 Food Science and Nutrition qualification allow students to gain a wealth of knowledge about the food and nutrition industry. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the relationship between the human body and food as well as practical skills for cooking and preparing food. An understanding of food science and nutrition is relevant to many industries and job roles. Care providers and nutritionists in hospitals use this knowledge, as do sports coaches and fitness instructors. Many employment opportunities within the field of food science and nutrition are available to graduates.

Sixth Form students can also participate in Leith’s Introduction to Confident Cooking, an internationally recognised course that will enable them to cook and create a range of dishes confidently and efficiently. The course runs over five terms and is constantly monitored by Leiths' own chefs from the Leiths School of Food and Wine in London. The course equips students with a valuable life skill and ensures that they are able to apply for a variety of jobs requiring cooking skills, e.g. Gap year positions in ski chalets, yachts, restaurants, etc. This course provides an excellent foundation for all food related careers. Students complete the CIEH Foundation Certificate in Food Hygiene as part of their course.

Food Studies flyer

Geography at Millfield nurtures a finer appreciation of our environment and world at large. All students study geography at Key Stage 3. Its diverse range of topics provides a foundation for students to continue with geography onto GCSE. Many continue to study it at A level.

The department has eleven highly experienced, motivated and enthusiastic teachers with a broad range of experience.

We regularly extend student learning beyond the classroom with talks by academics and well-known geographers, field trips and overseas trips.

Courses offered:

• AQA GCSE Geography / CIE IGCSE Geography
• CIE A level Geography

 Geography Twitter

At Millfield, history is vibrant and energetic. The department comprises of ten highly experienced teachers who possess an infectious enthusiasm for history. Many of them have examining experience and some have had their work published in academic journals.

Courses offered:

• A level History
• IGCSE History

Enrichment and trips:

Alongside classroom study, students regularly get closer to history through a range of extra-curricular activities. Among the highlights is the annual Sixth Form Millfield History Conference, which attracts a number of leading historians to speak to our students on a range of topics, and we are delighted to welcome a number of local visitors to join us for the event each year.

Without a doubt one of the best ways of appreciating our history is to visit locations of specific interest, and trips to the battlefields of Northern France have been a particular highlight.

 History Twitter

We offer five language courses at both GCSE and A level. 

Year 9 students entering the school in A and B band can choose Latin as one of their language options. Native speakers are not able to select their own language as part of the curriculum choice, but are able to sit exams in their native language off the curriculum. This is typically in Year 10 for GCSE and Sixth Form for A level.

The majority of students study at least one language at GCSE and are encouraged to take more, if interested. Many then choose to study one or more languages at A level. Students can choose from:

• Chinese
• French
• German
• Latin (GCSE only)
• Spanish

In today’s globalised world, where the UK’s standing is evolving, English is not enough; being multilingual and culturally aware are increasingly important for communication, understanding and success in an interdependent global society. We believe that learning languages should be an essential part of every student’s education because it:

• Fosters cross-cultural understanding and helps us to understand our place in the world
• Gives us an insight into our own culture and language
• Improves our communication skills and improves our ability to connect with others
• Improves our self-confidence, resilience, and ability to deal with the unfamiliar
• Opens up rewarding social, economic and professional opportunities

Our team of 18 linguists and four native language assistants inspire, encourage and challenge our students to develop their skills. To further this we ensure class sizes are small. The highest levels of support are offered to students, including workshops and opportunities to take part in events to use their language.

Events and Enrichment
Millfield runs well-supported trips to France, Germany, China and Spain. A level students enjoy study days, exhibitions, cinemas and theatre trips. We run regular languages breakfasts and food days, amongst other exciting events.

 Languages Twitter

Millfield has one of the largest Mathematics departments of any independent school, with an experienced team of 24 teaching staff. With size comes diversity, both in terms of the courses we offer and the students we teach. We support students of all abilities, from those who find the subject challenging, to students who show exceptional mathematical talent.

All students at Millfield are entered for the Mathematics IGCSE; the qualification is designed to provide a grasp of key mathematical concepts and processing skills. The examination has tiered foundation and higher entry levels to cater for students of all abilities. At the higher level the IGCSE examination is excellent preparation for those studying mathematics in the Sixth Form.

Courses offered:

• IGCSE Mathematics
• Additional Mathematics
• A level Mathematics
• A level Mathematics with A level Further Maths

Enrichment and trips
Mathematical enrichment is fundamental to our approach at Millfield and we provide a wide range of extra-curricular activities that are designed to encourage participation and promote challenge.

Below are just some of the examples of activities that take place throughout the year:

• Intermediate and Senior Maths Challenges
• UKMT Team Maths Challenges
• House Maths
• Millfield Team Maths Competition
• 'Pi Shop' (mathematics presentations given by students)
• Presentations and Lectures from external speakers

The media plays a huge role in our lives; it shapes opinion, entertains and informs us. Our teachers offer students a wealth of experience and expertise. Our exceptional department hosts a fully-equipped studio featuring several industry-standard Final Cut Pro editing suites, a green screen and portable digital cameras. A professional technician with industry experience is always on hand to help students, encouraging them to immerse in this compelling subject.

Courses offered:

• A level

 Media Studies Instagram 

The Music Department typifies our unswerving commitment to the arts. Housed in a stunning purpose-built department, the Music School at Millfield is one of the largest in the UK with facilities which would be on par with many university departments. This, combined with a comprehensive and outstanding teaching staff, provides exceptional provision for our young musicians both in the classroom and in practical music making.

Our facilities include:

• A 350-seat concert venue, including a Steinway D Concert Grand
• Rehearsal rooms
• Five teaching suites, each fully equipped with Apple Mac computers
• Recording studios
• 25 teaching/practice rooms
• Specialist percussion room

We are exceptionally proud of our students’ achievements in this wonderful arena. Many have secured places at major conservatories and with national orchestras, choirs and music theatre companies, and a number go on to read music at university.

Recent leavers have continued with their music studies at:

• Curtis Institute
• University of Oxford
• Royal College of Music
• Royal Academy of Music
• Royal Northern College of Music
• Trinity Laban Conservatoire
• Leeds College of Music
• BIMM Institute

Courses offered:

• IGCSE Music 
• BTEC Firsts Music 
• A level Music 
• BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Music

 Music Twitter Discover more on the Millfield Music School website

At Millfield we believe that philosophy is not something that should be simply studied; we encourage our students to debate and experience it. After all, philosophy is about asking ‘why?’ and not simply accepting everything we hear and see. The course is rigorous and stimulating, covering theory of knowledge, the human mind, ethics and an analysis of the concept of God. A level philosophy offer a stimulating blend of debate, enquiry, tutorial and analysis, which prepares students well for further education.

Courses offered:
• A level

Academic enrichment and trips:
Philosophical scholars and speakers visit Millfield to offer presentations and lead rigorous debates. In addition, several prestigious philosophy essay competitions run throughout the year which students are encouraged to enter.

Physical Education has never been more relevant in our ever evolving world of fitness, sporting business and sports science. Our 13 talented staff and excellent facilities provide students with an energizing and stimulating environment in which to maximise their fitness and knowledge of the subject.

For students who dream of careers in sports, leisure and fitness, BTEC sport is for you. It is equivalent to two A levels and is offered in the Sixth Form.

Courses offered:

• IGCSE Physical Education
• A level Physical Education
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport

 Millfield Sport Twitter
 

With eight full-time teaching staff, two full-time technicians and a purpose built building, physics is truly embraced at Millfield. Our approach maximises student enjoyment of the subject whilst simultaneously advancing knowledge.

We have utilised the latest technology and use Pasco PASPORT AirLinks with sensors to download experimental data direct to iPads and we have a wide variety of modern equipment in our prep room.

Courses offered:

• GCSE Physics
• A level Physics

 Physics Twitter

Walk into any of our classes on this course and you’ll hear plenty of debate. At Millfield we bring our students face-to-face with this ever-changing subject. We use the latest teaching tools and technologies to help students analyse subject matter and form their opinions and arguments.

Often taken in association with history, A level politics is very much a subject in its own right and recognised by universities.

Courses offered:

• A level Politics

 Politics Twitter

Millfield’s Product Design Department is a state of the art facility, combining traditional techniques with modern manufacturing processes, which allows students to create unique and imaginative designs.

Millfield has developed the department to ensure that it meets the needs of the future designer; with the latest in 3D printing, large scale CNC routers, industry standard Computer Aided Design software, metal work (including fabrication heat treatment) and wood work areas, the students have access to a wide range of manufacture techniques. This, combined with purpose built design studios, gives students the chance to fully immerse themselves in the design experience.

The design foyer is a wonderful exhibition space, which allows students to present their final outcomes and inspire future generations to build on their successes.

Courses offered:

• GCSE Product Design
• A level Product Design
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design

Product Design Flyer

Product Design Twitter

Psychology looks at the relationship between mind and behaviour using experiments to answer questions that have traditionally been in the domain of philosophy. It challenges personal biases, helping students explore their passage into adulthood.

Our approach makes the principles of scientific methodology relevant to students themselves. We firmly believe in a ‘hands-on’ approach – recreating key experiments whenever possible. Students study both theories and applications of psychology; learning about the history of psychology from early experimental psychology up to current social, cognitive and neuroscientific approaches. In their second year of A levels, students will also evaluate therapeutic approaches such as Freudian psychoanalysis and client-centred counselling.

Courses offered:
• A level Psychology

 Psychology Instagram 

Religious Studies hones analytical and debating skills and gives students the opportunity to explore opposing views in a respectful and non-confessional environment. Our Religious Studies teachers are energetic and enterprising. Lessons allow students to investigate diverse areas such as comparative religion, contemporary issues, philosophy and ethics.

Courses offered:
• GCSE Religious Studies

Academic enrichment and trips:
Speakers on Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Ethics and Philosophy of Religion visit Millfield to offer presentations and insight, and to facilitate debate with groups of students. Several prestigious essay competitions run throughout the year which students have the opportunity to enter. Additionally, we offer visits to relevant places of worship for those who opt to take GCSE.